ZooOklahoma, US

Oklahoma Aquarium

The Oklahoma Aquarium offers an immersive journey into diverse aquatic worlds.

About

The Oklahoma Aquarium offers an immersive journey into diverse aquatic worlds. This non-profit public aquarium in Jenks, Oklahoma, provides an exceptional opportunity to explore marine and freshwater ecosystems, boasting a mission to educate and inspire conservation through interactive discovery. It proudly hosts the world's largest collection of bull sharks in captivity, offering a truly unique underwater viewing experience, making it a must-visit destination for marine enthusiasts in the heartland.

Visitors can marvel at a wide array of fascinating creatures and exhibits. Walk through the thrilling Shark Adventure tunnel, where bull sharks and nurse sharks glide overhead and alongside you. Encounter impressive loggerhead sea turtles at Sea Turtle Island, with multi-level viewing options including an underwater observation station. The Ozark Stream exhibit brings the region's native wildlife to life, featuring playful river otters, industrious beavers, and elusive raccoons, alongside local fish species. Explore vibrant coral ecosystems in the Polynesian Reef, teeming with over 50 species of colorful tropical fish, and get hands-on in the EcoZone, where you can touch sea stars, abalone, shark eggs, and even small sharks and stingrays.

Beyond static displays, the Oklahoma Aquarium offers engaging interactive experiences, including scheduled feeding shows with bull sharks, electric eels, and piranhas, as well as touch tanks that allow for direct interaction with marine life. It’s an all-indoor facility, providing a perfect escape regardless of the weather. Whether you're seeking educational enrichment, thrilling animal encounters, or simply a memorable day out with the family, the Oklahoma Aquarium promises a captivating and inspiring adventure into the aquatic realm. Turn your visit into a safari! Use the Snappit app to scan and log wildlife sightings here.

The Oklahoma Aquarium was conceived as a passion project by founders Dr. P.R. Ramey and Doug Kemper in 1984. After years of fundraising and planning, the Oklahoma Aquarium Foundation, with support from Jenks city leaders, secured a location on the west bank of the Arkansas River. The facility officially opened its doors to the public on May 28, 2003. Since its opening, the aquarium has become known for its significant contributions to marine biology, particularly its world-renowned bull shark collection and groundbreaking coral research. It operates as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, with all proceeds directly supporting its exhibits, educational programs, and conservation efforts, upholding its mission to educate and inspire.

What to do here

Experience the walk-through shark tunnel.

* Attend scheduled feeding shows for sharks (Mondays & Thursdays at 2 p.m.), otters (11 a.m. daily), and the electric eel, piranhas, and archerfish (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays at 2 p.m.).

* Interact with marine life at the EcoZone's touch tanks.

* Explore the various regional exhibits, including Aquatic Oklahoma, showcasing native freshwater species like alligator snapping turtles and paddlefish.

* Kids can enjoy the outdoor coral reef-themed playground.

Seasonal info

As an indoor facility, the aquarium is comfortable in all seasons. Special events, like "Sharklahoma" in July, may offer unique programming.

Accessibility

The Oklahoma Aquarium is ground level and fully wheelchair accessible, with pathways designed for easy navigation. Manual and motorized wheelchairs, as well as wagons and strollers, are available for rent in the gift shop. Note that some specialized behind-the-scenes tours may have limited accessibility.

Plan your visit

Suggested duration: Most visitors spend 2 to 4 hours exploring the diverse exhibits and enjoying interactive experiences like feed shows and touch tanks.
Best time to visit: As an all-indoor facility, the Oklahoma Aquarium is an excellent destination year-round, regardless of weather conditions. Weekday mornings typically see fewer crowds. Tuesdays offer extended hours until 9 p.m., providing more flexibility for visitors. To catch peak animal activity, plan your visit around the daily feeding schedules.
Location: Oklahoma, US
Species in this guide: 12

Best for

Families:** With Interactive Exhibits, Crawl Through Tunnels, A Playground, And Engaging Animal Encounters, It's A Fantastic Destination For All Ages.Children: The Touch Tanks, Feeding Shows, And Child Friendly Viewing Areas Are Particularly Captivating For Younger Visitors.Animal/marine Life Enthusiasts: Home To A Diverse Collection Of Species, Including The World's Largest Collection Of Bull Sharks And A Focus On Conservation.Educational Trips: Strong Emphasis On Education And Conservation, Making It Ideal For School Groups And Learning Experiences.

Official website Open in Maps

Don't miss

Siegfried Families Shark Adventure

Walk through an immersive tunnel surrounded by the world's largest collection of bull sharks, alongside nurse sharks.

Sea Turtle Island

Observe 300-pound loggerhead sea turtles from multiple viewpoints, including an underwater observation station.

Ozark Stream

Discover native Oklahoma wildlife such as playful river otters, beavers, and raccoons in a naturalistic habitat.

Polynesian Reef

Immerse yourself in a vibrant, 65,000-gallon coral reef ecosystem filled with over 50 species of colorful tropical fish and green moray eels.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Duck

Canada Goose

Bee

American Robin

Monarch Butterfly

House Sparrow

Redbud Tree

Eastern Bluebird

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Plan your day around feeding times

** Check the daily schedule online or upon arrival for shark, otter, electric eel, and piranha feeding shows to witness exciting animal activity.

Arrive early or visit during off-peak hours: Mornings are typically less crowded, especially on weekdays, allowing for a more relaxed viewing experience. Consider Tuesdays for extended evening hours.

Utilize the touch tanks

Don't miss the interactive touch tanks in the EcoZone, where you can safely touch various marine creatures. Handwashing stations are conveniently located nearby.

Bring your own stroller or wheelchair if preferred: While rentals are available, bringing your own lighter-weight equipment may offer more comfort and familiarity.

Take advantage of free parking

The Oklahoma Aquarium offers ample free parking for all guests, which is a convenient benefit.

Purchase tickets online in advance

Buying tickets online can help you bypass potential lines at the entrance, especially on busy days, and ensure a smoother start to your visit.

Frequently asked questions

: Outside food and beverages are generally prohibited at the Oklahoma Aquarium. Exceptions are made for school groups and individuals with medical necessities. An on-site Coral Reef Café is available for refreshments.
: Yes, the Oklahoma Aquarium is designed to be fully accessible. All public areas are on ground level and are wheelchair friendly. Wheelchairs, motorized chairs, and strollers are available for rent at the gift shop to enhance visitor comfort.
: Key highlights include the immersive Shark Adventure tunnel, home to the world's largest collection of bull sharks, Sea Turtle Island featuring impressive loggerhead sea turtles, the engaging Ozark Stream exhibit with river otters and beavers, and interactive touch tanks in the EcoZone where visitors can encounter rays and small sharks.