Nice to have the Seattle Aquarium right on the Waterfront. It is packed full of different exhibits AND hordes of tourists/families/kids. Rather confusing lay-out, like a rabbit-warren. ... More

Nice to have the Seattle Aquarium right on the Waterfront. It is packed full of different exhibits AND hordes of tourists/families/kids. Rather confusing lay-out, like a rabbit-warren. Claustrophobic. I liked the Dome where divers feed the fish at about 1:30 in the afternoon, as well as the otters and seals. And the hall in which one can actually touch and feel the sea-slugs, starfish, and the stunning, chrysanthemum-like anemone. But for my money, a trip to the Woodland Park Zoo--mostly out in the open--makes the Aquarium pale in comparison, especially in summer, though, of course, we shouldn't be comparing...
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It's actually embarressing that Seattle - a major seaport city - has an aquarium like this one. Not even close to the caliber of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, located in Monterey, CA - a much smaller... More

It's actually embarressing that Seattle - a major seaport city - has an aquarium like this one. Not even close to the caliber of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, located in Monterey, CA - a much smaller coastal city. The good news here is that the Seattle Aquarium is currently in the middle of a multi million dollar renovation and from the outside - it looks like they're making some major changes. I hope that they will gain space and better, more interesting exhibits.
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They have a free exhibit that's just great! Walking along the waterfront, it's entertaining to just stop and watch the HUGE fish aquarium outside their entrance area. It's very enticing to go... More

They have a free exhibit that's just great! Walking along the waterfront, it's entertaining to just stop and watch the HUGE fish aquarium outside their entrance area. It's very enticing to go inside. Once inside, the admission is well worth it. There's a large variety of creatures to see. It's very informative, well presented, and a joy to be in. Prices are a buck well spent. Atmosphere is a-ok.
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I know many people will probably not agree with me but I was not impressed at all with the Seattle Aquarium. We went there with the Citypass and were so happy that we didn't pay the full price for... More

I know many people will probably not agree with me but I was not impressed at all with the Seattle Aquarium. We went there with the Citypass and were so happy that we didn't pay the full price for it. We got there at 4pm, which was 1 hour before they closed and we were in and out in no time. I think the best thing about the place was the gift shop. They do have a lot of fish so if thats interesting to you, you'll be happy. So my advice is if it's included with the Citypass, it doesn't hurt to look. If you have to pay full price. Skip it.
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I enjoyed my visit to this aquarium, but I did wish there was more to it. I was able to make my way through the aquarium quite quickly, but I always went first thing in the morning so there wasn’t a... More

I enjoyed my visit to this aquarium, but I did wish there was more to it. I was able to make my way through the aquarium quite quickly, but I always went first thing in the morning so there wasn’t a large crowd to contend with. One of my favorite things about this aquarium is that they allow you to touch certain animals; sea cucumbers, starfish and other types of anemones. Very neat! Also, I thought it was neat that it was right on the waterfront and incorporated the inside and outside together.
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Now I have already admitted how much I love the zoo. The aquarium? Not so much. Unfortunately the exhibits at the aquarium seem to be seriously lacking. I love the otters, so that's where I... More

Now I have already admitted how much I love the zoo. The aquarium? Not so much. Unfortunately the exhibits at the aquarium seem to be seriously lacking. I love the otters, so that's where I spend most of my time when I go. There are fish, eels, octupus, etc. but I really don't see the Seattle aquarium as anything special.
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We've been to the aquarium on many, many occasions. Great exhibits, but AVOID the summertime crowd. If it is a nice, sunny summer day, steer clear of the aquarium. It is PACKED. You will NOT enjoy... More

We've been to the aquarium on many, many occasions. Great exhibits, but AVOID the summertime crowd. If it is a nice, sunny summer day, steer clear of the aquarium. It is PACKED. You will NOT enjoy it. On summer days, it is an assembly line of people filtering through the exhibits. On off season times, your kids and guests will really enjoy it. Make sure to check out the outside exhibit!
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This has been one of my favorite tourist traps since I was a small child. Because it is cheap and educational, it's a favorite for school tours, but it's best to go without being herded about with... More

This has been one of my favorite tourist traps since I was a small child. Because it is cheap and educational, it's a favorite for school tours, but it's best to go without being herded about with such a group, its best to go with your family. Tell your children what it means for you to see these creatures and to understand how they live. Let them spend more time than is necessary to see things, so that they may take in the experience and perhaps grow to love what they might not otherwise see in the ocean, and what might not be around for their children if we continue to destroy it.
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The Seattle Aquarium is no Monterey Bay but it is ours and even though it is showing its age a little kids still love it. There is remodeling going on now with parts being demolished for building a... More

The Seattle Aquarium is no Monterey Bay but it is ours and even though it is showing its age a little kids still love it. There is remodeling going on now with parts being demolished for building a new structure. Also in the plans are moving the entrance, expansions and new exhibits. But don't worry, they are still open for visitors. Check their website for more info.
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This is one of Grace's favorite places to hang out. It isn't spectacularly big and you have to ignore the big stains on the floor and so forth, but because it is really just about the northwest, it... More

This is one of Grace's favorite places to hang out. It isn't spectacularly big and you have to ignore the big stains on the floor and so forth, but because it is really just about the northwest, it is a fine place to go. What makes it super great is the location on the waterfront. The ideal day we've found is to head over there early, then over to Steamers for fish and chips (how ironic!), then there is a merry-go-round in the pier immediately to the south through the waterfront park. Play a few games of ball, then hitch a ride on the trolley (when it reopens!) and you have a great afternoon. Or head up to the Pike's Place market. This aquarium can't hold a candle to a true world-class site like the Monterey Bay Aquarium, but it is great nonetheless. The best thing that I like is the part that explains the life cycle of the Salmon and they even have their own hatchery. The second best are the sea dragons. They are pretty amazing.
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