Disclosure: My family received complimentary tickets to SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium to help facilitate this post. All opinions, are as always, my own.
I do not think that we can visit a city that has an aquarium and not make a trip to it. S loves animals especially sea life – she’s been telling me recently that she wants to own an aquarium when she grows up! I have no doubt that she would be capable of this. On our recent trip to Wisconsin, we visited Minnesota and made sure to stop by the Mall of America to check out the newly remodeled SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium.
The newly remodeled aquarium was beautifully done with information available on each of the different animals. Here is my list of thing you must see at SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium! (in no particular order).
1. Touch the Sea Cucumbers, Anemones or Crabs
The Pacific Northwest Rockpool is a touch pool which is always one of S’s favorite parts of an aquarium. SEA LIFE’s rockpool is awesome! It’s large with lots of elbow room, beautifully arranged and the attendant was knowledgeable about the animals. S is still talking about our visit to the aquarium a couple weeks later saying that her favorite was getting to touch the different anemones.
2. Check out the Size of the Japanese Spider Crab
One of S’s favorite episodes of Octonauts was about the Japanese Spider Crab. She was so excited to get to see two at the SEA LIFE Aquarium. These crabs can reach up to 12 feet across, which means it could straddle a small car! The crab exhibit allowed us an up close view from all angles including underneath.
3. Observe the Jellyfish
There is something so relaxing about watching Jellyfish swim. I could happily watch them over and over and never get tired of them. S even said she really liked seeing the jellyfish all lit up with all the different colors.
4. Explore the 300 Feet of Ocean Tunnels
Sea turtles, sharks, sawfish, alligator gar and so much more can be found within the ocean tunnels which is divided into four tanks. Spending time watching the different species swim all around you is so amazing. I love visiting aqariums with tunnels because I feel like I am in the middle of the ocean.
5. Touch and Feed Stingrays
Being able to touch the stingrays is included in your admission, but if you would like to feed them you will need to purchase food. To touch the stingrays just place your hand in the water with palm side down. SEA LIFE Aquarium regularly trims the stingray’s barb however you must still reframe for touching their tail or underside. I am always surprised by how stingrays feel when I touch them.
6. Catch a Talk or Feed Show to Learn Even More About the Animals
Check out SEA LIFE Minnesota’s website to see when the different talks and feedings will be happening during your trip.
With 8 locations in the USA and many additional overseas, be sure and check to see if there is a SEA LIFE Aquarium near you. I would highly recommend a trip!
