Aquariums are fantastic places to go for a day of family fun and learning! There’s entertainment for all ages, with many featuring excellent educational exhibits and hands-on learning activities.
Blue Zoo Aquarium and the Oklahoma Aquarium are two local attractions you’ll want to visit! For this list, we’re going beyond OKC to share some of the most recommended aquariums within driving distance.
*All driving distances are approximate and depend on your starting point, of course.
Aquariums Near OKC
Oklahoma City Blue Zoo
2501 W Memorial Rd, OKC, OK 73134
Google Maps | Tickets & Hours
Blue Zoo is located right here in Oklahoma City, with attractions featuring mermaids, stingrays, and reptiles. The stingray exhibit offers a chance to get your hands wet and pet these unique little slippery creatures. Plus, kids can come “face-to-face” with sharks, including Black Tip Reef Sharks. This is a fun visit located right inside Quail Springs Mall!
Things to Know:
- It’s a fun family attraction, but mom friends say it might be best suited for younger kids.
- Children ages two and under are free (see website for potential changes).
- Exhibits are included in the admission price and feeding tokens are optional.
- Day passes are good for the whole day! You can go have lunch and come back.
Medicine Park Aquarium & Natural Sciences Center
1 Aquarium Dr, Medicine Park, OK 73557
1-hour, 20-minute drive from OKC
Google Maps | Tickets & Hours
Medicine Park Aquarium is a unique and beautiful attraction to explore. Its mission is “conservation through education,” and with over 100 exhibits, it works to bring people, nature, and science together! There are feeding shows, kids’ camps, and a six-acre botanical garden. Just a few of the exciting things you’ll see during your visit: piranhas, a snapping turtle, venomous snakes, otters, and much more!
Things to Know:
- Children ages two and under are free (see website for potential changes).
- Feeding shows and interactive Critter Chats happen throughout the day.
- Strollers are allowed but are not available for rent at this time.
- Facility is ADA compliant
- Pets are prohibited (service dogs are allowed).
Oklahoma Aquarium
300 Aquarium Dr, Jenks, OK 74037
1.5-hour drive from OKC
Google Maps | Tickets & Hours
The Oklahoma Aquarium is definitely worth the mini road trip to the northeast of OKC. This was the first aquarium I ever took my son to, and we loved it. The exhibits are impressive, and there is so much to see! The attraction you DO NOT want to miss is Shark Adventure. It’s almost like stepping into the ocean, with only the cool glass separating you from the magnificent sharks gliding by. According to the website, The Oklahoma Aquarium is home to the world’s largest collection of bull sharks!
Things to Know:
- Children ages two and under are free (see website for potential changes).
- A limited number of wagons, strollers, and wheelchairs are available to rent.
- The Oklahoma Aquarium is ground-level and wheelchair accessible.
- Coral Reef Cafe offers a variety of lunch and snack options to energize you for your journey
Aquariums Within Driving Distance
Dallas World Aquarium
1801 N Griffin St, Dallas, TX 75202
3.5-hour drive from OKC
Google Maps | Tickets & Hours
Branson Aquarium at the Boardwalk
2700 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616
4.5-hour drive from OKC
Google Maps | Tickets & Hours
Springfield Wonders of Wildlife
500 W Sunshine St, Springfield, MO 65807
4.5-hour drive from OKC
Google Maps | Tickets & Hours
We love all there is to do right here in OKC, but sometimes we all need a change of scenery and feel like hopping in the car for a road trip. And we sure love when the destination has an aquarium! Make sure to visit your chosen destination’s website or reach out directly for the most up-to-date information.
Article updated January 2024 by Cynthia Vora.
If you’re looking for other nearby destinations or some of our favorite travel spots, you can find those articles here. Plus, discover 4 Fantastic OKC Family Field Trips to Explore the Metro with Kids!
