Greater Cleveland Aquarium
Dive into aquatic wonders at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, housed in a historic powerhouse with interactive exhibits and a captivating shark tunnel.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Greater Cleveland Aquarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into aquatic wonders at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, housed in a historic powerhouse with interactive exhibits and a captivating shark tunnel.
"A unique and delightful stop with engaging touch tanks and an impressive shark tunnel."
🎯 Touch Tanks are a Must!
Don't miss the chance to touch stingrays and other sea creatures – it's a highlight for many! :handpointingdown:
⏳ Quick Visit Expected
Plan for about 30-60 minutes; it's a delightful but compact experience. :stopwatch:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shark Tank Tunnel
Oceanic Realm
Walk beneath sharks and larger fish in a captivating underwater tunnel for a truly immersive experience.
Interactive Touch Tanks
Various exhibits
Get hands-on with marine life like stingrays, sea cucumbers, and starfish – a hit with all ages!
Historic Powerhouse Setting
FirstEnergy Powerhouse Building
Explore marine wonders within the unique architecture of a repurposed historic industrial building.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Maximize Your Visit
Value and Expectations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Touch Tanks are a Must!
Don't miss the chance to touch stingrays and other sea creatures – it's a highlight for many! :handpointingdown:
⏳ Quick Visit Expected
Plan for about 30-60 minutes; it's a delightful but compact experience. :stopwatch:
📸 Great Photo Ops
Capture stunning underwater shots, especially in the shark tunnel. :camerawithflash:
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Perfect for families; kids under 2 get in free! :child:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Touch Tanks are a Must!
Don't miss the chance to touch stingrays and other sea creatures – it's a highlight for many! :handpointingdown:
⏳ Quick Visit Expected
Plan for about 30-60 minutes; it's a delightful but compact experience. :stopwatch:
📸 Great Photo Ops
Capture stunning underwater shots, especially in the shark tunnel. :camerawithflash:
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Perfect for families; kids under 2 get in free! :child:
📍 Unique Location
Located in the historic FirstEnergy Powerhouse building on the west bank of the Flats. :building_construction:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the Greater Cleveland Aquarium for its unique setting within a historic powerhouse and its engaging interactive exhibits, particularly the touch tanks and the impressive shark tunnel. While many find it a delightful and worthwhile stop, some note that the aquarium is smaller than expected and can be explored relatively quickly, leading to a perception of higher cost for the duration.
"This is a really nice little aquarium. It was actually bigger then we had thought and the layout being that it is located in an old warehouse building I believe made it very unique. There were many species of fish, a stingray tank where you could touch them, as well as another little area where you could also touch sea cucumbers, starfish, etc. My favorite part was the large tank that housed the sharks and other larger fish. You could walk around the tank and at one point there was a tunnel to view these fish. The only think I wish they would do would be to have a demonstration of the "squirt gun" fish shooting water at their prey LOL."
Diane Cifrulak
"My friend and I had a lovely time exploring this aquarium, enjoying the marine animals and reading the fun facts along the way. The visit was relaxing and pleasant, although we finished exploring the whole place a bit too quickly. It left us wanting more. The aquarium is a bit smaller than we expected, but still a delightful stop."
Cindy Lin
"This is one of the better aquariums that I’ve gone to just because of the walk-through tunnel that goes under the water. It was a fun experience and there are a lot of different species of fish and ocean life to observe. Very cool place to explore"
M-L Outdoors
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Greater Cleveland Aquarium is located at 2000 Sycamore St, Cleveland, OH 44113. It's situated in the historic FirstEnergy Powerhouse building on the west bank of the Cuyahoga River in the city's Flats.
Yes, parking is available near the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. It's recommended to check their official website or local parking apps for the most current information on parking availability and rates in the Flats area.
The aquarium is accessible via public transportation in Cleveland. You can check the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) website for bus routes and schedules that serve the downtown Cleveland area and the Flats.
Yes, the Greater Cleveland Aquarium is located on the west bank of the Cuyahoga River in downtown Cleveland's Flats district.
The aquarium is located in the Flats, an area with other attractions and dining options. You can easily combine a visit with exploring the waterfront or other nearby Cleveland landmarks.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, and it's best to check the official Greater Cleveland Aquarium website for the most up-to-date admission prices. Look for potential discounts or special offers.
While specific coupons can be hard to find, some visitors suggest looking for deals during special promotions or considering a membership if you plan to visit multiple times.
The aquarium's hours can vary seasonally and on holidays. It's always recommended to check the official Greater Cleveland Aquarium website for the most current operating hours before your visit.
Yes, you can typically purchase tickets at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. However, buying tickets online in advance might save you time and potentially money, especially during peak seasons.
While not always advertised, keep an eye on the aquarium's social media or website for any special event days or promotions that might offer reduced admission.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Most visitors find that a complete tour of the Greater Cleveland Aquarium takes about 30 to 60 minutes, making it a great option for a shorter outing.
Highlights include the immersive shark tunnel, the interactive touch tanks where you can feel stingrays and other sea life, and the unique setting within the historic powerhouse building.
Absolutely! The interactive touch tanks and diverse marine life make it a hit with children. Kids under 2 are free, and there are daily interactive experiences.
Yes, the aquarium features interactive touch tanks where visitors can gently touch stingrays, sea cucumbers, and starfish. +1
The aquarium often hosts daily interactive experiences, including aquarist talks and exhibit feedings, providing educational insights into marine life.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. It's a popular spot for photographers looking to capture marine life.
The shark tunnel offers incredible opportunities for dramatic underwater shots. The colorful reef tanks and the unique architecture of the building also make for great photo subjects.
While general photography is permitted, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the animals. Always be mindful of signage and other visitors.
Absolutely! Many visitors share their experiences through photos and videos captured on their smartphones, showcasing the diverse marine life. +1
During the holiday season, the aquarium hosts 'Scuba Claus,' offering a unique photo opportunity with Santa underwater in the shark tank. 
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The walk-through shark tunnel provides a thrilling, immersive experience that will mesmerize children and adults alike.Look out for daily interactive experiences like aquarist talks and animal encounters, which add an educational and engaging element to the visit. The aquarium's location in the historic powerhouse building also adds a unique element to the outing. While the visit might be on the shorter side (around 30-60 minutes), it's packed with wonder and excitement for young explorers.
couples
Consider visiting during weekday evenings when crowds are typically lower, allowing for a more intimate experience. The aquarium's unique setting in the historic powerhouse building adds a touch of urban charm to your date. You can also combine your visit with dinner or drinks in the nearby Flats area for a complete evening out.
Budget Travelers
If you plan on visiting frequently, consider purchasing a membership. One reviewer mentioned that a membership purchased during a specific period proved to be cost-effective due to frequent visits when other activities were limited.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Exhibits
Beyond the main shark tank, the aquarium offers several interactive opportunities. The touch tanks are a significant highlight, allowing guests to gently feel stingrays, sea cucumbers, and starfish.
Many visitors are impressed by the transformation of the old powerhouse into a vibrant aquarium. The blend of industrial history with the beauty of marine life creates a unique visual appeal. While some note the aquarium can be explored relatively quickly, the quality and variety of species, combined with the interactive elements, make it a worthwhile visit for those interested in aquatic wonders.
Family Fun and Accessibility
Children under two years old enjoy free admission, making it an accessible outing for even the youngest members of the family. The interactive touch tanks are a major draw for kids, offering a chance to safely engage with marine creatures like stingrays.Beyond the touch tanks, the aquarium provides daily interactive experiences, including aquarist talks and animal encounters. These educational sessions add an engaging layer to the visit, allowing families to learn more about the diverse species on display. The walk-through shark tunnel is another highlight that captivates both children and adults, offering a thrilling perspective on underwater life.
While the aquarium is generally accessible, it's always a good idea to check their official website for specific accessibility information regarding strollers, wheelchairs, or any other needs. The unique setting in the historic powerhouse building adds to the adventure, making it a memorable outing for families looking for educational and entertaining activities in Cleveland.
Photography Opportunities
The play of light through the water and the diverse species create dynamic visual opportunities.Beyond the main tank, the various reef exhibits and smaller habitats provide opportunities to photograph colorful fish, intricate coral formations, and unique invertebrates. The unique setting within the historic powerhouse building also offers interesting architectural backdrops for your photos.
Many visitors share their photographic experiences on social media, showcasing the vibrant colors and fascinating creatures found within the aquarium.
Whether you're using a professional camera or your smartphone, the Greater Cleveland Aquarium provides ample opportunities to capture stunning images of the underwater world. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit