MaST Center Aquarium
Discover Puget Sound's marine wonders at this community aquarium, featuring touch pools and passionate student educators. A true local gem!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free entry, lively atmosphere
MaST Center Aquarium
Best Time
Free entry, lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Puget Sound's marine wonders at this community aquarium, featuring touch pools and passionate student educators. A true local gem!
"An amazing little gem - free on Saturdays! Perfect for kids of all ages."
🎯 Donation Welcome!
While entry is free on Saturdays, donations are highly encouraged to support the center's vital work. ❤️
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Well-behaved dogs are welcome, making it a great outing for the whole family! 🐕
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 205 reviews
Type
Aquarium
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Touch Pools
Aquarium floor
Get hands-on with sea stars, anemones, and other fascinating Puget Sound creatures. A truly memorable interactive experience.
Puget Sound Marine Life
Various tanks
Discover a vibrant collection of native species, from graceful jellyfish to playful stingrays and colorful fish.
Marine Skeletons & Skulls
Hallway entrance
Explore impressive displays of marine animal skeletons and skulls, offering a unique glimpse into anatomy.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Donation-Based Entry & Limited Hours
Interactive & Educational Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Donation Welcome!
While entry is free on Saturdays, donations are highly encouraged to support the center's vital work. ❤️
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Well-behaved dogs are welcome, making it a great outing for the whole family! 🐕
🚶 Pier Walk Jokes
Enjoy the humorous jokes on the pier leading to the aquarium – a fun, lighthearted start to your visit. :rofl:
📚 Engage with Volunteers
Student volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable and happy to answer questions about marine life. :nerd_face:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Donation Welcome!
While entry is free on Saturdays, donations are highly encouraged to support the center's vital work. ❤️
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Well-behaved dogs are welcome, making it a great outing for the whole family! 🐕
🚶 Pier Walk Jokes
Enjoy the humorous jokes on the pier leading to the aquarium – a fun, lighthearted start to your visit. :rofl:
📚 Engage with Volunteers
Student volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable and happy to answer questions about marine life. :nerd_face:
🅿️ Parking Info
Free parking is often available across the street, but check for any temporary restrictions. 🅿️
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the MaST Center Aquarium as a charming and educational gem, especially appreciating the interactive touch pools and the knowledgeable student volunteers. The donation-based entry and free Saturday hours make it an accessible and beloved community resource. Some visitors note that it can get crowded during peak times, and the size is intimate rather than expansive.
"My experience started with a volunteer outside the aquarium who had skulls of a few marine animals and talked a little about each. Then, we went inside and walked through a hallway that had beautiful photos on the walls, marine animal skins, and skeletons. Then, to get to the aquarium you walk on a pier that had hilarious jokes on both sides. Truly enjoyed the walk (:
"what do you call a fish that hoards all its sand dollars? Shellfish!"
The aquarium itself is super cute. They've got little stingrays, anemone, starfish, fish, sand dollars, jellyfish, etc. Love seeing all that fauna up close and personal.
The student volunteers had interesting lab coats with drawings/paintings on the back.
Overall great experience."
Anna E.
"This is the best community marine center we’ve visited in Washington so far. Admission is by donation, it’s worth it. The professors are super knowledgeable and gladly answer any questions you might have. We spotted porpoises while enjoying the aquarium, an added bonus! Free parking across the street until early July. Would recommend and will return."
Jesse James
"Amazing little gem - free on Saturdays 10a-2p. Perfect for kids of all ages. It's not big, but my kid probably doesn't have the attention span for more anyway. Will be back!"
Lacey Johnson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The MaST Center Aquarium is located at Highline College. Public transportation options are available, and driving is also common. Parking is often free across the street, especially during the week, but it's wise to check for any posted restrictions.
Yes, parking is typically available across the street from the aquarium. Visitors have noted it's often free, particularly outside of peak Saturday hours.
Information on specific bus routes can be found on local transit websites. It's recommended to check current schedules and routes for the most up-to-date travel information.
The aquarium is generally accessible, with pathways designed to accommodate visitors. The pier walk and indoor exhibits should be navigable for most mobility devices.
Yes, strollers are welcome at the MaST Center Aquarium, making it a family-friendly destination. The layout is suitable for navigating with young children.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the MaST Center Aquarium is by donation. It is free to enter on Saturdays between 10 AM and 2 PM, though donations are greatly appreciated to support the center.
Yes, the MaST Center Aquarium offers free admission on Saturdays from 10 AM to 2 PM. This is a popular time, so expect more visitors.
The aquarium's hours can vary, but it is notably open for free admission on Saturdays from 10 AM to 2 PM. It's always best to check their official schedule before visiting.
Advance booking is generally not required, especially for the Saturday free admission. However, for any special events or group visits, it's advisable to contact the center directly.
Donations are requested and welcomed, but not mandatory, especially during the free Saturday hours. Your contributions help fund their educational programs and research.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of native Puget Sound species, including jellyfish, stingrays, anemones, starfish, and various local fish. The focus is on regional marine ecosystems.
Absolutely! The aquarium features touch pools where you can interact with certain marine creatures under supervision. It's a highlight for many visitors.
Yes, well-behaved dogs are permitted at the MaST Center Aquarium, making it a pet-friendly destination for visitors.
The pier walk leading to the aquarium is a unique feature, often adorned with humorous jokes and educational tidbits about marine life. It adds a fun element to the visit.
The center is staffed by knowledgeable student volunteers and professors who are eager to share information about marine biology and environmental conservation.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the MaST Center Aquarium. It's a great place to capture images of marine life and educational displays.
While generally permitted, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography directly on sensitive exhibits or animals if it might disturb them.
The touch pools, vibrant jellyfish tanks, and the displays of marine skeletons offer excellent photographic opportunities. The hallway with marine animal photos is also visually appealing.
Yes, your smartphone is perfect for capturing the sights at the MaST Center Aquarium. The exhibits are well-lit and offer great subjects for mobile photography.
The combination of live marine exhibits, educational displays like skeletons, and the humorous pier walk provides a range of unique photo opportunities that capture the center's charm.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit