Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den
A charming hidden gem in Scranton, PA, offering a personal aquarium and reptile experience with friendly staff and engaging exhibits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming hidden gem in Scranton, PA, offering a personal aquarium and reptile experience with friendly staff and engaging exhibits.
"This aquarium and zoo is so nice! My friend and I really enjoyed our visit."
🎯 Check Feeding Schedules
Don't miss special feeding times for stingrays and educational talks!
🚗 Affordable Parking
Park at Steamtown Mall; parking is often validated or very cheap.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stingray Feeding Frenzy
Aquarium Section
Get up close and personal to feed these graceful creatures. A truly interactive and memorable experience!
Reptile Realm Wonders
Reptile Den
Explore a diverse collection of fascinating reptiles, from slithering snakes to colorful lizards.
Interactive Touch Tanks
Aquarium Section
Gently touch starfish, sea urchins, and horseshoe crabs in these shallow, engaging exhibits.
Rainforest Encounters
Aquarium & Reptile Den
Discover unique rainforest animals, including playful monkeys and vibrant birds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Smoother Visit
Tickets & Parking Perks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Feeding Schedules
Don't miss special feeding times for stingrays and educational talks!
🚗 Affordable Parking
Park at Steamtown Mall; parking is often validated or very cheap.
🤝 Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff
Ask questions! Staff are happy to share insights and make your visit personal.
🐒 Rainforest Animal Fun
See monkeys and birds up close in the rainforest exhibit!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Feeding Schedules
Don't miss special feeding times for stingrays and educational talks!
🚗 Affordable Parking
Park at Steamtown Mall; parking is often validated or very cheap.
🤝 Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff
Ask questions! Staff are happy to share insights and make your visit personal.
🐒 Rainforest Animal Fun
See monkeys and birds up close in the rainforest exhibit!
💸 Great Value
More affordable than many aquariums, offering a personal experience.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking and standing, so wear comfy shoes for exploring.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den for its affordability, friendly staff, and engaging exhibits. It's described as a charming hidden gem offering a personal experience with well-cared-for animals. While smaller than some, it covers the essentials with interactive touch tanks and a notable reptile section. Some may find the size limiting for a full-day excursion, but it's highly recommended for its value and welcoming atmosphere.
"Was such a nice day out. A smaller aquarium but covers the basics. Tons of beautiful fish to see, some sharks as well, jellyfish, octopus, you can even feed the sting reys! They offer a shalow touch tank with coral, urchins, many types of starfish, horseshoe crabs, & snails. Also have an impressive reptile section, a few monkeys and other rainforest animals."
Allie Moose
"Located inside the Steamtown Mall. Parking was $1/hr. Went in a group of 14 (15+ for group rate). Self paced reptile and aquarium exhibits. Check the schedule for the educational class for the kids (Nice job Arthur 👏🏾) and special feeding/touching opportunities. Spent about 1.5 - 2 hours here. Clean bathrooms. Plenty of hand sanitizer. Will definitely return with other family members."
Micah Barreiro
"This aquarium and zoo is so nice! My friend and I really enjoyed our visit. The animals seem well cared for, and the keepers were friendly and informative. Two highlights were getting to feed the stingrays and the educational presentation about the kinkajoo and Scarlett the cockatoo. Electric City is so much more affordable than most aquariums, and you get a more personal experience. We could ask questions, and I learned so much. There's a nice parking garage, and parking is free with validation. This place was lovely and we had a great time."
Laura W
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den is conveniently located inside the Steamtown Mall in Scranton, PA. 
Yes, there is a parking garage at the Steamtown Mall. Parking is typically $1/hr and can be validated, making it a cost-effective option for visitors.
Information on public transport routes to the Steamtown Mall can be found on local transit authority websites. Many visitors opt for driving due to the mall's location.
As it's located within a mall, the Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den is generally accessible. The exhibits are on a single level, making it easy to navigate with strollers or wheelchairs.
Operating hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den website or their social media pages for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are generally affordable, especially compared to larger aquariums, offering great value for the experience. Group rates are available for parties of 15 or more.
While specific discount codes aren't always advertised, group rates are available for larger parties. It's worth checking their website or contacting them directly about potential student discounts or if online portal access is accepted.
It's recommended to check the official Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den website for online ticket purchasing options. This can sometimes save time and ensure entry, especially during peak seasons.
The aquarium is a popular spot for school field trips, with 7th graders having recently visited. Contacting the aquarium directly is the best way to inquire about booking and pricing for educational groups.
Admission policies for infants and very young children can vary. It's advisable to check the aquarium's official website or contact them directly for specific age-related admission details.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You'll find a diverse range of marine life, including beautiful fish, sharks, jellyfish, and octopuses. The reptile section is impressive, featuring snakes and lizards, and there are also monkeys and rainforest birds. +1
Yes, the aquarium features shallow touch tanks where you can gently interact with sea creatures like starfish, sea urchins, horseshoe crabs, and snails.
Absolutely! You can feed the stingrays, which is a highlight for many visitors. Check the schedule for special feeding opportunities.
The hurricane simulator is an attraction where visitors can experience simulated hurricane conditions. It seems to be a fun, albeit challenging, experience for kids and adults alike!
Most visitors spend about 1.5 to 2 hours exploring both the aquarium and reptile exhibits. This allows for a relaxed pace and time to enjoy the interactive elements.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The aquarium is located within the Steamtown Mall, which offers various dining options. While the aquarium itself may have limited concessions, the mall provides a range of choices for snacks and meals.
Policies on outside food and drinks can vary. It's best to check with the Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den directly or look for mall policies regarding outside food consumption.
For a full day out in Scranton, consider brunch at The Canning House or dessert at Black Cow Cookies & Cream, as suggested by visitors. The Steamtown Mall also has numerous eateries.
The Canning House is mentioned for brunch, and Black Cow Cookies & Cream for dessert, as part of a day trip itinerary that includes the aquarium.
Dining options within the Steamtown Mall are diverse. You'll likely find vegetarian and vegan choices among the various restaurants available.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den. Many visitors share their photos and videos online.
While not explicitly stated, it's a good practice to avoid using flash photography, especially around animals, as it can startle or disturb them. Check for any posted signs regarding flash use.
The stingray touch tank, the colorful reptile exhibits, and the rainforest animals like toucans offer great photo opportunities. The jellyfish tanks also create stunning visuals.
Video recording is typically permitted. Many visitors share engaging videos of the animals and their experiences on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
While direct photo ops with animals might be limited, the interactive exhibits like the touch tanks and feeding sessions provide excellent chances for memorable photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The staff are friendly and informative, making the experience educational and engaging for younger minds. Consider attending one of the educational classes for an extra dose of learning. The aquarium's manageable size means kids can explore without getting too tired, and the affordable pricing makes it a great value for a family outing.
💰 Budget Travelers
With a visit typically lasting 1.5-2 hours, you get a good amount of entertainment for your money. Pack snacks or plan a budget-friendly meal at the mall's food court to keep costs down.
❤️ Couples & Aquarium Enthusiasts
Enjoy a relaxed pace exploring the diverse marine life and impressive reptile collection. The opportunity to feed the stingrays adds a special touch to the visit, making it a memorable outing for couples.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Conservation Efforts at Electric City Aquarium
The partnership with the Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania to welcome a baby stingray named Pearl further emphasizes their dedication to marine life and conservation initiatives.
This collaborative spirit underscores their role in promoting awareness and care for aquatic ecosystems. By engaging visitors with these important topics, the aquarium fosters a sense of responsibility towards protecting our planet's natural resources. The Reptile Den Experience
The exhibits are designed to be both informative and engaging, providing insights into the unique adaptations and behaviors of these often-misunderstood animals. This section offers a stark contrast to the underwater world, showcasing the incredible biodiversity found on land. It's a chance to learn about the importance of reptiles in their natural habitats and appreciate their often-overlooked beauty. The staff's knowledge also shines here, with opportunities to learn about specific species and their care.
Family Fun and Educational Field Trips
+1 The hurricane simulator also provides an exciting, albeit potentially hilarious, experience for younger visitors. The aquarium's commitment to education is evident in its special classes and presentations, such as those featuring kinkajous and cockatoos, which are highly praised by visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit