South Carolina Aquarium
See Charleston, South Carolina family vacationSouth Carolina Aquarium
Peninsula / Downtown
view website100 Aquarium Wharf
Charleston, SC 29401
1-800-722-6455
843-720-1990
Good-for-Kids Rating
Aquarium
South Carolina Aquarium Description
Kids will see aquatic life (over 10,000 plants and animals) from all over the state of South Carolina -- from the mountains to the sea -- at this aquarium with an ecological focus. Besides an amazing array of fish, visitors can get to know river otters (a big favorite with kids), soft-shell turtles, and even Venus Flytraps. Popular with younger kids is the touch tank, where kids handle creatures like purple sea urchins, hermit crabs, and sea stars. A real highlight is the behind-the-scenes tour of the sea turtle rescue hospital.
Kid Tips
School-Age Kids: Kids will love the behind-the-scenes tours of the Great Ocean Tank, where they can learn how the sea animals are fed and cared for.
Pre-Teens & Teens: Teens in particular will appreciate the museum's focus on saving sea turtles, and will enjoy learning what they can do to help. Plan your trip for a Wednesday or Friday (tours of the rescue hospital begin at 1 p.m.), and call in advance for tickets.
Planning Notes
- Check the website. The aquarium occasionally hosts special programs for kids of different ages that are free with admission, such as a fossil program and holiday events.
- Adopt a sea turtle. If you're moved by the challenges facing sea turtles, consider adopting one for $100 before you visit the aquarium. You'll get two complimentary admission tickets and an adoption certificate and photo as a thank-you gift.
- Be prepared to pay a little extra. Many of the aquarium's special offerings, such as the tour of the sea turtle rescue hospital, are not included in the price of general admission.
Just the Facts
Hours: Fall/Winter Hours: Aug. 16-March 31: Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. noon-5 p.m. Summer Hours: April 1-Aug. 15: Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun.: noon-6 p.m.
Fees: $10 - $20
Recommended Time: 2 to 4 hours
What's Nearby?
- American Military Museum 360 Concord St # 9
Charleston, SC 29401
843-723-9620 32.79099083333333 -79.92702277777778 - Fort Sumter Tours & Spiritline 360 Concord St # 201
Charleston, SC 29401
843-881-7337 32.79099083333333 -79.92702277777778
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