Are you looking for a fun and educational afternoon with your kids? If so, we have the perfect option during your fun-filled vacation in Scottsdale, AZ! Although there are tons of things to do outside in the pristine weather, like hiking, kayaking, biking, walking, running, and bird watching, sometimes the weather is not always perfect. If you want a respite from a rainy day or a super-hot summer afternoon, we have a perfect indoor activity that will keep you entertained for hours on end. Check out OdySea Aquarium, Arizona’s largest aquarium and one of its top-rated attractions for locals and tourists alike!
Tours
If you want a little guidance during your trip to the aquarium, you can take a tour to fully immerse yourself in this world. We recommend doing the SeaTrek Underwater Helmet Diving tour. This tour has all guests wear a wetsuit, SeaTrek helmet, and walk underwater with a professional guide so people can touch the fish, sting rays, and pet a shark! The instructors are credited and well versed in this excursion, so you and your kids will feel comfortable the entire time. This is available for kids 8 years and up.
You can also book the Penguin Encounter tour! This encounter is for kids 8 years and up and brings families up close and personal with the rare and beautiful African penguin. You can learn about penguin behavior, mating rituals, eating habits, and their personalities for the dedicated animal care specialists at Penguin Point.
Another fun tour to check out during your excursion is the Sloth Encounter. Meet these slow and lovable creatures at the OdySea Aquarium, especially Squidney — a beloved, two-toed sloth that shows why this slow-moving creature can be cute and endearing!
Dining
During your afternoon at the aquarium, we bet you are going to get a little hungry. That is understandable — luckily for you, there are tons of dining and shopping options at the OdySea Aquarium that are great for people with varying taste buds.
Head to the Lighthouse Cafe to get glimpses of the boardwalk and eat some of the kid-friendly dishes or adult plates with local produce and nutritious food. Your kids will love the Peanut butter and jelly sandwich, French fries, or cheese pizza. Adults can munch on the barbecue pulled pork sandwich, caprese sandwich with sliced mozzarella, or the hamburger with fries.
Once you are done with a little refueling snack or lunch at the cafe, head to the OdySea Treasures Gift Shop to pick up a souvenir for your friends back home or get your kid a present to remember this memorable day!
Planning Your Visit
There are a few must-knows before you can plan your visit and make the most out of your day. The typical hours at the aquarium are 9 am to 7 pm Tuesday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm on Saturday, 9 am to 7 pm on Sunday, and 9 am to 6 pm on Monday.
The aquarium features two floors of exhibits, shops, and immersions. The first level features the OdySea Voyager, a rotating aquarium experience that movies guests with a unique viewpoint of marine life. Then, make your way through the shark waters and head to the Great Barrier Reef Tunnel. You can also check out the Deep Ocean Theater and the giant Pacific octopus!
Make your way to the second floor to check out the Sturgeon Cove, Trout Stream, and Paddlefish. Then, make your way through the second exhibit to view the two-toed sloth, view the tropical birds, and watch the otters play in the water. Continue on to see the SeaTrek helmet diving excursion and dive deep below the surface! Lastly, head to the stingray touch pool, Penguin Encounter exhibit, and view the African black-footed penguins.
FAQs About OdySea Aquarium
There are a few commonly asked questions guests have before visiting this fun-filled aquarium. One of the most common questions is the time frame of a visit. Typically, guests take a minimum of two hours to see both levels. Furthermore, it is good to know there is no security check before entering the aquarium. Guests must check the Guest Policies before entering the facility to understand the bag search rule before entering the facility. Lastly, guests must remember they cannot touch the animals, except for those who have excursions in the Tide Touch Pool, Stingray Bay touch area, Stingray Shores, and Sturgeon Cove!
Explore All of Scottsdale
Doesn’t this sound like the ideal afternoon inside to get out of the bright sunshine or a rainy evening? We think so too! Head to the OdySea Aquarium with your kids to have an educational and exciting day with your family in Scottdale, AZ. Then, head back to your comfortable accommodation from Scottsdale Rentals to rest for the next day of vacation.
