The Tennessee Aquarium

We were members of the aquarium during the 2012-2013 school year, and I taught a preschool/homeschool class where we learned about an animal while we were schooling right next to that animal! During this time, we got to know the aquarium very well, and when we become members again (soon, I hope) we'll feel right at home as we stroll those fish-lined halls.

PICNIC? yes

SWIMSUIT? yes

COST? $26.95/adult; $16.95/child under 3 free

no cost for the wading stream in between the aquarium buildings

Family Membership: $115

(so it's cheaper for us to buy a year's membership than to go in for a day!)

AUTHOR'S RATING? five out of five stars!

HOURS? open daily 10am-6pm

The Tennessee Aquarium is a fascinating place! From fish to sharks to otters to butterflies to bright-colored coral, there is something to amaze and enchant every visitor. There are two buildings for the aquarium; the one you see above is the River Journey building that houses the otters, the River Giants, the sea horses and much more! The Ocean Journey dares you to touch sting rays, flit with butterflies and watch as sharks swim close by. Both of the buildings are full of incredible sights!

In either building, you will begin your tour with a tall escalator taking you right to the top (in the Ocean Journey there are several, but in the River Journey there is only one huuuuge escalator!). There are conveniently located elevators for wheel chairs and strollers.

The River Journey's top features the newly renovated otter exhibit; then you will make your way through many small and large tanks, weaving your way to the bottom. 

Don't forget to check out the beautiful views of the Tennessee River from higher up! 

We love the otters in the River Journey, but I think our favorite fish has got to be the Arapaima! These huge fish steal the show in the River Giants exhibit. (The blue catfish is pictured here.)

And of course who doesn't love sea horses? They are so exotic while at the same time being so cute that, were I to not have five children in tow, I could stand mesmerized by them for quite a while!

We also love the Lake Sturgeons, who find their food with their very sensitive barbels, which to me, make them look like mustachioed fish.

You can even touch the sturgeons (with two fingers) in the sturgeon display!

A very photogenic turtle in the River Giants Exhibit

In between the two aquariums there is a wading stream and splash fountain, so bring the little one's bathing suit! My kids love to splash in this water on a hot day (and if we don't bring a suit, we all just come home soaked anyway!) Everything about this area is artistic from the concrete mountains, some of which you can climb to the top of, to the imprints of leaves or music in the sidewalks. There are also concessions and picnic tables, so feel free to snack there or bring a picnic!

In the Ocean Journey, you'll take several escalators up to room where you can touch a few sting rays or even a small shark! (The stings have been removed for your bravery and safety.) 

Next you'll move into the butterfly room, where interacting with the butterflies is highly encouraged!

As you move through the Ocean Journey you'll see penguins, 

come nose to nose with sharks,

play with gigantic crabs,

encounter jelly fish, and loads more!

So there you have it! We love the Tennessee Aquarium and hope you will too.

Have an insider's tip for us? Please share it in the comments!

{MAP TO TENNESSEE AQUARIUM}