Why You Should Visit
What makes this field trip special is the ability to feed and interact with many of the animals. Kids won’t soon forget feeding a stingray or petting a giant tortoise. They also have the exhibits arranged by habitats around the world; Amazon Rainforest, Mayan Jungle, etc.
Great Field Trip for These Topics:
Marine Biology
Habitats & Ecosystems
Where to Begin Your Field Trip
Remember in the 80s, when malls were the place to be? They aren’t anymore. The aquarium is located inside Ridgemar Mall and walking in, you get this vibe like you’ve entered the Stanger Things upside down. The entrance to SeaQuest is inside the mall on the first floor. There are a few signs posted, pointing you in the right direction. It looks like a regular store front. Purchase admission at the counter. You’ll also have the option of purchasing feeding tokens to use at the exhibits.
What Can You Expect to See & Do While Here?
Enter through the gift shop. And exit through the gift shop. The aquarium is set up in a loop, so if you arrive back at the entrance and haven’t used all your feeding tokens you can circle back to your favorite tanks.
The Amazon Rainforest: Snap a Picture in the canoe, and then visit the reptiles and large fish of the Amazon River.
Caribbean Cove: Here is the show stopper and favorite of our group. Trade-in those feeding tokens for some stingray food. They are very enthusiastic about their snacks. Prepare to get splashed.
Shark Lagoon (Cape Town, Africa): After you visit the touch tanks here, you will be able to say you’ve pet a shark, and possibly a pufferfish!
Fantasy Caves: Enter the “caves” to see some creatures of the dark; a few creepy crawlies and some ocean life showing off their bioluminescence.
Egyptian Desert: Hang out with a giant tortoise, feed the super cute chickens, and then head into “Pharaoh’s Tomb” to see the Egyptian snakes.
The Great Wall of China: Meet some of the animals of Northeastern Asia. For another feeding frenzy, you might try the koi/duck pond in this section.
Mayan Jungle: The Mayan Jungle is home to the popular two-toed sloth. The aviaries are also located here if you’d like to step in. A bird will likely sit with you or on you for a bit.
Pirates Cove: You guessed it; Pirate’s Cove is where you can feed the beautiful tropical fish.
Food dispensers are stationed throughout the aquarium. Make sure you pay attention to the signs so you are feeding the animals the correct food. For the stingray and shark tanks, you will need to go to the counter next to Caribbean Cove to trade in your feeding tokens for fresh fish. (If you have a super squeamish or sensitive child, note that this food is small fish pieces, and you can tell.)
Hand washing stations are also stationed around the aquarium.
Another feature of this aquarium is the encounters. You can book interactions with the otters and the sloth, and you can snorkel with the rays.
The Basics
1974 Green Oaks Rd
Fort Worth, TX 76116
Monday-Saturday: 12:00 to 7:00 pm
Sunday: 12:00 to 6:00 pm
Adults: $16.95
Seniors: $13.95
Kids: $10.95
Bundles, feeding tokens & online discounts are available on their Tickets page.
Tips for Visitors
Consider bringing a change of clothes or a poncho. Our 9-year-old field-tripper was drenched after feeding the stingrays. Luckily, we were at a mall and could get her a dry shirt quickly.
Check Groupon before you go. SeaQuest is on there frequently.
Behind the scenes “Whisper Tours” are available.
They offer field trips if you will be visiting in a group.
Additional Resources
Books:
Marine Science for Kids: Exploring and Protecting Our Watery World, Includes Cool Careers and 21 Activities (For Kids series) by Josh & Bethanie Hestermann
Teacher Created Materials – Classroom Library Collections: Biomes and Habitats – 10 Book Set – Grades 2-3
TV/Movie/Video:
Wild Kratts
Toys:
Wild Republic Nature Tubes
