This post is sponsored by the Odysea Aquarium. All opinions are my own. 
#OdySeaAquarium #LaborDayLuau #OdySeaintheDesert #OIDSplashBash

Labor Day Luau

The Odysea in Desert Entertainment District in Scottsdale, Arizona is where we spend many weekends and evenings. Just last week we were there for a stargazing event and prior to that, our three year old daughter and I spent the evening at the Odysea Aquarium while her big sister had rock climbing team practice at her nearby gym. With temperatures still above or very close to 100°, we are very much appreciating indoor activities at the entertainment district like Butterfly Wonderland and Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs. This weekend the Odysea Aquarium is hosting a Labor Day Luau September 1st – 3rd with activities like a penguin limbo, Princess Moana meet and greet, kinetic sand make and take, beach party bingo and more. All activities are included with the price of the aquarium admission but we are giving away a family four pack of tickets so one of you can enjoy the Labor Day Luau at no expense. 

It’s a great weekend to visit the aquarium because in the courtyard there is also a Splash Bash 10-5 all weekend long with giant waterslides, endless foam parties, ice cream eating contests and more. Tickets are $5 for unlimited waterslide rides per day or $10 for the entire three day weekend.

We first visited the Odysea Aquarium during their opening weekend September 2016. Since our first visit we’ve had family annual passes and visit often. My daughters favorite exhibits at the aquarium are the octopus, otters and sharks but there is so much to see with many educational opportunities.  

We always stop for the green screen photo on our way in the aquarium and have brought home some silly souvenirs. 

Things to do at the Odysea Aquarium

The aquarium offers many different encounters and experiences making every visit unique. Here’s a short list of some of our favorite things to do at the Odysea Aquarium.

Up-close shark encounter bathroom

The journey begins in the aqua lobby where you can see globes full of marine life. Then make a quick stop in the bathrooms so you can experience the up-close shark encounter bathroom. Wash your hands with a view directly above the sinks of the shark pool with five different species ranging in size up to 10 feet. In 2017 it was given the “America’s Best Restrooms” title as the winner of the national contest.

Kids’ Cove

Explore with hands on activities and interactive exhibits while learning about water sources and marine animals.

Theater

Watch a 15 minute 3D film with up close encounters in the ocean with some of the world’s largest marine animals. Observe behaviors of whales, rays and more in their natural environments.

Stingray Shores touch exhibit

The new addition to the aquarium is home to multiple species of rays and sharks where guests can touch and interact with the animals. Observe feedings and learn from the onsite aquarists.

Penguin Point

The underwater porthole at Penguin Point gives guests the opportunity to observe penguins swimming in water at eye level. The charismatic African Black Footed Penguins are part of a project to reverse the declining seabird populations through rescue, rehabilitation and the release of ill, abandoned, and oiled seabirds.

Odysea Aquarium Ticket Giveaway

Enter to win a family four pack of tickets to the Odysea Aquarium for your preferred visit date. Winner will be announced Friday, August 31st noon Arizona time. Winner will be responsible for picking up tickets from aquarium will call desk.

The giveaway has ended. Congratulations to winner Rebecca Snyder.

What’s your favorite thing to see at the Odysea Aquarium?

The Odysea Aquarium is located at 9500 E Via De Ventura in Scottsdale, AZ at the Odysea in the Desert entertainment district.

Learn more about the Labor Day Luau and Splash Bash by connecting with the Odysea Aquarium on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.