I visited once again while I was home for Christmas and enjoyed this spot even more than I remembered. This time I brought my parents, brother, and sister-in-law since I think this is a must for Clevelanders.
I'll be the first to admit that this isn't your typical large city aquarium. This isn't Shedd in Chicago or the other large aquariums you've been to before. I can't imagine that Cleveland was trying to be those places. This is how Cleveland does aquariums. It is true to the area and still a great asset to the city. I still think that the price is reasonable for what you get as well.
They have added and changed a few things since my last visit. Now they have an African Tortoise exhibit. Guests can pet the shells of the animals and get up close to see them moving around. The kids in the area seemed to really be enjoying this. There was also an area for kids that I don't remember from my last visit. The overall size of the aquarium has grown since they first opened as well.
The best part of the way exhibits were built was the consideration to making exhibits look natural. The tanks aren't floor to ceiling glass monstrosities. The tanks are open and have green and other natural elements around to help them blend. The tanks that are closed were built to look like they are part of a tree. There was definitely an attempt to make this more aesthetically pleasing than the usual aquariums.
I still feel pride for my hometown when I visit this beautiful aquarium!