SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium
SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium
3.5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
SEA LIFE Michigan is the state’s largest aquarium with over 250 species and 2,000 creatures including sharks, rays, green sea turtles and more! Journey through the freshwater lakes of Michigan all the way to the depths of the ocean and meet the amazing creatures that live there. Then, visit the Interactive Touchpool and learn what it feels like to pet a crab, urchin, sea star and other rockpool creatures! Finish your adventure by strolling through the Underwater Ocean Tunnel and watch as thousands of tropical fish swim overhead! To get any closer, you'd have to get wet!
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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$22.99
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
640 reviews
Excellent
206
Very good
171
Average
140
Poor
80
Terrible
43
Maria S
Sparta, MI73 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
We went on a Saturday which was probably one of the busiest times for this place. The kids loved and has the same offerings of a larger aquarium but at a smaller scale. It is a great add on if you are visiting legoland. Even though they stagger how many people enter at a time it was very crowded. The kids had a hard time getting to see everything based on the crowd but then again we were there at a peak time to go.
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Varsha Gupta
Michigan93 contributions
Oct 2019
Before visiting this aquarium we thought it will be quite big but it was little small compared to our exceptions. However, they have good collection of animals and the staff was helpful and knowledgeable. My son enjoyed this place.
We felt the ticket was little expensive compared to the size of aquarium.
This place is good for one time visit.
We felt the ticket was little expensive compared to the size of aquarium.
This place is good for one time visit.
Written September 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erica O
Detroit, MI9 contributions
Dec 2015 • Friends
It was was clean, the party host was very nice and friendly, the aquarium was great, and the kids had fun.
Overall, I wasn’t completely disappointed with Sea Life Michigan as a party venue. But, I wasn’t overly impressed, either. I felt very limited by what I could and couldn’t do, and I almost didn’t book here. I’d say that if you would like to host a party here, there are room for some improvements.
Here are some tips:
#1 - For the standard party package ($350), you are allowed 20 guests plus 4 free adult chaperones. You cannot exceed 30 people in the room, and you MUST have 1 adult for every 5 children. Unless you have older children, I recommend a parent attend with each child. Once they are done in the upstairs party room, it’s basically a free-for-all, and it’s too hard to keep track of several children running around the aquarium.
#2 - You only get 10 minutes for setup. No balloons allowed. Not allowed to stick anything to the walls. (Looks like someone already tried to, and the paint peeled)
For me, this was a disappointment, because I like decorating. The wall murals in the room are beautiful, but they do have some (looks like recycled) decorations in the room and on the tables. For the price, I would’ve liked to see an unused plastic tablecloth on the cake table. It’s a 6ft table, so I’d recommend bringing your own.
#3 - Cake and individually packaged drinks are the only food and beverages allowed. (Bring your own plates and napkins)
#4 - The tables are the perfect size for little kids, and there are normal sized chairs for the adults lining the perimeter of the room. I left the tables as-is, but cool little placemats would’ve looked nice.
#5 - The room was very cold and kind of quiet. If you can bring your own speakers with music, I think that would improve the atmosphere.
# 6 - Restrooms are SO far away from the party room. Another reason that you want a parent for every child. So that it’s not your responsibility to walk downstairs through a maze to find them.
# 7 - I might be being picky, but I was also disappointed that the party host doesn’t write down the gifts and who they are from for the purpose of thank you cards. I’ve been to other kid party venues where this is included, and really loved not having to worry about that.
#8 - Goodie bags were also supposed to be included with my party package, and I don’t think our guests received any. I didn’t realize it until after I left, so that’s another disappointment.
Overall, I wasn’t completely disappointed with Sea Life Michigan as a party venue. But, I wasn’t overly impressed, either. I felt very limited by what I could and couldn’t do, and I almost didn’t book here. I’d say that if you would like to host a party here, there are room for some improvements.
Here are some tips:
#1 - For the standard party package ($350), you are allowed 20 guests plus 4 free adult chaperones. You cannot exceed 30 people in the room, and you MUST have 1 adult for every 5 children. Unless you have older children, I recommend a parent attend with each child. Once they are done in the upstairs party room, it’s basically a free-for-all, and it’s too hard to keep track of several children running around the aquarium.
#2 - You only get 10 minutes for setup. No balloons allowed. Not allowed to stick anything to the walls. (Looks like someone already tried to, and the paint peeled)
For me, this was a disappointment, because I like decorating. The wall murals in the room are beautiful, but they do have some (looks like recycled) decorations in the room and on the tables. For the price, I would’ve liked to see an unused plastic tablecloth on the cake table. It’s a 6ft table, so I’d recommend bringing your own.
#3 - Cake and individually packaged drinks are the only food and beverages allowed. (Bring your own plates and napkins)
#4 - The tables are the perfect size for little kids, and there are normal sized chairs for the adults lining the perimeter of the room. I left the tables as-is, but cool little placemats would’ve looked nice.
#5 - The room was very cold and kind of quiet. If you can bring your own speakers with music, I think that would improve the atmosphere.
# 6 - Restrooms are SO far away from the party room. Another reason that you want a parent for every child. So that it’s not your responsibility to walk downstairs through a maze to find them.
# 7 - I might be being picky, but I was also disappointed that the party host doesn’t write down the gifts and who they are from for the purpose of thank you cards. I’ve been to other kid party venues where this is included, and really loved not having to worry about that.
#8 - Goodie bags were also supposed to be included with my party package, and I don’t think our guests received any. I didn’t realize it until after I left, so that’s another disappointment.
Written December 7, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello
Thank you so much for taking the time to review your party at SEA LIFE, and for the feedback. We will be sure to look at your points and wherever possible use them going forward for our parties
Once again thank you for your feedback and we hope to see you again soon!
Written January 11, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kellie P
1 contribution
Feb 2020
Very fun place to see creatures I've not seen before and many I've seen. The people working there are so nice and the young lady at the star fish tank was really smart and nice. The lady telling the information about the rays while they were being fed was really nice and the gentleman telling us about the sharks was really nice as well. I'd love to go back and spend more time there. Was a really good time.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe E Jr
Linwood, MI5 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
My family really liked and appreciated the aquarium. I brought up my girls to appreciate & respect nature. So my wife & 20 year old daughter had fun. We enjoyed reading about the all the creatures there & seeing the stingrays, sharks & sea turtles in action. If you're the kind of person that likes to take their time, enjoys what their doing, & likes to learn new things about nature, I think you'll enjoy this place.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tonya W
Fenton, MI34 contributions
If you don't buy your tickets a week in advance online then plan on waiting at least 3 hours to get it. Walk ins have no priority, they need a new plan for customers. Huge turn off.
Written February 21, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello
Thank you for your review, at present we are indeed experiencing high demand for tickets and high volume days especially at weekends and therefore we do encourage booking online, midweek being a little quieter at present. For the safety and to ensure our uests get the best experience we do try to control how many people are going into the aquarium at once time and this can result in a delay getting in on peak days, I'm sorry to hear this impacted your visit.
We hope to welcome you back to SEA LIFE Michigan in the future
Written February 26, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sania Z
Dearborn, MI1 contribution
Apr 2017 • Business
I am a classroom teacher, and I booked a field trip with Sea Life in December. We were supposed to go in April, it is when we are leaning about living things in science, so the field tied with what were doing in class. We had to fundraiser for the field trip because prices were expensive, and a couple weeks before our field trip, the Aquarium, leaves me a message and they cancel the workshops for us. very disappointed, would never plan a field trip with them again, and if you call to complain, you will be on hold for half an hour at least.
Written May 1, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kirstybullis
Eaton Rapids, MI28 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
The animals were in poor condition. All the cow-nosed sting rays had red open sores, the seahorses were visibly stressed. I am very upset to have seen these creatures in this condition.
On top of that the admission price is ridiculous. We paid 43.00 for the two of us, and it was only half an hour worth of entertainment. Also it was so crowded and the noise level from screaming children almost made it worse.
I attached a picture I took of a sting ray with a visible red sore on his/her nose.
On top of that the admission price is ridiculous. We paid 43.00 for the two of us, and it was only half an hour worth of entertainment. Also it was so crowded and the noise level from screaming children almost made it worse.
I attached a picture I took of a sting ray with a visible red sore on his/her nose.
Written June 1, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello
Thank you for your review, and for your feedback on some of our creatures. I would like to reassure you that the health and well being of all of our creatures is paramount in every thing we do, and our dedicated Animal Care Team are always on hand to ensure this happens.
Our cow nose rays are currently receiving treatment and will be enjoying their new home in our 120,000 gallon ocean tank in the next few days. Our seahorses, whilst giving the appearance of being lethargic are doing well and are exhibiting breeding behaviour which is connected to being happy in both their surroundings and life.
We do suggest that our guests stay to see one of our talks or feeds through out the day and take in some of our conservation informaton located in each area to enjoy their stay with us to the maximum
Thank you once again for your review
Written June 4, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dawn H
Flint, MI3 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
My family visited for the first time on Thursday. We were not able to experience the aquarium to its fullest due to a large group of children bussed in for a field trip. They were overexcited and under supervised. The adults with them were too busy playing with their phones instead of watching their charges much less take advantage of the education portion of the tour. These kids spread out through the entire place so we were not able to get in front or behind them. The staff member at the touch pool had her hands full trying to protect the animals from the mishandling by the children, one kid was trying to pocket a starfish, splashing of the water over everyone, etc. Her headset was set too low so no one could hear her over the noise. I would suggest that better group control be set in place when it comes to large tour groups. My family did not enjoy the experience at all due to these children. My senior mother was almost knocked down by running children. We paid the high ticket price expecting to experience the beauty of the aquarium but instead left annoyed and feeling cheated. To be fair the aquarium lets you access it all day whenever you want to come and go but when we came back to go through again another large bus group was coming in so we left without going through again. I think there should be a specific time set for large tour groups and for general public. The aquarium is too small for the both simultaneously.
Written July 3, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Dawn,
Thank you for visiting SEA LIFE Michigan! And thank you for taking the time to write such a detailed review. I'm sorry to hear that the aquarium was so crowded when you arrived for your visit. We do our best to manage the number of people in the aquarium by pre-booking groups, encouraging people to pre-book online, and limiting walk-up tickets, however, guests are welcome to stay in the aquarium as long as they like and this can sometimes lead to overcrowding. As you mentioned, your General Admission ticket allows you to leave and come back later that day and I would always encourage you to do that if you feel it is too crowded. The best times to visit (and avoid the large crowds) are weekday evenings. I hope you are able to come back soon!
Regards,
Hayley Townsend
General Manager
Written July 14, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jeremy S
Florida12 contributions
Feb 2015 • Family
We were in town visiting parents, they decided to take us (my 4 year old son and I) to SEA LIFE. We went on a Thursday in late February, and I have to say: don't waste your money.
First, we bought tickets well in advance, yet when we showed up the line was out the door, and the entrance was chaos. It seemed like they had no idea what was going on at the front. When we finally were let in, it continued to be chaos. The aquarium area is very small and cramped, and there were SO many people in there it was impossible to see most things. Our 4 year old tried a few times to get into certain areas to see and after a while he just gave up and wanted to finish it. One of the biggest problems is the fact that they allow strollers inside the aquarium. As I said, it is tiny, and bringing strollers in makes it almost impossible to navigate. Not to mention most people we saw with strollers had kids who were 6 months old or so, and they were being carried! So people would park their strollers in front of things or in the walkway so it was like navigating an obstacle course.
The touch tank was no better - extremely crowded - and the problem here was the adults who wouldn't leave. They stood right in the front for close to 10 minutes, while many kids were waiting to give it a try. It was poorly managed and certainly not worth the money paid.
Finally, at the end there is a play structure area that was INSANE. It is not monitored by the workers (or at least we saw none). Shoes were strewn about everywhere (even though there are cubbies for them, most kids just threw them on the floor). Parents just let kids go and didn't supervise. Our 4-year old was pushed out of the way several times by kids who were clearly 9 or 10 (which was out of the posted range for using the play area).
Between the incredibly huge crowds, lack of space and lack of supervision, this is something we will never do again.
First, we bought tickets well in advance, yet when we showed up the line was out the door, and the entrance was chaos. It seemed like they had no idea what was going on at the front. When we finally were let in, it continued to be chaos. The aquarium area is very small and cramped, and there were SO many people in there it was impossible to see most things. Our 4 year old tried a few times to get into certain areas to see and after a while he just gave up and wanted to finish it. One of the biggest problems is the fact that they allow strollers inside the aquarium. As I said, it is tiny, and bringing strollers in makes it almost impossible to navigate. Not to mention most people we saw with strollers had kids who were 6 months old or so, and they were being carried! So people would park their strollers in front of things or in the walkway so it was like navigating an obstacle course.
The touch tank was no better - extremely crowded - and the problem here was the adults who wouldn't leave. They stood right in the front for close to 10 minutes, while many kids were waiting to give it a try. It was poorly managed and certainly not worth the money paid.
Finally, at the end there is a play structure area that was INSANE. It is not monitored by the workers (or at least we saw none). Shoes were strewn about everywhere (even though there are cubbies for them, most kids just threw them on the floor). Parents just let kids go and didn't supervise. Our 4-year old was pushed out of the way several times by kids who were clearly 9 or 10 (which was out of the posted range for using the play area).
Between the incredibly huge crowds, lack of space and lack of supervision, this is something we will never do again.
Written March 9, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello
Thank you for taking the time to reiew SEA LIFE Michigan, I am disappointed to hear that your visit fell short of expectations and I would very much like to address your points further. Please could you contact me at hayley.townsend@merlinentertainments.biz
I look forward to hearing from you
Written March 24, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
What's the name of the moray eel? I forgot and its driving me crazy!
Written May 20, 2018
There are two lines, one to purchase tickets and the other for those who already have tickets. This option is available at both the Aquarium and Lego Discovery Center. If the cashier does not remind you, make sure to keep your proof of purchase/receipt. They will scan the same receipt for entrance to the aquarium and Lego Discovery Center.
Written April 12, 2018
miguelhernandez66
Saint Johns, Michigan
I was wondering if you could enter sea life on your own even if you are under 18?
Written February 13, 2018
Yes. There is only an age restriction at Legoland Discovery Center.
Written February 26, 2018
miguelhernandez66
Saint Johns, Michigan
How old do you have to be to enter I’m 16 years old and already bought the tickets online just wanted to know if I could still enter?
Written February 13, 2018
It shouldn't be any problem.
Have fun!
Written February 16, 2018
I am not sure about discounts for the big three. You probably want contact the aquarium directly to make you get any discounts entitled to you.
Written June 26, 2017
How old you get coupons? We plan to go later this week
Thanks
Written April 5, 2017
Valpak had some offers and you can currently buy the Buy One Adult, Get One Child free at SE Michigan Kroger stores.
Written April 6, 2017
I bought tickets on trip advisor but they're not for a specific time. When you go on the actual Sea Life website and buy tickets they have you reserve a time frame. How does it work with the trip advisor passes?
Written March 25, 2017
Hello, I hope I can help. I did not buy tickets from Trip Advisor. Since my daughter was doing an internship there I somewhat had some "liberties". I can tell you this; The park is very interactive and has exhibits open throughout the day. They do have some special activities, such as feeding times, scheduled for the marine life which makes them more visible at certain times. This park is a very, VERY, visitor friendly so my best suggestion is to arrive early in the day and they will provide you with a full schedule of the days activities. It is an indoor/outdoor facility so the activities can vary depending on the weather. They also do animal rehab and while you cannot engage in this behavior I think it is nice to know that this facility is participatory in saving marine life. It is a nice facility with good marine life and you should not be disappointed! Check out the glass done by a local artist, Jeffrey P'an, in the fish tanks! Super beautiful! Also,Juno the Beluga Whale, is a favorite and has been known to photo bomb weddings that take place on premise. Hope that helps!
Written March 26, 2017
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