East Idaho Aquarium
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East Idaho Aquarium

4.3
·3k reviews·Idaho Falls, United States

Discover marine wonders and unique animal encounters at East Idaho Aquarium, a vibrant hub for interactive fun and conservation in Idaho Falls.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere

CrowdLow
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East Idaho Aquarium

East Idaho Aquarium

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover marine wonders and unique animal encounters at East Idaho Aquarium, a vibrant hub for interactive fun and conservation in Idaho Falls.

4.3
(3k reviews)

"Awesome experience here both adults and kids enjoyed a lot. Lots of hands-on activities!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Animal Encounters Early

Popular experiences like feeding rays or porcupines can book up. Reserve your spot online to avoid disappointment!

💧 Stay Hydrated & Hair Up!

The building can be super humid. Bring water and consider wearing your hair up to stay comfortable.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stingray Feeding Frenzy

Stingray Feeding Frenzy

Ray Tank Room

Get up close and personal to feed these graceful creatures. A truly memorable interactive experience for all ages.

Shark Tank Spectacle

Shark Tank Spectacle

Main Aquatic Displays

Marvel at the magnificent aquatic displays, especially the captivating tank featuring sharks.

Porcupine Encounter

Porcupine Encounter

Terrestrial Exhibits

Feed a porcupine! This unique opportunity offers a glimpse into the lives of fascinating land animals.

Interactive Touch Pools

Interactive Touch Pools

Various Exhibit Areas

Discover the wonders of marine life through touch pools, offering a tactile and educational experience.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit: Timing is Key

Beat the crowds by visiting on weekdays, especially in the morning. Weekends and holidays can get busy, so consider booking tickets online in advance to save time. Check for special events or feeding times to enhance your experience.

Interactive Fun & Animal Encounters

This aquarium is known for its hands-on exhibits. Be ready to feed exotic fish, touch stingrays, and even interact with birds and porcupines! Some encounters, like feeding rays, may require booking in advance.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon (Weekdays)
Why
Tour groups thin out
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends (Early)
Why
Catch feeding times
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🖤 Black Friday starts early this year! Save $50 on our family and grandparent annual passes to the East Idaho Aquarium and make unforgettable family memories. Use promo code: SPLASH50 at checkout. 🎟️ Don’t wait — grab your passes before this deal swims away! Comment "pass" and we'll send you a link! #EastIdahoAquarium #BlackFridayDeals #FamilyFun #ExploreIdaho #UnderTheSea #AquariumAdventure #S...
eastidahoaquarium
33 likes • 11.4K views

🎯 Book Animal Encounters Early

Popular experiences like feeding rays or porcupines can book up. Reserve your spot online to avoid disappointment! Instagram

💧 Stay Hydrated & Hair Up!

The building can be super humid. Bring water and consider wearing your hair up to stay comfortable. Reddit

Such a fun experience! We are so lucky to have attractions like this in East Idaho. Comment "rays" for the link to book an animal encounter with the rays at the @eastidahoaquarium! Bring a: 🩱🩳 Swimsuit 🩴Sandals 🎒A bag for your clothes & wet bag The Aquarium will provide towels and the wet suit, they have sizes kids to 3XL. 🙌 They also provide the food for the rays. You will change in the ba...
eastidahoadventures
358 likes • 558.3K views
We swapped mountains for marine life this weekend and took the family to the East Idaho Aquarium—and let’s just say… the stingrays got a LOT of attention. It’s always fun finding little surprises like this around Idaho. You expect rivers, hot springs, hiking trails… but being able to feed fish, touch stingrays, hang out with birds and pet a porcupine all in one stop? Pretty awesome. No flights. ...
livingtheidaholife
28 likes • 1.3K views

🎟️ Look for Discounts

Check for family passes, military discounts, or special promotions like Black Friday deals to save on admission. Instagram

📸 Photo Ops Galore

Don't miss the large outdoor photo backdrops for fun family pictures before or after your visit. Reddit

Did you know you can feed a porcupine in Idaho Falls? The @eastidahoaquarium in Idaho Falls has a huge variety of unique animals that you can learn about and interact with! We met our friends @eastidahoadventures at the aquarium and spent the day feeding animals we've never seen in real life! Some of my favorites: ✔️ Feed exotic fish 🐟🐠 ✔️ Pet a porcupine (he gave me a high five!) ✔️ Hold a s...
idahobucketlist
158 likes • 7.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Animal Encounters Early

Popular experiences like feeding rays or porcupines can book up. Reserve your spot online to avoid disappointment! Instagram

💧 Stay Hydrated & Hair Up!

The building can be super humid. Bring water and consider wearing your hair up to stay comfortable. Reddit

🎟️ Look for Discounts

Check for family passes, military discounts, or special promotions like Black Friday deals to save on admission. Instagram

📸 Photo Ops Galore

Don't miss the large outdoor photo backdrops for fun family pictures before or after your visit. Reddit

🦜 Say Hello to Hector!

Meet Hector, the American alligator, and learn about his rescue story. He might even say hello! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.3
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the East Idaho Aquarium for its engaging, hands-on exhibits and friendly staff. The interactive experiences, like feeding animals and touching marine life, are a major highlight for both adults and children. While some note it's on the smaller side, the value and unique encounters make it a highly recommended stop in Idaho Falls.

"My Wife and I went to the aquarium to get out of the house and we’ve never been there. So we went and it was awesome, and we went in checked in and went through the aquarium. The bathrooms are clean. The lobby is clean and tidy the animals are well, taken care of lots of interactive, exhibits and informative information about the animals are posted via QR code on the tanks. There is one parrot over by the tucans because and piranha that you can’t see right away, but if you go right before the stairs under tucans you’ll see him, and he will say hello to you as you visit with him. Talk with him. he says hello, and any waves at you.. the sloth was unavailable because she was on medical watch. but overall, the aquarium is more than we expected. We really enjoyed our visit. And outside. There’s two big photos. You can take photos of your family and of yourself in front of."

David Wagner

"We had an awesome experience here both adults and kids enjoyed a lot. There are lots of hands-on activities, such as touching or feeding the fishes and animals. They are even a sandbox! I also heard you can do a diving experience in the Shark Tank for only $50. I really wish I had more time here. We were told that this aquarium is going to expand and they have more animals, I’ll definitely come back!"

Rachel Luo

"The East Idaho Aquarium is a quaint little spot that offers a nice experience, especially for families. While it’s on the smaller side, the highlight for me was definitely the opportunity to feed some of the animals, which added a fun interactive element to the visit. The admission price is reasonable considering the size of the aquarium, making it a budget-friendly outing. All the employees we encountered were very friendly. Overall, it’s a pleasant way to spend about an hour, especially if you're looking for something low-key and different in the area."

J. Garty

What People Like

Interactive animal encounters
Friendly and helpful staff
Good value for families

What People Dislike

Can be humid inside
Smaller than expected

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The East Idaho Aquarium is located in Idaho Falls, ID. While specific public transport options might be limited, driving is the most common way to reach it. Parking is generally available nearby. Reddit

Yes, there is typically parking available near the aquarium. It's recommended to check their official website or social media for any specific parking instructions or lot availability. Reddit

If you're coming from other parts of East Idaho, driving is the most convenient option. The aquarium is a popular local attraction, so it's easily accessible by car. Instagram

Idaho Falls has a range of hotels to suit different budgets. Many are located a short drive from the aquarium, making it easy to combine your visit with an overnight stay. Reddit

This depends on your starting point in Idaho Falls. If you are staying in the downtown area, it might be a walkable distance, but it's best to check a map for your specific location. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices can vary, but the aquarium is generally considered reasonably priced, especially for families. They often offer discounts for annual passes and sometimes have special promotions. InstagramReddit

Yes, purchasing tickets online is often recommended to save time and potentially secure better deals, especially for annual passes or during peak seasons. Instagram

Keep an eye out for special offers like Black Friday deals on annual passes, military discounts, or promotional codes shared on their social media. Instagram

Operating hours can vary by season and day of the week. It's best to check the official East Idaho Aquarium website or their social media pages for the most up-to-date hours before your visit. Reddit

Yes, the East Idaho Aquarium offers family and grandparent annual passes, which can be a great value for frequent visitors looking to make lasting memories. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Visitors rave about the interactive exhibits, including feeding stingrays and porcupines, touching pools, and the shark tank. The rescued alligator, Hector, is also a highlight. InstagramReddit+1

Absolutely! Feeding exotic fish, rays, and porcupines are popular interactive activities. Tokens for feeding are usually available for purchase. InstagramReddit

Yes, it's a fantastic place for families with young children. The hands-on activities, touch pools, and diverse animals make it engaging and educational for kids. InstagramReddit

Comfortable clothing is recommended. Given the humidity inside, wearing lighter fabrics and perhaps tying up longer hair is a good idea. Reddit

Most visitors spend about an hour to an hour and a half exploring the aquarium, especially if they participate in interactive feeding sessions. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While specific dining facilities might be limited, it's always a good idea to check their website or inquire upon arrival about any available snacks or concessions. Reddit

Policies on outside food and drinks can vary. It's best to confirm with the aquarium directly or check their visitor guidelines before bringing your own refreshments. Reddit

Idaho Falls has a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to family-friendly restaurants, located a short drive from the aquarium. Reddit

If there is a cafe, it's worth asking about specific dietary options. For guaranteed dairy-free choices, consider dining at nearby restaurants before or after your visit. Reddit

Information on on-site dining is limited. Many visitors opt to eat before or after their visit at nearby establishments in Idaho Falls. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the East Idaho Aquarium. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography that might disturb the animals. Instagram

The interactive exhibits, like the stingray feeding and touch pools, offer great photo opportunities. The large outdoor photo backdrops are also popular for family portraits. InstagramReddit

Video recording is typically permitted, allowing you to capture the dynamic movements of the marine life and the interactive experiences. Instagram

It's advisable to avoid using flash photography, as it can startle or harm the animals. Check for any posted signs regarding photography rules within specific exhibits. Reddit

You can find many East Idaho Aquarium photos on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, as well as through general image searches online. Instagram+2

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The East Idaho Aquarium is a top-notch choice for families. Its highly interactive exhibits, like feeding stingrays and touching marine life, are a huge hit with children. InstagramReddit The manageable size ensures little ones won't get overwhelmed, and the variety of animals keeps them engaged.

Consider purchasing family annual passes for great value if you plan on visiting multiple times. Remember to bring water and wear comfortable clothing, as the building can get humid. Reddit It's a perfect spot for a fun, educational, and memorable day out with the kids.

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the East Idaho Aquarium offers reasonable admission prices and is a great value, especially for the interactive experiences it provides. Reddit Look out for discounted annual passes or special promotions, particularly around holidays like Black Friday, to maximize savings. Instagram

Combining a visit with a picnic lunch from a nearby park can further reduce costs. It's an affordable way to enjoy a unique attraction in Idaho Falls without breaking the bank. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find plenty of opportunities at the East Idaho Aquarium. The vibrant aquatic displays, especially the shark tank, offer stunning visuals. Reddit Don't miss capturing the action during stingray or porcupine feeding sessions, which provide dynamic shots. Instagram

Remember to be mindful of lighting conditions and avoid flash photography to protect the animals. The outdoor photo backdrops also provide fun, themed shots for your portfolio or social media. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Interactive Animal Encounters

The East Idaho Aquarium truly shines with its emphasis on interactive experiences. Visitors consistently highlight the opportunity to feed exotic fish, touch stingrays, and even interact with birds and porcupines. These hands-on moments create lasting memories and offer a unique educational perspective that goes beyond simply observing marine life. InstagramReddit+1

These encounters are not just for show; they are designed to be both fun and informative. The aquarium provides tokens for feeding, allowing guests to directly participate in the animals' care. It's this level of engagement that sets the East Idaho Aquarium apart, making it a dynamic destination for families and animal lovers alike. Remember to check in advance for any specific booking requirements for these popular activities. InstagramReddit

Planning for Families and Kids

The East Idaho Aquarium is a fantastic destination for families with young children. The hands-on activities, such as the touch pools and animal feeding sessions, are particularly engaging for kids, keeping them entertained and curious. InstagramReddit

Reviewers often mention that both adults and children enjoy the experience immensely. The aquarium's size is manageable for little ones, and the variety of animals ensures there's always something new to discover. Tips for families include bringing water and considering wearing hair up due to the humidity, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone. Reddit

For those looking for budget-friendly family fun, the reasonable admission prices and the availability of family passes make the East Idaho Aquarium an accessible option for a memorable outing. Reddit

Conservation and Rescue Efforts

Beyond the interactive exhibits, the East Idaho Aquarium plays a vital role in animal rescue and conservation. A notable example is Hector, an American alligator who was rescued from neglect and now resides at the aquarium. Instagram

This commitment to providing a safe haven for animals in need adds another layer of appreciation for the facility. Visitors can learn about these rescue stories and understand the importance of responsible animal care. The aquarium's dedication to these efforts makes a visit not only entertaining but also educational about conservation. Instagram

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