While in the state of Missouri I was able to tour the wonderful Sea Life Kansas City Aquarium. I had been in the area before to tour the Hallmark Visitor Center, but we didn’t have a chance to visit the aquarium. Thus, I was determined not to miss it on this trip. So glad I was finally able to visit while in the area in September of 2017.
After paying the friendly lady at the front desk I was directed to the actual entrance of the aquarium. On a side note, they also have combo tickets which include the Legoland Discovery Center. The lady saw my AAA Credit Card which also gave me a discount, Win-Win.
Before heading to the aquarium I did a little research. According to VisitKC, the Sea Life Kansas City Aquarium, which opened on April 6, 2012, will transport you into the amazing underwater world. Come nose to nose with sharks and prepare for astonishingly close views of everything from humble starfish and seahorses to graceful rays. To get any closer you’d have to get wet! Over 5,000 sea creatures, 30 incredible displays, a 180-degree tunnel, Over 260,000 gallons of water, an Interactive touch pool experience, as well as fun talks and feed shows throughout the day.
They were not lying. It was incredible. I can’t even begin to remember all of the amazing fish I saw. I did enjoy the talk show given at what they call the Sting Ray Bay. They are such fascinating animals and I love watching them swim. There were two above me in the Ocean Tunnel exhibit, and they stayed there like that for at least 45 mins. It’s also cool when you can see their face and it looks like they are smiling.
I also enjoyed watching the many sharks. I couldn’t tell the difference between the different types, but I enjoyed watching them. 🙂 Below is a picture of one that I was able to get when it finally settled down for a few minutes. They are big but can swim pretty fast, lol. Sorry about the bad picture, but it’s hard to take decent pictures in an aquarium.
The kids at the Sea Life Kansas City Aquarium really liked the tidepool where they were able to touch crabs, sea stars, and urchins while learning all about the creatures. I had to admit, it was fun watching them get excited. Here’s a picture of took of some of the animals I saw while visiting.
Another exhibit I really enjoyed seeing is the Jellyfish tank. Not sure what it was called but here is a picture. There is a button that you can push to change the light to either, red, bluish-purple or green I believe. I liked the red, thus the red picture, lol They are also interesting creatures and I really enjoyed watching them move around in their tank.
I had an amazing time at the Sea Life Kansas City Aquarium. The staff were very friendly and answered any questions I had throughout my visit. I enjoy aquariums and this one is going back on my list to visit again. If you want to visit, here is a link to their website with hours, pricing directions, parking, etc. Enjoy your visit and let me know what you think when you do get a chance to visit. They are in the Crown and close to a lot of activities.
p.s. If you like aquariums, make sure to check out my posts on the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, CA, and Odysea Aquarium in Phoenix, AZ.
Sea Life Kansas City Aquarium Visitor Information
Address:
2475 Grand Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64108
Phone:
816-471-4386
Hours:
Monday, Thursday, Friday: 10 am – 4 pm (last entry 3 pm)
Saturday – Sunday: 10am – 5pm (last entry 4pm)
Tuesday & Wednesday: Closed
Prices:
General Admission – Sea Life
Adult $21.95
Child (3-12) $17.95
Under 3 – Free
Combo Tickets – Sea Life and Legoland
Adult $39.95
Child (3-12) $34.95
Under 3 – Free
Directions:
By Car
From the North on I-29:
• Take I-29 South to US-169 South. US-169 South becomes Broadway.
• Follow Broadway to Pershing Road. Turn east (left) on Pershing Road and continue to Crown Center at Grand Blvd.
From the North on I-35 (from North of Liberty, MO)
• Take I-35 South to MO-152 West (in Liberty, MO.)
• Follow MO-152 West to US-169 South. US-169 South becomes Broadway. Follow Broadway to Pershing Road. Turn east (left) on Pershing Road and continue to Crown Center at Grand Blvd.
From the North on I-35 (from South of Liberty, MO)
• Follow I-35 South to 71 Hwy South (Exit 3).
• Continue on 71 Hwy South (Exit 2M).
• Exit at 22nd St. and turn right (West).
• Turn left on Grand Blvd. and continue to Crown Center at Pershing Road.
From the South on I-35:
• Exit at W Pennway St. (exit 1C).
• Turn east (right) on W Pennway.
• Turn north (left) on Southwest Blvd.
• Turn south (right) on Broadway.
• Turn east at Pershing Road and continue to Crown Center at Grand Blvd.
• You can also take I-75 North and get off at exit 84B. Then, make a right on Baldwin.
From the South on 71 Hwy:
• Take 71 Hwy North to 22nd St. Exit at 22nd St. and turn left (West.)
• Turn left on Grand Blvd. and follow to Crown Center at Pershing Rd.
From the West on I-70:
• Take I-70 East to I-670.
• Exit I-670 on to I-35 South (exit 2T).
• Exit I-35 South at 20th Street (exit 1D) and Turn left (East) on 20th Street.
• Turn right on Grand and continue to Crown Center at Pershing Road.
From the East on I-70:
• Take I-70 West to Locust St./Truman Rd. (exit 2Q).
• Turn left on Grand Blvd. and follow to Crown Center at Pershing road.
By Street Car
Jump on the streetcar anywhere and head South toward Union Station.• Exit at Union Station for a short walk over to SEA LIFE Kansas City! Just turn left onto Pershing and then right at Grand Boulevard. SEA LIFE Aquarium is just a short walk past the Crown Center Courtyard fountains on the left! Or, take advantage of the indoor Link walkway and travel from Union Station to SEA LIFE Aquarium come rain or come shine!
PARKING:
Parking is free for the first three hours with validation in the Crown Center garage, 2450 Grand Boulevard. Weekend parking is free.
Accessibility:
At SEA LIFE Kansas City, their entire facility is accessible by individuals with disabilities. There are also disabled facilities in the restrooms.
They do not offer wheelchairs for rent, however, you may rent a wheelchair from the Crown Center Customer Service office located next door on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, please call the Crown Center Customer Service phone number at (816)274-7251.
Certified service animals are permitted inside the attraction. Due to Health & Safety parameters, service animals are not however permitted to ride on rides or to enter restricted ride areas in LEGOLAND Discovery Center. Rides that do not permit service animals include Kingdom Quest and Merlin’s Apprentice.
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