Seattle Aquarium

Seattle Aquarium Review

The city's renovated aquarium is more popular than ever. Among its most engaging residents are the sea otters—kids, especially, seem able to spend hours watching the delightful antics of these creatures and their river cousins. In the Puget Sound Great Hall, "Window on Washington Waters," a slice of Neah Bay life, is presented in a 20-foot-tall tank holding 120,000 gallons of water. The aquarium's darkened rooms and large, lighted tanks brilliantly display Pacific Northwest marine life. The "Life on the Edge" tide pools re-create Washington's rocky coast and sandy beaches. Huge glass windows provide underwater views of seals and sea otters; go up top to watch them play in their pools. Kids love the Discovery Lab, where they can touch starfish, sea urchins, and sponges, then examine baby barnacles and jellyfish. Nearby, cylindrical tanks hold a fascinating octopus. Spend a few minutes in front of the octopus tank even if you don't detect any movement. Your patience will be rewarded if you get to see this amazing creature shimmy up the side of the tank. If you're visiting in fall or winter, dress warmly—the Marine Mammal area is on the waterfront and catches all of those chilly Puget Sound breezes. The café serves Ivar's chowder and kid-friendly food like burgers and chicken fingers; a balcony has views of Elliott Bay.