rev:text
| - This aquarium is not just an aquarium! It's a place filled with wonder, live animals, facts, and hands-on experiences. From being able to touch some of the animals to having staff tell stories and introduce some of the animals to having places where you can crawl and pop up in the middle of a penguin exhibit, there is one exciting moment after another. Also, unlike some zoos and aquariums where animals may simply be caged for exhibits, I enjoyed learning stories about how so many animals were rescued and cared for in such an intentional way at OdySea.
Exhibits include the Aqua Lobby, Rivers of the World, The Otter Banks (my personal favorite!), Touch Pools, Penguin Point, Sharks of the Deep, Reef Jewels, Bizarre & Beautiful, Movie, Ocean Art, and the Living Sea (which has a great carousel where you can see four HUGE tanks full of surprises!). You can also pay more for encounters such as the Shark Tour, SeaTREK Helmet Diving, and Penguin Interaction Program.
Even outside of OdySea there is much to see and do! At OdySea in the Desert, the theme is "Eat. Shop. Play." With over 15 dining destinations and the nearby Butterfly Wonderland and the Mirror Maze, there are plenty of staples to the area. Then, there are also many mostly free outdoor events from outdoor movies, live entertainment, and even an upcoming ice-skating rink outdoors ($5 per half hour).
My only concern about OdySea is how high the price is to visit. Then again, getting an annual membership usually covers itself in just two visits. Be on the lookout for special prices and deals from the annual Black Friday membership deal to OdySea to Night Life at Odysea for $21 in advance for 21+ to enjoy 6-10 PM during October/November Thursday nights including food and drinks.
Finally, note that I went with another adult, and we even had a blast without kids with us. This really is a fun place for all ages!! Also, make sure to visit the bathrooms as they just won the "America's Best Restroom" contest for 2017.
|