Have an Experience at the Seattle Aquarium

Recently I visited the Seattle Aquarium there were many pros and cons to this experience. I will describe my experience in as much detail as possible so you can decide for yourself whether or not this is something for you and your family.

I arrived at the aquarium about ten in the morning. Parking though not hard to find was very expensive $15.00 for four hours. Admission was $12.50 for me ($15.00 after June 22, 2007) and free for my one year old daughters. (Children under 3 are free $8.50 for ages 4-12 $10.00 after June 22, 2007) I found the isles to be very narrow and crowded. It was hard to maneuver my double stroller around. The sea otter exhibits were very easy to view from the main level; however the upper viewing platform had no ramp or elevator. We had to skip this area because we could not take the stroller up there.

Upon going to the lower level of the first building a show was going on and the main hallway to the other exhibits was closed. I had to push my children through a janitor's closet to go see the other exhibits. I found this to be an inconvenience at best. At the other side of the closet I found another crowded room that hard to maneuver. We found the underwater dome to be absolutely breathtaking. We were lucky enough to view the scuba divers feed the fish and sharks (around 1:30 everyday) if you have sensitive children this would not be the time to view the dome.

The next area we visited was the in the second building finally my family and I had a little breathing room. The petting zoo was very fun my 1 year olds went crazy over touching the sea creatures and there were fun activities for older children. The only bathrooms I found were in the second building and had baby changing tables in both the men's and women's restrooms. The jelly fish ring was my favorite exhibit the colorful lights flowing through the transparent bodies of the jelly fish was in one word awesome.

The last thing my family and I tried to visit was the gift shop. I found it impossible. The gift shop was about the size of a walk in closet stuffed people. For a moment I thought they were going for the world record of how many people could be stuff in a small room.

Here are couple of tips if you decide to visit the Seattle Aquarium. Get there early parking is cheaper and there are smaller crowds. If you have small children use a backpack instead of a stroller the isles are very small and crowded and finally take your time check out the rest of the Seattle water front there is a lot to see

The Seattle Aquarium is open 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. directions are as follows. From I-5 North take the Madison St. exit and head west until you arrive at Alaska Way which is at the water front. Turn right the aquarium will be 5 blocks ahead on the water front. From I-5 South take the Union St exit head west when you arrive at 2^nd ave. turn left go to Madison turn right and go to the water front. Turn right on Alaska Way go 5 blocks north the aquarium is on the water front.