ZooUtah, US

The Living Planet Aquarium

The Living Planet Aquarium offers a world of discovery in the heart of Utah.

About

The Living Planet Aquarium offers a world of discovery in the heart of Utah.

Immerse yourself in diverse ecosystems from around the globe, from vibrant coral reefs to lush rainforests and the frigid waters of Antarctica. This world-class facility in Draper showcases nearly 5,000 animals across 600 species, providing an engaging and educational journey through Earth's varied aquatic and terrestrial habitats. It's an inspiring destination designed to connect visitors with the wonders of the natural world and foster a deeper appreciation for conservation.

Explore five main galleries, including the captivating Ocean Explorer with its 40-foot shark tunnel and interactive stingray touch pool, and the Antarctic Adventure, home to Utah's only Gentoo penguins. Journey to South America transports you to a tropical rainforest, complete with free-flying birds, a 17-foot waterfall, and fascinating creatures like two-toed sloths and yellow anacondas. The recently expanded Expedition: Asia features clouded leopards, Asian small-clawed otters, tree kangaroos, and even a Komodo dragon. Don't miss Discover Utah, highlighting the state's unique native species, including North American river otters.

Whether you're marveling at sharks gliding overhead, experiencing the playful antics of penguins, or touching a ray, The Living Planet Aquarium creates memorable moments for all ages. It blends education with entertainment, offering unique animal encounters, 3D/4D movies, and a commitment to inspiring environmental stewardship. With its immersive exhibits and continuous efforts to bring new and exciting experiences, it's a must-visit destination for anyone looking to connect with wildlife. Planning to visit? Download the Snappit app to identify the wildlife you spot in real-time.

The Living Planet Aquarium was founded in 1997 by Brent Andersen, a marine biologist who, inspired by a childhood gift of a book about the sea and Jacques Cousteau, wanted to share his passion with landlocked Utahns. The organization began with an "Aqua Van" in 1999, taking educational exhibits directly to schools. A smaller preview exhibit opened at The Gateway Mall in Salt Lake City in 2004, partly funded by Arthur E. Benjamin in tribute to his late wife, Gail, drawing over 150,000 visitors annually. Due to its overwhelming popularity, the preview exhibit relocated and expanded to a 43,000-square-foot facility in Sandy, Utah, in 2006, housing over 1,700 animals. The current world-class Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Draper opened its doors on March 25, 2014, and has since welcomed over eight million guests. In 2026, it expanded further with the grand opening of the Sam & Aline Skaggs Science Learning Center, which includes an all-new Ford Expedition Asia, becoming the fifth-largest aquarium in the United States.

What to do here

Check the daily activity schedule for animal feeds, animal meet & greets, shark talks, and educational presentations. Consider adding a 3D/4D movie experience or booking a Penguin or Stingray Encounter for an up-close animal interaction. Tuki's Island Play & Party Center offers an indoor playground for children.

Seasonal info

The Aquarium is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, with shortened hours on Christmas Eve. Field trips are most common from March to May, making these months potentially busier. The annual Lantern Festival, featuring light-up animal animatronics, runs from November to January.

Accessibility

The entire facility is wheelchair accessible, featuring ADA-compliant ramp pathways and a public elevator for access to multi-story exhibits. Manual push wheelchairs are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis. ADA-qualified service animals are welcome.

Plan your visit

Suggested duration: Plan for a minimum of 2 to 3 hours to comfortably explore all the exhibits. If you include a visit to Tuki's Island Play & Party Center or attend scheduled animal encounters and shows, you could easily spend a full day.
Best time to visit: To avoid crowds, weekday afternoons are generally the least busy. Visiting in the Fall or Winter months can also offer a quieter experience, especially for field trips. Arriving right when it opens is another excellent strategy to enjoy the exhibits with fewer people.
Location: Utah, US
Species in this guide: 12

Best for

Families With ChildrenEducational Outings And School GroupsCouples And Individuals Interested In Wildlife And ConservationPhotography Enthusiasts (especially For The Unique Exhibits Like The Shark Tunnel And Deep Sea Lab)

Official website Open in Maps

Don't miss

Ocean Explorer

Walk through the immersive 40-foot shark tunnel and interact with marine life at the stingray touch pool.

Antarctic Adventure

Observe Gentoo penguins swimming and waddling, and explore the Deep Sea Lab with fascinating deep-sea creatures like Japanese spider crabs.

Journey to South America

Experience a tropical rainforest environment, complete with free-flying birds, a 17-foot waterfall, and animals like two-toed sloths, yellow anacondas, and poison dart frogs.

Expedition

Asia: Discover rare clouded leopards, playful Asian small-clawed otters, tree kangaroos, and the impressive Komodo dragon.

Wildlife you might spot

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

Duck

American Robin

Canada Goose

Red Winged Blackbird

House Finch

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

Arrive Early

** The Aquarium can get crowded, especially on weekends and during peak seasons. Arriving shortly after opening will give you a more relaxed experience.

Check the Daily Schedule

Before or upon arrival, consult the daily activity schedule for animal feeds, educational talks, and special encounters like penguin or stingray interactions, to plan your visit around these engaging events.

Bring a Water Bottle

There are water fountains throughout the aquarium for refills, which is especially useful in humid exhibits like Journey to South America.

Plan Your Route

The Aquarium features five distinct ecosystems; review the map and decide which exhibits are top priorities to ensure you don't miss anything before energy levels wane.

Take Advantage of Touch Pools

Don't be shy about participating in the hands-on experiences, such as touching stingrays in the Ocean Explorer gallery.

Consider a Membership

If you live locally and plan to visit more than twice a year, an annual membership can offer significant savings and perks.

Frequently asked questions

: Weekday afternoons are generally the least busy time to visit The Living Planet Aquarium. Additionally, visitors often find quieter experiences during the Fall and Winter months. Arriving right at opening time can also help you experience the exhibits with fewer people.
: Yes, children in strollers are welcome, though some reviews suggest that many exhibits are higher than a child's eye level when seated in a stroller, and interactive elements might require children to be out of their strollers frequently. Trained, in-training, and qualified service dogs are also welcome. Manual wheelchairs are available for rent, and the facility is fully wheelchair accessible.
: The Living Planet Aquarium is home to a wide array of fascinating creatures. Highlights include Gentoo penguins, various shark species in the 40-foot tunnel, playful Asian small-clawed otters, majestic clouded leopards, two-toed sloths, a yellow anaconda, and the impressive Komodo dragon. You can also see stingrays, sea turtles, Japanese spider crabs, and free-flying birds.