Walk through the amazing 360 degree ocean tunnel among sharks, rays and a rescued sea turtle
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SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium

4.5
·3k reviews·Tempe, United States

Dive into an underwater world at SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, featuring immersive tunnels, touch pools, and rescued sea turtles.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
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Walk through the amazing 360 degree ocean tunnel among sharks, rays and a rescued sea turtle

SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Dive into an underwater world at SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, featuring immersive tunnels, touch pools, and rescued sea turtles.

4.5
(3k reviews)

"It blew me away it was in a mall like experience but I would absolutely go again. Good time."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Combo Ticket Savings

Bundle with LEGOLAND for a full day of fun!

📱 Scavenger Hunt Fun

Kids love the interactive scavenger hunt throughout the exhibits.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ocean Tunnel Immersion

Ocean Tunnel Immersion

Main Exhibit

Walk through a breathtaking 360° tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays, and schools of fish. It feels like you're underwater!

Interactive Touch Pools

Interactive Touch Pools

Various Exhibits

Get hands-on with starfish and other marine life. A favorite for kids and adults alike, offering a unique tactile experience.

Rescue Sea Turtle Encounter

Rescue Sea Turtle Encounter

Sea Turtle Rescue Reef

Meet Donna, the rescued sea turtle, and learn about conservation efforts. A heartwarming and educational part of the visit.

Bubble Dome Viewing

Bubble Dome Viewing

Various Exhibits

Unique bubble-shaped viewing areas allow kids to get up close and personal with marine creatures from a different perspective.

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Planning Your Visit

Combo Tickets for Maximum Fun

Consider combo tickets with LEGOLAND Discovery Center next door for an all-day adventure. Many visitors find it's worth the cost for a full family experience. InstagramReddit

Beat the Crowds & Heat

This indoor attraction is perfect for escaping the Arizona heat. Weekday mornings or evenings tend to be less crowded, offering a more relaxed visit. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Relaxed atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Escape the heat
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

update on buddy!!! #onehand #fyp #foryou #PostitAffirmations #sealife #aquarium #shark
@officialhandsolo
2.4M likes • 20.7M views

🎟️ Combo Ticket Savings

Bundle with LEGOLAND for a full day of fun! InstagramReddit

📱 Scavenger Hunt Fun

Kids love the interactive scavenger hunt throughout the exhibits. Reddit

It was so beautiful to look at🥺 #sealifeaquarium #dallastexas #fyp #whattodointexas
@gabbyccxx
129.3K likes • 1.2M views
Arizona Sea Life is now on the Community Perks Pass! 🙌 @communityperkpass Before we dive in make sure to follow for more fun family adventure and trip ideas 🫶 This is such a great aquarium 🐠 it’s located inside Arizona Mills mall, right across from Legoland Discovery Center and guess what?! Legoland Discovery Center is also on the Community Perks Pass 😲 You get entrance into these venues plus ...
azfamilyguide
310 likes • 9.2K views

♿ Sensory Inclusive Venue

Certified sensory-friendly for a welcoming experience. Instagram

📸 Great Photo Ops

Plenty of immersive spots for memorable pictures. Reddit

Dive into an underwater adventure at SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium! 🐠🌊 Stay cool this summer while exploring ocean tunnels, touching starfish and discovering amazing sea creatures. Perfect indoor fun for the whole family! 📍 @sealife_arizona 5000 S Arizona Mills Cir Suite 145 Tempe, AZ 85282 #sealife #sealifeaquarium #tempe #arizona
visitphoenix
108 likes • 12.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Combo Ticket Savings

Bundle with LEGOLAND for a full day of fun! InstagramReddit

📱 Scavenger Hunt Fun

Kids love the interactive scavenger hunt throughout the exhibits. Reddit

♿ Sensory Inclusive Venue

Certified sensory-friendly for a welcoming experience. Instagram

📸 Great Photo Ops

Plenty of immersive spots for memorable pictures. Reddit

💰 Look for Discounts

Check for coupons and special offers online. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium for its engaging exhibits, particularly the immersive ocean tunnel and interactive touch pools. It's a hit with families, offering a kid-friendly environment with unique viewing areas. While some find the prices a bit high for the size, the overall experience is considered enjoyable and well-maintained, especially when combined with LEGOLAND.

"A small, but effective aquarium. All of the displays were in great shape. I definitely recommend buying combo tickets with LegoLand across the hall. It's worth every penny and your kids will spend literally all day between the 2. The stingray pool was awesome. The giant tunnel at the end it legit. Super immersive with a lot of viewing domes for the kids to help them feel like they're in the water with the fish. Sharks, sea turtles, axolotls, seahorses, lots of cool stuff to see."

Trevor Childs

"We’ve always enjoyed our visits to SEA LIFE Arizona! The aquarium is beautifully done, and my daughter especially loves the scavenger hunt and all the fun little viewing areas and photo spots throughout. It’s a great family activity, and the exhibits are engaging and well cared for.

That said, the prices do feel a bit high for the length of the visit. We’ve gone three or four times over the past couple of years, and while it’s always a good experience, the cost may keep us from visiting as often in the future."

Savanah E

"Great kid-friendly aquarium at Arizona Mills Mall! The price is just right for the size of the Aquarium. It is fun to see the variety of aqua life in an easy-to-follow floor plan. It was fun to see the turtles and tank with stingrays. I loved the bubble like viewing areas for little kids. The tour ends with a small but nice gift shop."

Vanessa Mills

What People Like

Immersive ocean tunnel
Interactive touch pools
Kid-friendly design

What People Dislike

Price for duration

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium is conveniently located inside Arizona Mills Mall at 5000 S Arizona Mills Cir, Tempe, AZ 85282. The mall offers ample parking. It's easily accessible by car and is a popular destination for those exploring the Tempe and Phoenix areas. Instagram+2

While specific public transport routes can vary, Arizona Mills Mall is generally accessible via local bus services in the Tempe area. It's recommended to check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information. Instagram

SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium is located within Arizona Mills Mall. Look for signage directing you to the aquarium, which is often near other family attractions like LEGOLAND Discovery Center. Instagram+1

Typically, parking at Arizona Mills Mall is free for visitors. However, it's always a good idea to check the mall's official website for any updated parking policies. Instagram

Yes, SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium is easily reachable from Scottsdale. It's located in Tempe, which is a short drive from Scottsdale, making it a great option for a day trip. TikTokInstagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You can purchase tickets directly from the official SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium website, at the entrance, or through various online ticket vendors. Buying online in advance is often recommended to save time and potentially money. Instagram+1

Ticket prices can vary, but generally, SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium offers a more affordable option compared to larger aquariums. Look for online deals and consider combo tickets with LEGOLAND for better value. Instagram+1

Yes, discounts and coupons are often available. Keep an eye out for special promotions, online deals, or community perk passes. Instagram+2

Operating hours can vary depending on the day of the week and season. It's best to check the official SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium website for the most current hours before your visit. Instagram

Absolutely! Combo tickets that include both SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center are highly recommended for a full day of family entertainment. InstagramReddit+1

🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the immersive ocean tunnel with sharks and rays, the interactive touch pools, and the 'Sea Turtle Rescue Reef' to see Donna the rescued turtle. The bubble dome viewing areas are also a hit with kids. TikTokInstagramReddit+1

Yes, it's very kid-friendly! The exhibits are easy to navigate, and there are many interactive elements and viewing areas designed for little ones. It's also a KultureCity® Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue. Instagram+1

Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring the aquarium. However, if you combine it with LEGOLAND Discovery Center, you can easily spend a full day. InstagramReddit

Yes, SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium offers a scavenger hunt, touch pools, and unique viewing domes that engage children throughout the visit. InstagramReddit

SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium is a KultureCity® Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue, meaning staff are trained to support guests with sensory needs, and resources like sensory bags and quiet areas are available. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the aquarium itself may have limited food options, Arizona Mills Mall, where it's located, offers a wide variety of dining choices, from fast food to sit-down restaurants. Instagram

Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the aquarium. However, you can usually find dining options within the mall. It's best to confirm their specific policy. Instagram

Arizona Mills Mall has a diverse food court and several sit-down restaurants, offering options to suit various tastes and budgets, making it easy to grab a meal before or after your aquarium visit. Instagram

Given the mall's extensive dining options, there isn't one single recommended restaurant. Visitors can explore the food court or various eateries within Arizona Mills Mall based on their preferences. Instagram

Yes, with the variety of restaurants at Arizona Mills Mall, you can typically find healthier options alongside typical mall fare. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed inside SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium for personal use. However, flash photography is usually prohibited as it can disturb the marine life. Reddit

The ocean tunnel, the touch pools, and the bubble dome viewing areas offer fantastic photo opportunities. The vibrant exhibits and diverse marine life provide endless visual appeal. InstagramReddit

It's strongly advised not to use flash photography, as it can stress the animals. Many visitors capture great shots using their phone cameras without flash. Reddit

Professional photography or videography may require special permission. It's best to contact the aquarium directly if you plan on conducting a professional shoot. Reddit

In the ocean tunnel, you can capture stunning images of sharks swimming overhead, rays gliding by, and schools of fish creating dynamic patterns. It's a truly immersive experience for photography. TikTokReddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium is a top-tier choice for families. The interactive scavenger hunt and touch pools are huge hits, keeping little ones entertained and educated. InstagramReddit The aquarium's design, with its child-friendly viewing areas and bubble domes, ensures kids feel immersed in the underwater world. Instagram Consider purchasing combo tickets with LEGOLAND Discovery Center next door for an extended day of fun that caters to a wide range of interests. Instagram+1

To make the most of your visit, aim for weekday mornings to avoid peak crowds. The aquarium is also a KultureCity® Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue, making it a welcoming space for children with sensory sensitivities. Instagram Don't forget to check for online discounts or coupons to enhance the value of your family outing. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium offers a more affordable aquarium experience compared to larger, standalone facilities. Instagram While prices can add up, looking for online coupons, special offers, or community perk passes can significantly reduce the cost. Instagram+2 The aquarium's location within Arizona Mills Mall also means you can save on food by utilizing the mall's diverse and often budget-friendly dining options. Instagram

Consider the combo tickets with LEGOLAND if you're looking for maximum entertainment value for your money. InstagramReddit Visiting during off-peak hours can also lead to a more enjoyable experience without the premium weekend crowds. Instagram

❤️ Couples & Date Nights

SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium offers a unique and visually stunning setting for a date. The immersive ocean tunnel provides a romantic backdrop, perfect for shared awe and conversation. TikTokReddit The interactive elements, like the touch pools, can add a fun, playful dynamic to your outing. Instagram It's a great indoor option, especially during the hot Arizona months, providing a cool and engaging escape. Instagram

Consider attending one of the aquarium's special 'Adults Only' nights if available, which often feature a more relaxed atmosphere and unique programming. Instagram Alternatively, a daytime visit followed by exploring the dining options at Arizona Mills Mall can make for a well-rounded and enjoyable date. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The OdySea vs. SEA LIFE Debate

When planning a visit to an aquarium in the Phoenix area, many travelers wonder about the difference between SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium and OdySea Aquarium. According to Reddit discussions, OdySea is generally larger and more expensive, often described as a 'full-on aquarium' with more extensive exhibits. Reddit SEA LIFE Arizona, located within Arizona Mills Mall, is noted as being more affordable and a great option for younger children or those looking for a more compact, yet still engaging, experience. InstagramReddit Both offer unique underwater adventures, but SEA LIFE's location inside a mall and its partnership with LEGOLAND make it a convenient choice for families seeking a combined entertainment experience. Instagram+1

SEA LIFE Arizona is praised for its well-maintained displays and interactive elements like scavenger hunts, making it a hit with families. Reddit While some reviewers feel the prices might be a bit high for the duration of the visit, the overall experience is consistently described as enjoyable and educational. Reddit The aquarium's commitment to being a KultureCity® Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue also makes it a welcoming destination for all visitors. Instagram

Ultimately, the choice between the two often comes down to budget, the age of the visitors, and the desired scale of the aquarium experience. SEA LIFE Arizona offers a concentrated dose of marine wonder, perfect for a few hours of exploration, especially when paired with its neighboring attractions. Instagram+1

Making the Most of Your Visit with Kids

SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium is a fantastic destination for families with children, offering a blend of education and entertainment. The aquarium is designed with kids in mind, featuring numerous interactive elements that keep them engaged. The scavenger hunt is a particular highlight, encouraging active participation as they explore the exhibits. Reddit Many of the viewing areas are at a child's eye level, and the unique bubble domes allow them to feel like they're right in the water with the sea creatures. Instagram+1

Beyond the visual appeal, the touch pools provide a hands-on experience where children can safely interact with marine life like starfish. Instagram The aquarium's location within Arizona Mills Mall also means easy access to amenities and the adjacent LEGOLAND Discovery Center, allowing for an extended day of fun. Instagram+1 For families with children who have sensory sensitivities, SEA LIFE Arizona is a KultureCity® Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue, ensuring a comfortable and supportive environment. Instagram

To maximize the experience, consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and ensure a more relaxed exploration for younger ones. Instagram The combo tickets with LEGOLAND are highly recommended for a full day of adventure that caters to various interests. InstagramReddit

Photography Tips for Stunning Underwater Shots

Capturing the magic of SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium is a must, and with a few tips, you can get some incredible shots. The most iconic photo opportunities are found within the immersive ocean tunnel, where sharks, rays, and schools of fish create dynamic backdrops. TikTokReddit The key is to avoid using flash, as it can disturb the marine life and often results in poor image quality due to reflections. Reddit

Focus on the vibrant colors and unique shapes of the creatures. The seahorses, axolotls, and colorful reef fish offer fantastic subjects. Reddit Utilize the various viewing domes and bubble areas to get unique perspectives, making it look like you're swimming alongside the animals. Instagram+1 The touch pools also provide great opportunities for close-up shots, capturing the textures and details of the marine life. Instagram

Remember to be patient and wait for the perfect moment – a shark swimming overhead or a ray gliding past. Many visitors find their phone cameras are more than capable of capturing stunning images in the ambient light, especially when focusing on composition and subject matter. Reddit

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