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South Carolina Aquarium
South Carolina Aquarium
Peninsula / Downtown
view website100 Aquarium Wharf
Charleston, SC 29401
1-800-722-6455
843-720-1990
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-K
School-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
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), loggerhead sea turtles, and even an albino alligator. 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 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 Aquarium's focus on saving sea turtles, and will enjoy learning what they can do to help. Plan your trip for a Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday (tours of the Sea Turtle Hospital begin at 11:30 a.m. and 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 Shark Week programs 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 Hospital, are not included in the price of general admission..
Just the Facts
Hours: Fall/Winter Hours: Sept. - Feb: Daily 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., last ticket sold at 4 p.m.; March - Aug.: Daily 9 a.m.- 6 p.m., last ticket sold at 5 p.m.;
Fees: $10 - $20
Recommended Time: 2 to 4 hours
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