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ZooOhio, US

Cleveland Aquarium

The Greater Cleveland Aquarium offers an immersive aquatic journey through diverse underwater worlds.

About

The Greater Cleveland Aquarium offers an immersive aquatic journey through diverse underwater worlds. Nestled within the historic FirstEnergy Powerhouse on the west bank of The Flats, this independent, free-standing aquarium invites visitors of all ages to explore the fascinating lives of over 2,500 animals from 250 species across 70,000 square feet of exhibition space. From local Ohio waterways to exotic ocean depths, the aquarium provides engaging, educational experiences with many exhibits designed at kid-eye level, making it an ideal destination for families and marine life enthusiasts. Step inside to wander through eight distinct themed galleries, each presenting unique habitats and their vibrant inhabitants. A highlight is the 175-foot SeaTube, an acrylic tunnel where sharks, stingrays, and schools of fish glide overhead and around you, creating an exhilarating underwater experience without getting wet. Beyond the thrill of sharks, visitors can interact directly with marine life at the 11,000-gallon Stingray Touch Pool, observe the intricate beauty of Weedy Seadragons and Giant Pacific Octopuses, and discover the diverse species inhabiting Ohio’s own lakes and rivers. The aquarium also features creatures from the Asia & Indonesia and Tropical Forest galleries, including colorful poison dart frogs and green tree pythons. The Greater Cleveland Aquarium is more than just an attraction; it's a window into aquatic ecosystems and a call to conservation. Housed in a beautifully preserved 19th-century powerhouse, the venue itself tells a story of Cleveland's industrial past, seamlessly blending history with natural wonder. It's a perfect indoor escape on any day, offering a rich educational experience that encourages a deeper appreciation for aquatic environments and the importance of their preservation. Be ready to snap and learn! Get the Snappit app to identify any nature species you find here.

Cleveland's first public aquarium operated from 1954 to 1985 in Gordon Park, a collaborative effort between the city, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and passionate volunteers. Housed in a converted bathhouse, this early Cleveland Aquarium showcased both freshwater and marine exhibits, including sharks, seahorses, and coral. However, structural issues with the building eventually led to its closure, and its collection was transferred to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. For over two decades, Cleveland lacked a dedicated public aquarium. The vision for a new facility began to take shape around 2009, driven by local developer Jeffrey P. Jacobs. The current Greater Cleveland Aquarium officially opened its doors in January 2012, occupying the historic FirstEnergy Powerhouse building. This landmark structure, built in 1892, originally generated electricity for Cleveland's streetcar lines and now provides a unique, historically rich setting for the aquarium's modern exhibits. Jacobs Entertainment, Inc. fully acquired the aquarium in 2014.

What to do here

Walk through the immersive shark tunnel, gently touch stingrays, observe daily animal encounters and feedings, and learn about various ecosystems through engaging displays. Explore the diverse creatures from the Great Lakes region and distant oceans.

Seasonal info

The aquarium is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, with the last entry one hour before closing. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, and closes early (2 PM) on Christmas Eve. Special events or extended hours may occur seasonally, so check their website for the most up-to-date schedule.

Accessibility

The Greater Cleveland Aquarium is fully wheelchair accessible with a flat floor plan and elevators. Strollers are permitted, though single strollers are advised during busy periods. The venue offers KultureCity sensory bags, weighted lap-pads, and strobe glasses for check-out. A dedicated Sensory Hour is available on select dates, and trained service dogs are welcome. A comfort room for private changing or feeding is also on-site.

Don't miss

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175-foot SeaTube

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11,000-gallon Stingray Touch Pool

3

Ohio Lakes & Rivers gallery

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Tropical Forest and Asia & Indonesia galleries

Wildlife you might spot

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Good to know before you go

Book Tickets Online in Advance

It is strongly recommended to purchase timed entry tickets online prior to your visit to ensure entry and manage visitor flow.

Parking Information

A large, credit card-only parking lot is available directly in front of the Powerhouse building. Expect to pay a fee, typically $3-6. Annual Passholders can get their parking validated for free.

Plan for Daily Activities

Check the aquarium's schedule for daily animal encounters, feeding demonstrations, and diver talks to enhance your experience.

Allow Time for Highlights

Dedicate extra time to the Stingray Touch Pool for an interactive experience and the Shark SeaTube for an immersive viewing of larger marine life.

Consider an Annual Pass

If you plan on visiting more than twice in a year, an annual pass can offer significant savings and often includes discounts at the gift shop.

Snacks and Dining

There is no on-site café, but snacks are available in the gift shop. Picnic tables are available outside on warm days, and the ticket counter can provide a list of nearby restaurants.

Frequently asked questions

The Greater Cleveland Aquarium houses a wide array of marine and freshwater creatures. Visitors can encounter Sandtiger, Sandbar, and Nurse sharks, various stingrays including Cownose, Southern, and Atlantic species (some available for touching), and a captivating Giant Pacific Octopus. Other popular residents include Weedy Seadragons, Potbelly and Dwarf seahorses, Red-Bellied Piranhas, Green Tree Pythons, and vibrant Poison Dart Frogs. The aquarium also features fascinating Lionfish, elusive Snowflake Eels, and a diverse collection of Ohio native fish like catfish and shovelnose sturgeon, alongside colorful jellyfish and countless other species.
Yes, the Greater Cleveland Aquarium is fully wheelchair accessible. The facility features a flat floor plan, two elevators to navigate different levels, and allows strollers. Wheelchairs are also available for loan on a first-come, first-served basis; it's recommended to call ahead on the day of your visit to reserve one. The aquarium is a KultureCity certified Sensory Inclusive organization, providing sensory bags and offering special Sensory Hours for guests with sensory processing differences.
While the duration of a visit can vary based on individual interest, a typical visit to the Greater Cleveland Aquarium usually takes about 1 to 2 hours. Once inside with a timed ticket, visitors are welcome to stay as long as they like until closing.

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