St. Louis Aquarium At Union Station: A Family-Friendly Adventure Awaits

Looking for a fun and educational way to spend a day in downtown St. Louis? The St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station is the perfect place to dive into the wonders of the underwater world without ever getting your feet wet. Nestled in the heart of the city’s historic Union Station, this vibrant attraction brings together marine life, interactive exhibits, and immersive experiences that appeal to kids and adults alike.

Whether you're a local looking for a weekend outing or a visitor wanting to experience something unique, the St. Louis Aquarium offers a refreshing blend of nature, technology, and storytelling. From stingrays gliding through massive tanks to up-close animal encounters, there’s something here to spark curiosity and excitement in every member of the family.

The building itself tells a story — once a bustling train station, it’s now been transformed into a modern, engaging space that blends old-world charm with cutting-edge design. So, if you're wondering where to take the kids for a fun and educational day, or if you're curious about what makes St. Louis a must-visit destination, the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station should definitely be on your list.

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Table of Contents

• What Is the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station?
• What Can You Expect to See There?
• Why Is It a Great Place for Families?
• Ticket Pricing and Combo Options
• Tips for Planning Your Visit
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station?

So, you’re probably wondering what exactly makes this place stand out from other aquariums. Well, the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station is not just another fish tank. It’s a full-on aquatic adventure, spread across multiple zones, each offering something different. Located in the heart of downtown St. Louis, the aquarium is part of the Union Station complex — a historic building that’s been retrofitted into a modern attraction hub.

The aquarium is home to over 13,000 marine animals, from alligator snapping turtles to zebra sharks. It combines education with entertainment, offering interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences that make learning about marine life fun and engaging. The facility is designed to take you through various aquatic environments, letting you explore everything from freshwater ecosystems to oceanic habitats.

If you’re visiting with kids, this place is a dream come true. The aquarium has a strong focus on family-friendly activities, with plenty of opportunities to get up close with marine animals and learn about conservation efforts. It’s not just about looking — it’s about doing, touching, and discovering. And for adults? It’s a chance to relive that sense of wonder from childhood, all while supporting a worthwhile cause.

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What Can You Expect to See There?

When you walk through the doors of the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station, you’re stepping into a world filled with movement, color, and life. The exhibits are spread out in a way that makes it easy to follow a path or explore at your own pace. You’ll see everything from turtles lazily swimming through their tanks to stingrays gliding gracefully underfoot in touch pools.

One of the highlights is the 120,000-gallon Caribbean Shipwreck tank, where sharks, eels, and large schools of fish swim together in a simulated shipwreck environment. It’s pretty cool to see how the marine life interacts in a space that mimics their natural habitat. There’s also a section dedicated to local Missouri wildlife, which helps connect visitors to the ecosystems right in their own backyard.

For those who love interactive experiences, the aquarium offers animal encounters where you can get up close and personal with certain species. Whether it’s touching a stingray or feeding a shark, these activities provide a memorable and educational experience that’s hard to beat. It’s not every day you get to say you’ve fed a shark — and now you can!

Why Is It a Great Place for Families?

So, you’re thinking of bringing the kids — maybe even the whole family — to the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station. That’s a great idea! The place is designed with families in mind, and there’s a ton to see and do that won’t leave anyone bored or overwhelmed. From interactive touch tanks to educational shows, every part of the visit is meant to be engaging and fun.

Kids love the hands-on exhibits, and parents appreciate the educational value. There’s something for every age group, whether you’ve got a toddler who wants to splash around in the splash zone or a teenager who’s into marine biology and wants to learn more about conservation. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to answer questions and help make the experience more meaningful.

Also, since the aquarium is part of the larger Union Station complex, you can easily make a full day out of it. After exploring the marine life, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the nearby restaurants, take a ride on the Union Station Carousel, or check out some of the other attractions like the St. Louis Wheel or the 4D Theater. It’s a great way to spend quality time together as a family.

Ticket Pricing and Combo Options

If you’re planning a visit, you might be wondering about ticket prices. The good news is, there are options to fit different budgets and interests. The St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station offers individual tickets as well as combo passes that give you access to multiple attractions within the Union Station complex.

For example, you can purchase a combo ticket that includes the aquarium plus the 4D Theater, St. Louis Wheel, Butterfly House, and more. This is a great way to get more out of your visit without paying full price for each attraction separately. Plus, combo tickets are often available at a discount, so you’ll save money in the process.

It’s also worth checking the official website for any current promotions, special events, or group discounts. Sometimes there are seasonal deals or package offers that make it even more affordable. And if you’re a local, you might want to look into annual passes, which can be a good investment if you plan to visit more than once a year.

Tips for Planning Your Visit

Ready to plan your trip? Here are a few things to keep in mind to make the most of your time at the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station. First, it’s a good idea to check the operating hours before you go. The aquarium is open daily, but hours can vary depending on the season and holidays. You can find the most up-to-date information on their official website, so be sure to give that a quick look before heading out.

Parking is available nearby, but if you’re coming from downtown or the surrounding areas, public transportation or ride-sharing services might be the easiest option. Union Station is located in a central area of the city, so it’s pretty accessible. If you’re driving, there are several parking garages and lots in the area, but keep in mind that they can fill up quickly on weekends and holidays.

Also, don’t forget to check out the guest accessibility and amenities page if you have any special needs or questions. The St. Louis Aquarium is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming experience for all visitors. That includes accessible entrances, restrooms, and seating areas, as well as services like assistive listening devices and sensory-friendly tools for guests with autism or sensory sensitivities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station suitable for young children?

Absolutely! The aquarium is designed with families in mind, offering plenty of kid-friendly exhibits and interactive areas. There are touch pools, splash zones, and educational shows that are perfect for younger visitors. Just keep an eye out for height restrictions on some of the animal encounters and interactive programs.

Can I touch the marine animals at the aquarium?

Yes, you can! The St. Louis Aquarium offers several touch experiences where guests can interact with marine animals like stingrays and small sharks. These are super popular, so if you want to participate, it’s a good idea to check the schedule and book in advance if possible.

Are there food and drink options available at Union Station?

You bet there are! Union Station is home to a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to sit-down restaurants. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or a full meal, you’ll find something to satisfy your appetite. Some of the nearby options include cafes, burger joints, and even a brewery — perfect for parents who want to relax after a fun-filled day with the kids.