SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium
Dive into Michigan's largest aquarium, featuring an immersive underwater tunnel and interactive exhibits with thousands of marine creatures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into Michigan's largest aquarium, featuring an immersive underwater tunnel and interactive exhibits with thousands of marine creatures.
"Absolutely in awe of all the beautiful sea life and the calming lighting and music throughout the Aquarium. "
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save money and skip the line by purchasing your tickets in advance on their website.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring, so wear comfy shoes!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Underwater Tunnel
Main Exhibit
Walk through a mesmerizing tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays, and colorful fish. Pure magic!
Interactive Touchpool
Discovery Bay
Gently touch starfish, sea urchins, and other fascinating marine life. A hands-on experience!
Jellyfish Exhibit
Various Tanks
Be captivated by the ethereal beauty of moon jellyfish, a truly calming spectacle.
Ray Feeding
Stingray Bay
Witness the excitement of stingrays being fed – a thrilling sight for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Smoother Visit
Location & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save money and skip the line by purchasing your tickets in advance on their website.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring, so wear comfy shoes!
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera or phone to snap photos of the incredible marine life.
🧐 Look for Hidden Creatures
Many visitors enjoy the challenge of spotting eels and other camouflaged sea dwellers.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save money and skip the line by purchasing your tickets in advance on their website.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring, so wear comfy shoes!
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera or phone to snap photos of the incredible marine life.
🧐 Look for Hidden Creatures
Many visitors enjoy the challenge of spotting eels and other camouflaged sea dwellers.
👶 Stroller Friendly
The aquarium is well-equipped for families with young children and strollers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium for its immersive exhibits, particularly the underwater tunnel and interactive touchpools, making it a hit for families and marine life enthusiasts alike. The aquarium is noted for its cleanliness and the vibrant, well-cared-for animals, offering a calming and educational experience. While some find it smaller than expected for its 'largest in Michigan' claim, the engaging displays and hands-on opportunities make it a highly recommended outing. +2
"We visited for my niece's birthday and I think I was the one who had the most fun. I was absolutely in awe of all the beautiful sea life and the calming lighting and music throughout the Aquarium. The animals all seemed happy and vibrant, and many were interacting with us at each section, especially the sting rays .... The tanks were all clean and well maintained. I particularly loved the moon jellyfish, I could have watched them all day. If you need a place to lower your blood pressure, this is it."
Grace Rowan
"The aquarium was a lot of fun. There are so many different types of sea life to look at. Huge turtles to little fish. You also get to touch and learn about some of the smaller creatures. It is a lot bigger than it looks. Setup well for a great experience. The kids lived the huge stingrays."
Stacy Delong
"11.29.2025 Saturday afternoon about 1 hr before closing time. Only 1 other family in aquarium with us. Best time to go and see all the exhibits . Huge military veteran discount with ID."
Eric Richmond
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium is located at 4316 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills, MI, inside the Great Lakes Crossing Outlets mall. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available at the mall.
While direct public transportation to the mall can be limited, you can check local transit routes for options that may get you close to the Auburn Hills area.
Great Lakes Crossing Outlets offers extensive free parking surrounding the mall, making it convenient to reach the aquarium.
Yes, SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan are located within the same complex at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, often offering combined ticket options.
Absolutely! You can purchase tickets specifically for SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium without visiting LEGOLAND, or vice versa.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase tickets online through the official SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium website for the best prices and to guarantee entry, or at the ticket counter on the day of your visit.
Ticket prices can vary, but generally range from $20-$23 per person when booked in advance online. Day-of prices may be slightly higher. Check their website for current pricing.
It's worth checking the official website or searching online for 'coupons for Sea Life Aquarium Michigan' as discounts are sometimes available, especially for online bookings.
Hours vary by day and season, typically opening around 10 AM and closing between 5:30 PM and 7 PM. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date hours for your planned visit.
Refund policies can vary. It's advisable to review the terms and conditions when purchasing tickets online or contact the aquarium directly for specific inquiries about cancellations or changes.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Start with the underwater tunnel for an immersive experience, then explore the various exhibits, don't miss the touchpools, and keep an eye out for feeding times.
Yes, it's highly recommended for families! Interactive exhibits, play areas, and engaging displays make it a hit with children of all ages.
Most visitors spend 2-3 hours exploring the aquarium, but you could easily spend longer if you take advantage of all the interactive elements and exhibits.
Yes, the aquarium features play structures and activities designed to keep younger visitors entertained and engaged throughout the visit.
The underwater tunnel, the touchpools, the jellyfish, and the stingray feeding are consistently highlighted as visitor favorites. +2
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are no full-service restaurants inside the aquarium itself, you can find a wide variety of dining options within the Great Lakes Crossing Outlets mall.
Generally, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the aquarium. However, you can find concessions within the mall.
The mall offers a diverse range of eateries, from fast-casual restaurants and food court options to sit-down dining experiences.
Yes, most of the dining options within the mall cater to families and offer kid-friendly menus.
Yes, the mall has numerous restaurants and a food court conveniently located near the aquarium entrance.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, personal photography is generally allowed, but flash photography is usually prohibited to avoid disturbing the marine life.
The underwater tunnel offers incredible photo opportunities, as do the vibrant coral reefs and the mesmerizing jellyfish exhibits.
Absolutely! Your phone camera is perfect for capturing the colorful fish and unique underwater scenes.
Avoid using flash, especially in darker exhibits, and be mindful of other visitors. Professional photography may require special permission.
Expect to capture vibrant shots of diverse marine life, from large sharks and turtles to tiny seahorses and colorful reef fish.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many parents rave about how much their children enjoy spotting specific animals, like the sea turtles or seahorses, and the aquarium's layout is stroller-friendly, making navigation easy. Consider booking tickets online in advance to save time and money, and check for any special events or character meet-and-greets that might be happening.
🐠 Marine Life Enthusiasts
Experienced aquarists have noted the cleanliness and health of the exhibits, with animals appearing vibrant and well-cared for. The underwater tunnel provides an unparalleled perspective, and the educational signage offers insights into the behavior and habitats of the creatures. It's a great place to expand your knowledge of aquatic ecosystems.
🛍️ Shoppers & Entertainment Seekers
Combine your visit with a trip to LEGOLAND Discovery Center (located nearby) or enjoy the wide array of dining options available throughout the mall. It's an ideal way to spend a rainy day or add some aquatic wonder to your shopping excursion.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Michigan's Largest Aquarium
The aquarium's signature feature is its spectacular underwater tunnel, allowing guests to walk amongst marine life as if they were at the bottom of the ocean. This provides a unique perspective and fantastic photo opportunities. Beyond the tunnel, interactive exhibits like the touchpools allow for hands-on encounters with creatures like starfish and sea urchins, making the experience memorable for all ages.
Conservation is a key theme at SEA LIFE Michigan. They actively participate in breeding programs and educate visitors about the importance of protecting marine ecosystems. This commitment adds an educational layer to the fun, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the ocean's wonders.
Family Fun and Interactive Experiences
Beyond the visual spectacle, the aquarium offers opportunities for direct interaction. The touchpools are a major draw, allowing kids (and adults!) to feel the textures of various marine animals under supervision. This tactile experience fosters a connection with the ocean and its inhabitants, making learning fun and memorable.
Many reviews mention specific activities that families enjoy, such as the challenge of finding hidden creatures like eels or the excitement of observing stingray feedings. These elements add an extra layer of engagement, turning a simple visit into an adventure.
Navigating the Great Lakes Crossing Outlets
Being inside a mall offers convenience, especially during inclement weather, as the entire experience can be enjoyed indoors. Parking is abundant and free, making arrival straightforward. However, it's worth noting that other attractions within the mall can also draw crowds, so planning your visit to SEA LIFE during less busy times is still advisable.
Some visitors have noted that certain businesses within the mall have closed or relocated, but the core attractions like SEA LIFE and LEGOLAND remain popular draws. The mall's extensive offerings make it a destination where you can easily spend an entire day, combining your aquarium visit with shopping, dining, or other entertainment.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit