Tips for Visiting SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium #SEALIFEMI

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I am a SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium Parent Ambassador and have received an exclusive first look at events and complimentary tickets. All opinions expressed are my own.

If you’re wondering about what SEA LIFE Michigan is like, I have the scoop for you.

We were lucky to attend a media sneak preview yesterday, and I have to say, I was blown away. This is such an amazing destination for Michigan families! Because we were among one of the first families to go through the interactive aquarium, I wanted to share some tips for those of you eager to make plans to visit. {The aquarium opens to the public on January 29, 2015 at noon.}

First, a general overview:

SEA LIFE Michigan is in Auburn Hills, Michigan, in Great Lakes Crossing Outlets. Once you arrive in the plaza, just follow the Rainforest Cafe signs since that is where you will need to walk in to enter the aquarium. Just look for the bright blue building!

From there, you will check in at a front desk and get a time assigned to you. This is so it won’t be crowded. Each area is narrow at spots {yet stroller friendly}, so this is crucial for crowd control, so each child can have the best views of the fish.

There are nine different zones in the 35,000 sq. ft. aquarium, full of just about all the popular species you can imagine — stingrays, fish, octopi, sharks, seahorses, turtles and more. My kids {2 and 4 years old} ran off the second we got inside — they were so eager to see what was next and find the Nemo and Dory look-a-likes inside.

I immediately noticed the touch screens on the wall and had to test them out. Such a cool, interactive feature for older kids and adults to learn about the many species of fish we were seeing.

After going through a few areas, we came to a touch pool where we could handle some Decorator Crabs and touch a starfish. The guide assured me that none of the creatures inside would bite 😉

From there, we explored tanks filled with sharks, stingrays, jellyfish and more.

One of my favorite spots was a room strictly dedicated to turtles. Additionally, a shoal of fish and a walk-through tunnel were visually stunning.

I love how educational our experience was. Hearing my 4-year-old ask questions the entire time was exactly what I had hoped for. Overall, we had a blast!

Now, for more specific tips for visiting SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium:

The question I have received the most: Is the admission price worth it?

YES! If you can budget for it. The prices are steep, especially for larger families {$23.50/adults, $18.50 for kids, ages 3+} — regular pricing will mean an $84 field trip for a family of 4 with kids who are ages 3+.

If you’ve ever visited a similar aquarium, you will see the same pricing, if not more. For a frame of reference, it’s $30/adult to visit Shed Aquarium in Chicago.

I do feel it’s a decent value — the facility is absolutely stunning, and maintaining more than 5,000 sea creatures is expensive. Plus, it’s educational. Nix going to the movies a few times, and come here instead!

What age group would be best for this?

I would say the best ages for this would be 2+. With that said, you know your child best, and it may be a bit much for kids with a short attention span or sensory issues to noise, crowds and small spaces.

It took us an hour and a half to get through, but I do feel like I could have spent more time if I was only with my older daughter. My 2-year-old lost interest at the end. Just when I thought “oh boy, she needs lunch stat,” it was over. It ended up being perfect timing for us, truly. Children 3 and under are FREE. So if they don’t last, it’s not like you’re out too much. If you have an antsy 2-year-old, I would wait until they are older or stop in the middle, go back to the exit, and have lunch and go to the bathroom before doing more. Your pass is good all day long.

A few other crucial points for families with little ones:

BATHROOMS. There are bathrooms inside SEA LIFE at the play area at the end, however, there also is a cut-through by the fresh water exhibit so you don’t have to walk all the way through. With that said, I would recommend using the bathroom located in the food court before entering.

EAT A SNACK BEFORE GOING INSIDE. If you have little ones, you know the inevitable “I’m hungry” may come part way through your tour. Fill their bellies just before to ensure this doesn’t happen! No food or drinks are allowed inside. There is a food court with lots of options, or pack your own stuff and have a little picnic at the food court tables before heading in to save some money.

A fun play structure at the end for children ages 4-12

Do you always have to sign up for a specific day and entry time in advance?

Yes, you need to pick a specific day/time when purchasing tickets to minimize wait times. They allow on average 50 people per half hour to come through so it’s not too crowded. I love this concept especially since I always fear losing my kids! Also, there is plenty to do around the mall if you need to kill time.

I’m not sure about the mall location. 

It being in a mall is actually a huge draw to me as a mom since Great Lakes Crossing is the area’s best for entertaining kids. Here are some ideas on what to do while there:

• Visit the Rainforest Cafe {FREE kids meals on Wednesdays from 4-7 p.m.}
• Take a ride on the carousel
• Play in the kids play area
• Dine at the food court or bring your own food
• Go to Bass Pro Shops and visit the giant freshwater fish tank {FREE}
• Eat and ride mini amusement park rides at Jeepers {find coupons here}
• Shop! My favorites are Carters, The Children’s Place, and Gymboree outlets

With that said, plan ahead financially. If you’re on a budget — warn your kids ahead of time that you will not be spending extra money if that is the case. Upon leaving SEA LIFE there is a gift shop. If they are ones to want things — let them know ahead of time today is not the day for that.

{Since I am an hour away and on a budget, this will be a “special day” only trip — perfect for birthdays, Christmas presents, special days with friends, etc.}

Additional money-saving tips:

~ With the cost of admission what it is, I would suggest a membership if you live nearby and can financially afford it ONLY if you have 2 children, ages 3+, AND can visit at least 3 times to pay for it {it’s $230/year}.

~ If you think you’d like to visit, I would purchase advance opening tickets NOW. This will help save a few bucks –> www.visitsealife.com/michigan/buy-tickets/

~ If the pricing is too much for your family, make it a mom-kid or dad-kid outing to avoid paying two adult admissions. {Or, go as a family, and send dad in with the kids while you shop!}

Personally, I am ecstatic to have this as another place I can take my kids. We are so lucky to have great things to do here in SE Michigan! {For more indoor fun, check out my list here.}

For more photos, check out my Facebook gallery.

Follow SEA LIFE Michigan’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for more updates.

Do you plan to visit SEA Life Michigan Aquarium?