Aquariums
St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station
📍 201 S 18th St, St. Louis, MO 63103🕐 Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–5 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–5 PM |
About St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station
Sharks, blue lobsters & stingrays. Tanks holding rare species like blue lobsters, plus rays & sharks in touch pools & otter encounters. The aquarium features 44 total exhibits housing 13,000 animals across 257 species, making it a comprehensive marine collection. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 10,485 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Aquarium
- Size
- 120,000 sq ft with 13,000 animals across 257 species
- Highlights
- 250,000-gallon Shark Canyon, interactive exhibits, animal encounters
- Best For
- All ages
- Key Info
- Advance ticket purchase recommended; limited 15-minute time slots
💡 Did You Know?
- The aquarium features 44 total exhibits housing 13,000 animals across 257 species, making it a comprehensive marine collection
- Shark Canyon is a 250,000-gallon marine habitat dedicated to sharks, representing one of the facility's largest single exhibits
- The St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station is marketed as the 'Nation's Most Interactive Aquarium' with extensive hands-on animal encounters and touch pools
- The aquarium features rare blue lobsters among its collection, which are a distinctive and unusual species attraction
- The facility operates on a timed entry system requiring advance ticket purchase with limited availability for every 15-minute time slot, indicating high demand
💬 What Visitors Say
- Purchase tickets in advance online as they frequently sell out, and plan to arrive at least 45 minutes before closing to ensure you have adequate time to explore all interactive exhibits without rushing.
- Allow 2-3 hours minimum to fully enjoy the expanded aquarium, especially the interactive touch tanks and live animal encounters. Rushing through misses the educational value and hands-on experiences that make this venue worthwhile.
- Visit during warmer months to enjoy outdoor activities like viewing the koi outside. Also note that parking is approximately 2 blocks away, so plan accordingly and consider that carrying small children in cold weather can be challenging.
- Don't skip the live animal experiences and interactive touch tanks (stingrays, doctor fish, starfish) as these hands-on elements are among the most memorable parts of the visit for children and are what differentiate this aquarium from a traditional glass-viewing experience.
- Strollers are permitted despite online listings suggesting otherwise, so bring one for young children to reduce fatigue. Also plan meals carefully as the on-site restaurant experiences long wait times; consider dining outside the aquarium for faster service.
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