St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station - People watch dolphins swim in a large aquarium tank.
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St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station

4.3
·10k reviews·St. Louis, United States

Dive into an underwater world at the St. Louis Aquarium, featuring rare blue lobsters, interactive touch tanks, and captivating marine life.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, better experience

CrowdLow
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St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station - People watch dolphins swim in a large aquarium tank.

St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, better experience

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.3
(10k reviews)

"Kids absolutely LOVED it! They had like 4+ touch tanks and that was so cool!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lord Stanley's Sanctuary

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

Touch Tanks Galore

Various exhibits

Get up close with stingrays, jellyfish, and other aquatic creatures in multiple interactive touch pools.

Otterly Amazing Show

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

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.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Price

Visiting on a weekday can significantly reduce crowds, making for a more enjoyable experience. While some find the ticket price a bit steep for the size, booking online might offer savings. Consider if the interactive elements justify the cost for your group.

Interactive Fun for All Ages

The St. Louis Aquarium shines with its hands-on exhibits, from touch tanks to digital animal coloring. While geared towards families, adults can also appreciate the unique species and interactive otter show. Plan for a few hours to fully explore.

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, better experience
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Field trips often leave
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Tsunami’s first swim with her new friends at the St. Louis Aquarium! #seaturtle #FamilyThings #stlouis #aquarium #fyp #fish
@aquariumstl
47.3K likes • 211.3K views

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Save time and potentially money by purchasing your tickets in advance online. Reddit

✋ Embrace the Touch Tanks

Don't miss the chance to interact with stingrays and jellyfish – a highlight for many visitors. Reddit

We had the best day at the St. Louis aquarium at union station! @St. Louis Aquarium #stlouis #stl #stlkids #aquarium #unionstation #thingstodoinstl
@ari_frankenfield
38.1K likes • 808.4K views
📸Back by popular demand!📸 Photography Night at the St. Louis Aquarium – an experience tailored to help you capture stunning photos in challenging conditions! Whether you are a seasoned photographer or just starting with your camera, this class is designed to cater to all skill levels. Led by the Aquarium’s photography team, this 2-hour class will take you on a visual journey through the mesmeri...
aquariumstl
82 likes • 1.7K views

🦦 Catch the Otter Show

This interactive show is a crowd-pleaser and a unique experience for all ages. Reddit

🎨 Digital Art Fun

Kids (and adults!) love coloring sea creatures and seeing them appear on screen. Reddit

Experience the ultimate spring break staycation in downtown St. Louis at Union Station. Stay at the historic Union Station Hotel and explore attractions like the St. Louis Wheel, Aquarium, rope course, and zip line. Capture memories at the Selfie Express and enjoy family-friendly activities such as the carousel, playground, mirror maze, and 18-hole miniature golf. Indulge in classic diner fare at ...
stlguide314
3.1K likes • 105.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Save time and potentially money by purchasing your tickets in advance online. Reddit

✋ Embrace the Touch Tanks

Don't miss the chance to interact with stingrays and jellyfish – a highlight for many visitors. Reddit

🦦 Catch the Otter Show

This interactive show is a crowd-pleaser and a unique experience for all ages. Reddit

🎨 Digital Art Fun

Kids (and adults!) love coloring sea creatures and seeing them appear on screen. Reddit

📸 Photo Ops Available

The aquarium offers photo packages, a nice way to capture memories of your visit. Reddit

stroller-friendly

Elevators are available, making it easy to navigate with strollers. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(10k reviews)

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

Interactive touch tanks
Unique marine life
Digital coloring station

What People Dislike

Ticket price for size

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. TikTok

Yes, Union Station offers parking facilities. Be aware that parking fees can add up, especially for longer visits. TikTok

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. TikTok

The aquarium is generally accessible, with elevators available for navigating different levels, making it suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. Reddit

Union Station is centrally located in downtown St. Louis. Use GPS navigation to direct you to 1820 Market St, St. Louis, MO 63103. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, there's a dedicated play area where children can color their own sea animals and see them come to life on a screen. InstagramReddit

Photography is generally allowed, and the aquarium even hosts special 'Photography Nights' for enthusiasts looking to capture stunning underwater shots. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

Expect typical aquarium fare like snacks, light meals, and beverages. For a wider variety, explore the dining options within Union Station. TikTok

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. TikTok

📸 📸 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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

While general photography is allowed, professional photography or filming may require special permits. Always be mindful of other visitors and avoid disruptive behavior. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The St. Louis Aquarium is a fantastic destination for families. The interactive touch tanks are a huge hit, allowing kids to safely get up close with marine life. Reddit+1 Don't miss the digital coloring station, where children can see their own creations come to life on screen – a truly magical experience. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit While some find the ticket price a bit high, the sheer amount of engagement and fun for kids often makes it worth the investment. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While the St. Louis Aquarium can be a bit pricey, there are ways to make it more budget-friendly. Visiting on a weekday can help avoid peak weekend crowds and potentially offer a more relaxed experience without needing to pay extra for timed entry. Reddit Look for any online discounts or package deals that might be available when purchasing tickets in advance. Reddit

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. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The St. Louis Aquarium offers unique opportunities for photographers, especially with its 'Photography Nights' events designed for capturing stunning underwater shots. Instagram During regular visits, focus on the vibrant colors of the fish, the textures of the coral, and the expressions of the animals. Instagram

Be mindful of low-light conditions and the general rule against flash photography, which can disturb marine life. Instagram 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. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Union Station's Aquatic Wonders

The St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station is a relatively new addition to the historic Union Station complex, offering a vibrant underwater world. It's designed to be an engaging experience, featuring a diverse range of marine life from freshwater to saltwater species. Visitors can expect to see everything from playful otters and mesmerizing jellyfish to the star attraction, a rare blue lobster named Lord Stanley. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

Interactive Experiences and Family Fun

A major draw of the St. Louis Aquarium is its focus on interactive exhibits that engage visitors of all ages. The touch tanks are a consistent highlight, allowing direct contact with marine life under staff supervision. This hands-on element is frequently praised in reviews and social media content, making it a memorable part of the visit. Reddit+1

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. InstagramReddit The interactive otter show is another popular attraction, offering a fun and educational way to learn about these charismatic animals. Reddit

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. Reddit

Navigating the St. Louis Aquarium: Tips and Considerations

When planning your visit to the St. Louis Aquarium, consider the timing to maximize your experience. Visiting on weekdays is often recommended to avoid the larger crowds that tend to gather on weekends. Reddit While the aquarium isn't massive, taking your time to fully engage with the interactive exhibits is key to getting the most value. Reddit

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. TikTokReddit 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. Reddit

Accessibility is generally good, with elevators available, making it easy to navigate with strollers. Reddit The aquarium is part of the larger Union Station complex, which offers additional attractions and dining options, allowing for a more comprehensive day out. Instagram

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