St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station
Dive into an underwater world at the St. Louis Aquarium, featuring rare blue lobsters, interactive touch tanks, and captivating marine life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better experience
St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into an underwater world at the St. Louis Aquarium, featuring rare blue lobsters, interactive touch tanks, and captivating marine life.
"Kids absolutely LOVED it! They had like 4+ touch tanks and that was so cool!"
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your tickets in advance online.
✋ Embrace the Touch Tanks
Don't miss the chance to interact with stingrays and jellyfish – a highlight for many visitors.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lord Stanley's Sanctuary
Shark Canyon
Marvel at Lord Stanley, a rare blue lobster, and other fascinating marine life in the impressive Shark Canyon exhibit.

Touch Tanks Galore
Various exhibits
Get up close with stingrays, jellyfish, and other aquatic creatures in multiple interactive touch pools.

Otterly Amazing Show
Otter Exhibit
Enjoy the interactive otter show where an animated otter answers audience questions – a hit with kids and adults alike.

Digital Petting Zoo
Children's Play Area
Kids can color their own sea creature and watch it come to life on a digital screen – a fun, tech-infused activity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Price
Interactive Fun for All Ages
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your tickets in advance online.
✋ Embrace the Touch Tanks
Don't miss the chance to interact with stingrays and jellyfish – a highlight for many visitors.
🦦 Catch the Otter Show
This interactive show is a crowd-pleaser and a unique experience for all ages.
🎨 Digital Art Fun
Kids (and adults!) love coloring sea creatures and seeing them appear on screen.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your tickets in advance online.
✋ Embrace the Touch Tanks
Don't miss the chance to interact with stingrays and jellyfish – a highlight for many visitors.
🦦 Catch the Otter Show
This interactive show is a crowd-pleaser and a unique experience for all ages.
🎨 Digital Art Fun
Kids (and adults!) love coloring sea creatures and seeing them appear on screen.
📸 Photo Ops Available
The aquarium offers photo packages, a nice way to capture memories of your visit.
stroller-friendly
Elevators are available, making it easy to navigate with strollers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally praise the St. Louis Aquarium for its engaging, interactive exhibits and unique species, making it a hit with families. While some find the ticket price a bit steep for the size, the hands-on experiences like touch tanks and the digital coloring station are consistently highlighted as enjoyable for all ages. The staff is often noted as knowledgeable and friendly, contributing to a positive overall visit.
"Lots of displays and hands on things for the kids! Take your time...its not a huge aquarium, but kept our kids entertained! Everything was well maintained and in working order. Plenty of bathrooms and hand washing stations. We enjoyed ourselves and would recommend visiting! Go on a week day for less crowds, but call and ask if there are field trips that day!"
Marianne
"A little pricy for the experience, but still a lot of fun for all ages! My favorite part was the interactive otter show where an animated otter takes questions from the audience. I also loved the area where you could touch stingrays, jellyfish, and other aquatic animals. There is a play area for children where you can color your own sea animal and watch it come to life on screen- even the older kids loved to see what they drew come to life! All in all, the aquarium is fun, but there are too few attractions to justify the price paid."
Amy Holdin
"We're from Kentucky and love going to the zoo, we got hot and decided to head over to the aquarium and check it out and man was it so worth it!! My kids absolutely LOVED it! We have a 3 & 10 year old and they cannot stop talking about it. They had like 4+ touch tanks and that was so cool! My kids loved feeding the archer fish! It cost us $111.96 for 1 senior, 1 adult and 2 kids. I love that they take your picture for you and you can purchase those at the end of the tour! We will definitely be coming back!!"
Dominique Hawk
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The St. Louis Aquarium is located within Union Station. You can reach Union Station via car, public transportation (bus routes serve the area), or rideshare services. Parking is available at Union Station, though it can be pricey.
Yes, Union Station offers parking facilities. Be aware that parking fees can add up, especially for longer visits.
Several bus routes stop near Union Station, making public transportation a viable option for reaching the aquarium. Check local transit schedules for routes and times.
The aquarium is generally accessible, with elevators available for navigating different levels, making it suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
Union Station is centrally located in downtown St. Louis. Use GPS navigation to direct you to 1820 Market St, St. Louis, MO 63103.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can be a point of discussion, with some finding them a bit high for the size of the aquarium. Prices can vary, and booking online is often recommended.
You can purchase tickets directly from the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station website or at the ticket counter upon arrival. Buying online in advance is often suggested.
While specific discounts aren't always highlighted, checking the official website for any promotions or package deals is a good idea. Some reviews mention senior tickets.
The aquarium's hours can vary seasonally and on holidays. It's best to check the official St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
A valid ticket is required for entry into the St. Louis Aquarium. It's recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak times, to ensure entry and potentially avoid long queues.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key attractions include Shark Canyon with its rare blue lobster, numerous touch tanks with stingrays and jellyfish, an interactive otter show, and a digital coloring station for kids.
While geared towards families, adults can enjoy the unique species, interactive exhibits like the touch tanks, and the otter show. Some find it a bit short for the price, but still enjoyable.
Most visitors find the aquarium to be not overly large, with many spending a couple of hours to explore. Taking your time and enjoying the interactive elements is recommended.
Yes, there's a dedicated play area where children can color their own sea animals and see them come to life on a screen.
Photography is generally allowed, and the aquarium even hosts special 'Photography Nights' for enthusiasts looking to capture stunning underwater shots.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are dining options available within Union Station, which is adjacent to the aquarium. You can also find concessions within the aquarium itself.
Outside food and beverages are typically not permitted inside the aquarium. It's best to check their specific policy, but concessions are available for purchase.
Union Station itself has several dining options, ranging from casual to more formal. There are also numerous restaurants in the surrounding downtown St. Louis area.
Expect typical aquarium fare like snacks, light meals, and beverages. For a wider variety, explore the dining options within Union Station.
While there isn't a dedicated sit-down restaurant inside the aquarium, there are food concessions, and Union Station offers a variety of dining establishments.
📸 📸 Photography
Consider visiting during 'Photography Nights' for a dedicated experience, or aim for weekdays during less busy hours to avoid crowds and get clearer shots.
Flash photography is generally discouraged in aquariums as it can disturb the animals. Always check for posted signs or ask staff for guidance on photography rules.
Yes, the aquarium offers photo packages where staff take your picture, which you can purchase later. The exhibits themselves, like Shark Canyon and the touch tanks, provide great photo opportunities.
For low-light conditions, a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod might be helpful. The aquarium also hosts photography workshops for tips.
While general photography is allowed, professional photography or filming may require special permits. Always be mindful of other visitors and avoid disruptive behavior.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Plan for a few hours to explore, and consider visiting on a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds. The aquarium is stroller-friendly thanks to available elevators. While some find the ticket price a bit high, the sheer amount of engagement and fun for kids often makes it worth the investment.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider if the interactive elements and unique species justify the cost for your group. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly St. Louis experience, the city's free zoo is a great alternative, as mentioned by some visitors.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be mindful of low-light conditions and the general rule against flash photography, which can disturb marine life. Experiment with different angles and settings to capture the magic of the exhibits, from the majestic sharks to the delicate jellyfish. The interactive elements also provide dynamic subjects for your lens.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Union Station's Aquatic Wonders
The aquarium emphasizes interactive learning, with numerous touch tanks allowing guests to get hands-on with creatures like stingrays and sea stars. This tactile approach makes the visit memorable, especially for younger guests. Beyond the exhibits, the aquarium also offers unique programming, such as 'Photography Nights,' catering to enthusiasts looking to capture the beauty of the underwater world in challenging lighting conditions.
While the aquarium itself might not be the largest, its integration within the larger Union Station complex adds to the overall experience. Visitors can combine their aquarium visit with other attractions like the St. Louis Wheel, mini-golf, or the carousel, making it a full day of entertainment.
Interactive Experiences and Family Fun
For families with children, the digital coloring station is a standout feature. Kids can draw their own sea creatures, which are then scanned and brought to life on a large screen, creating a personalized and magical experience. The interactive otter show is another popular attraction, offering a fun and educational way to learn about these charismatic animals.
While the aquarium is undeniably family-friendly, it also offers elements that appeal to adults, such as the unique species on display and the educational aspects of the exhibits. The overall atmosphere is designed to be engaging and entertaining, ensuring a positive experience for everyone.
Navigating the St. Louis Aquarium: Tips and Considerations
Ticket pricing has been noted by some as being on the higher side for the aquarium's size, leading to discussions about its overall value. However, many visitors still find it to be a worthwhile experience, especially for families. Purchasing tickets online in advance is a common suggestion to streamline the entry process and potentially secure better rates.
Accessibility is generally good, with elevators available, making it easy to navigate with strollers. The aquarium is part of the larger Union Station complex, which offers additional attractions and dining options, allowing for a more comprehensive day out.
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