If you’re an ocean life and/or water creature lover, you’re in luck. Tempe and the Phoenix Metro Valley offers a close-up look into aquamarine life right here in the desert. There are three amazing aquariums to choose from to explore the wonders of the water. Perfect for families and entertaining kids for hours, these are great spots to check out for year-round fun, and especially in hot summer months for the great A/C!
OdySea Aquarium
9500 E. Via De Ventura, Ste. A-100, Scottsdale, AZ 85256
(480) 291-8000
Hours: M-W 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Th-Sat 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
With over 50 exhibits and 500 different species, there are more than 30,000 animals that call OdySea Aquarium home. This state-of-the-art facility offers a Living Sea Carousel, a ride which takes guests through the Open Ocean, Sea Turtle, Sea Lion/Seal and Shark exhibits. OdySea Aquarium tickets include access to all OdySea exhibits, galleries and the movie featuring Underwater Giants. You may exit and re-enter the aquarium throughout the day to enjoy the restaurants, shops and entertainment at OdySea in the Desert. OdySea Aquarium offers combo tickets with nearby attractions – Butterfly Wonderland and Mirror & Laser Maze.
Tickets:
Adult (18-61) $34.95
Senior (62+) $32.95 w/ID card
Student (13-17) $29.95 (or w/college ID)
Child (3-12) $24.95
Children under 2 are FREE
Wildlife World Zoo Aquarium & Safari Park
16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park, AZ 85340
(623) 935-9453
Zoo exhibits hours – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last zoo admission is at 4:30 p.m.)
Aquarium exhibit hours – 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Located on the west side of Phoenix in Litchfield Park, visit the Wildlife World Aquarium to get up close and personal with water life. Discover the wonders of the sea at Wildlife World Zoo’s four-building aquarium. They are filled with fish, amphibians, invertebrates and reptiles. When visiting this park in the cooler months, plan to check out both the aquarium and wildlife zoo for a full day of animal fun. Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium, & Safari Park is open seven days a week, 365 days a year, including all holidays.
Tickets:
Adult (13+): $39.99 +tax
Child (3 – 12): $19.99 +tax
2 & under: Free
SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium
5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Ste 145, Tempe, AZ 85282
(877) 526-3960
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Built for kids, SEA Life Arizona is designed at the perfect height for curious youngsters. There is an amazing 360-degree ocean tunnel that will memorize children and adults alike, child-size bubbles to get an up close look at fish life and there is even area where guests can touch certain sea creatures gently. And be sure to check out the newest addition to the aquarium, the Colorado Rover Adventure. Take a tour from the Rocky Mountains, down to the Sea of Cortez. This is a hands-on, interactive exhibit that will teach families about Arizona’s water and the importance of it’s conservation.
Tickets:
Adult (13+) $19 at the door or $11 online
Child (3-12) $14 at the door or $11 online
Under 3 FREE
