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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps

SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into an underwater world at SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, featuring immersive tunnels, touch pools, and rescued sea turtles.
"It blew me away it was in a mall like experience but I would absolutely go again. Good time."

🎟️ Combo Ticket Savings
Bundle with LEGOLAND for a full day of fun!
📱 Scavenger Hunt Fun
Kids love the interactive scavenger hunt throughout the exhibits.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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
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
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
Various Exhibits
Unique bubble-shaped viewing areas allow kids to get up close and personal with marine creatures from a different perspective.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Combo Tickets for Maximum Fun
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Combo Ticket Savings
Bundle with LEGOLAND for a full day of fun!
📱 Scavenger Hunt Fun
Kids love the interactive scavenger hunt throughout the exhibits.
♿ Sensory Inclusive Venue
Certified sensory-friendly for a welcoming experience.
📸 Great Photo Ops
Plenty of immersive spots for memorable pictures.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Combo Ticket Savings
Bundle with LEGOLAND for a full day of fun!
📱 Scavenger Hunt Fun
Kids love the interactive scavenger hunt throughout the exhibits.
♿ Sensory Inclusive Venue
Certified sensory-friendly for a welcoming experience.
📸 Great Photo Ops
Plenty of immersive spots for memorable pictures.
💰 Look for Discounts
Check for coupons and special offers online.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
Yes, discounts and coupons are often available. Keep an eye out for special promotions, online deals, or community perk passes.
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.
Absolutely! Combo tickets that include both SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center are highly recommended for a full day of family entertainment.
🎫 🐠 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.
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.
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.
Yes, SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium offers a scavenger hunt, touch pools, and unique viewing domes that engage children throughout the visit.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, with the variety of restaurants at Arizona Mills Mall, you can typically find healthier options alongside typical mall fare.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
Professional photography or videography may require special permission. It's best to contact the aquarium directly if you plan on conducting a professional shoot.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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. Don't forget to check for online discounts or coupons to enhance the value of your family outing.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider the combo tickets with LEGOLAND if you're looking for maximum entertainment value for your money. Visiting during off-peak hours can also lead to a more enjoyable experience without the premium weekend crowds.
❤️ Couples & Date Nights
Consider attending one of the aquarium's special 'Adults Only' nights if available, which often feature a more relaxed atmosphere and unique programming. Alternatively, a daytime visit followed by exploring the dining options at Arizona Mills Mall can make for a well-rounded and enjoyable date.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The OdySea vs. SEA LIFE Debate
SEA LIFE Arizona is praised for its well-maintained displays and interactive elements like scavenger hunts, making it a hit with families. 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. The aquarium's commitment to being a KultureCity® Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue also makes it a welcoming destination for all visitors.
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.
Making the Most of Your Visit with Kids
Beyond the visual appeal, the touch pools provide a hands-on experience where children can safely interact with marine life like starfish. 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. For families with children who have sensory sensitivities, SEA LIFE Arizona is a KultureCity® Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue, ensuring a comfortable and supportive environment.
To maximize the experience, consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and ensure a more relaxed exploration for younger ones. The combo tickets with LEGOLAND are highly recommended for a full day of adventure that caters to various interests.
Photography Tips for Stunning Underwater Shots
Focus on the vibrant colors and unique shapes of the creatures. The seahorses, axolotls, and colorful reef fish offer fantastic subjects. Utilize the various viewing domes and bubble areas to get unique perspectives, making it look like you're swimming alongside the animals. The touch pools also provide great opportunities for close-up shots, capturing the textures and details of the marine life.
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.




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