Cleveland Aquarium?

[jerpa]

I know when I read of peoples first impressions of the new aquarium they commented on it being open bit too early. A lot of the exhibits weren't quite finished yet. I was wondering if it had been finished up yet. I want to make a trip up there but wanted to hold off a bit due to what I had read.

Second question: If there were one store in the Cleveland area that I need to visit up there what would it be?

 

[captnslapy]

I went to the aquarium about a month ago and sad to say I was really disappointed. Tanks had very little fish and no live coral in the "reef" displays. The shark tank was nice. But not worth the price of admission. We had asked about season passes when we first got there and the girl at the counter suggested we go threw it first and then decide , because lots of people choose not to come back. I know we won't be back anytime soon.

 

[Rye323]

I visited the Cleveland Aquarium a couple months ago, and its not all it was built up to be. Definitely don't take any younger kids, or you'll get through the whole thing in less than thirty minutes. The final attraction was the only thing unique to the aquarium. They have a rather larger tunnel walk through aquarium at the end. As already mentioned there are no "real" coral displays, and the variety of fish was lacking.
My final impression of the aquarium is that its overpriced for the experience. They should only be charging at max $12 admission, not the twenty some I paid.

 

[sohal1025]

That's good to know. I was also thinking of finally going but I'll hold off another year. What is the actual cost for adults?

 

[SaltwaterAdict]

I think they did an exceptional job! I really enjoyed it!

 

[captnslapy]

That's good to know. I was also thinking of finally going but I'll hold off another year. What is the actual cost for adults?

It's $21.95 for adults.

 

[SaltwaterAdict]

It's $21.95 for adults.

I opted in going with the seasons pass. Too good to pass up!

 

[Ryand63]

I got a season pass as a gift for the opening last year. Went and was disappointed in the no coral and what note kept,getting emails about all the stuff they added like fish and corals and went back last week and was just as disappointed. Probably won't be going back but I still think its great to have one in cleveland

 

[roxbury003]

I signed in just to post on this.... Don't waste your money. I went a couple months ago and was not impressed.

The shark tank was the best...

At the end of the tour, there's a sign there that states that the company that built the aquarium is there to make money as opposed to providing a vivid ideal of the fishys natural habitat.


I won't go back.

 

[nmouncey]

Ditto on what everyone else said about the aquarium. But it's another thing to bring people to the city and that is good. Now travelers will say "Well they have the casino...the zoo....the Rock Hall....and an aquarium....that's good for a long weekend trip."

As for the store to hit in Cleveland....Blue Fish Aquariums on Mayfield Road. Ask if Ryan, the owner is in, and he'll answer anything you could ever want to know. Great selection of stuff. Thursday is the day most coral comes in. I love the place.

I help out with his marketing...so I'm a little biased : )

But for my money...locally...there is nothing I would compare to it.

 

[sabalough]

The "great Aquariums” all started off as OK and grew to what they are today. Give this place a chance and support it..In time it can be like the aquariums you guys are comparing it to.


I grew up going to the New England (Boston) aquarium and the National aquarium (Baltimore) every several years. Both of these great aquariums were originally just OK by today’s standards.

I took my kids 3,5,8 to the Baltimore aquarium last summer we spent 8 hours there they wanted to see it all again and again...
I spoke with one of the volunteers feeding the fish and cleaning up. He said there was a waiting list to be a volunteer at the aquarium. How cool would it be for Cleveland to get that kind of comunity support.


In fareness, I've not been to the Cleveland Aquarium yet we are planing to go one day after Christmass though.

 

[crabbyjoe]

for what it is currently, it is a little pricey and you can go through it very fast. my suggestion is stand back and watch the tanks and enjoy them. dont just rush through and go "ooh" and "ahh". watch each tank and its inhabitants. its not equal to the National Aquarium in Baltimore or even a lot of major zoos, but it is a nice thing to have in the Cleveland area and should get better from here. (and this is coming from a guy that grew up in pittsburgh!)

by the way, the shark tank is amazing and i look forward to diving in it as part of their dive w/ the sharks program!