Having a child that loves the ocean and learning about sea animals but living in the desert doesn’t quite make sense. My daughter would love to be at the beach and visiting aquariums everyday if she could. Although we make the six hour drive to California frequently and spend time learning at SeaWorld, it’s also great to have a local aquarium where we can spend time learning and exploring about sea life too. The Arizona Sea Life™ Aquarium is full of engaging learning opportunities.
My daughter’s first visit to the Arizona Sea Life Aquarium was at just a year old. The many different sea life exhibits held her attention and she had so much fun playing in the interactive areas.
Arizona Sea Life Aquarium, 2011
The aquarium has a wide variety of animal exhibits. You can see crabs, jellyfish, seahorses, sea stars, sharks, turtles, and many others. We always spot something new to see each visit.
The interactive rock pool offers an opportunity to touch sea stars and hold crabs while learning from an experienced guide.
The 360° ocean tunnel is full of large rays, sharks, turtles, and other sea life.
The Sea Life organization is committed to conservation by aiding in animal rescues, research, protection of turtles, and many other endeavors. They have also greatly contributed to the successful seahorse breeding program including rearing nine different species to date. By visiting the aquarium to learn about sea animals you are contributing to the success.
We have enjoyed visiting the Arizona aquarium over the past five years. It’s been fun watching my daughter grow and learn as she has developed quite a strong love for the oceans while learning about sea life.
Arizona Sea Life Aquarium bubble learning opportunity (from top: 2010, 2011, 2014)
We have also visited other Sea Life Aquariums with equally wonderful experiences. Another favorite is the LEGOLAND® California Resort Sea Life Aquarium!
The Arizona Sea Life Aquarium is located inside the Arizona Mills mall in Tempe, Arizona and is open every day of the week. You can purchase your tickets online to avoid a line when you arrive.
Today only, July 16th, you can purchase tickets for only $10 to use on a visit now through the end of August!
Which sea animal are you most excited to see at the Arizona Sea Life Aquarium?
Learn more about the Arizona Sea Life Aquarium by connecting with them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
If you would like to learn more about my daughter’s love for marine animals, see her contributions to the SeaWorld blog.