Amazing place. So wonderful to visit. That was a very fast four hours…read more We arrived at opening and there was already quite a crowd. When we left, the parking lot was overflowing and cars circling around trying to find a parking space. Still, with the influx of larger crowds to parking lot capacity, it didn't feel crowded inside. This is a wonderful place to visit. A wonderful place to bring family and friends..There are animals and species that I've never seen anywhere else, and I've been to the Tucson Sonoran Desert Museum, the San Diego Safari Park, Sea World, Scripps Oceanography, and various zoos. This was a treat. And almost all were active and were seen. Such variety. There is no wasted space in this museum. Walls are adorned, such as a long wall with the ascending walkway going to the penguin exhibit made to look like a South Pole research center. Even every access door for employees are adorned. See my photos. Nice vegetation areas in otherwise unused space. They put a nice climbing gym in what would have been an unused corner, great for parents who need a break and kids to dissipate energy. There are thoughtful benches placed here and there for a sit down rest. There is a very nice small cafe and snack bar to get a yummy huge pretzel, or hamburger and other sandwiches and salads. Looking at the prices, they are very reasonable for a museum/theme park. You are getting a great value for the buck. Whether you are buying for just the day or a membership, I think that you are getting your money's worth. We spent four hours there and didn't see everything, read everything, tried everything. The four hours went by fast. This is a very popular place for good reason--a jewel in the valley. 5* = A top favorite. Mind-blowing good. I will definitely return and I will go out of my way to go here. Worth every dime of my money. 4* = Outstanding. Top-tier. Some elements not quite as good as it gets, but it still is worthy of my regular business. 3* = Good experience. I might do repeat business if it is convenient, the only option, the only one in its category, or on a whim, but would not be among the first thing to come to mind. Would definitely recommend you trying it to get your own take on it. 2* = Not so good. Would not recommend at all. Waste of money. 1* = How are they still in business? Stay away at all costs!

Such a cool place to check out! I've been following the Aquarium since it started back in at the…read moreGateway - it's grown so much!! I came here for an event tonight and the area around the claw is so amazing! There are several different animals around the garden area all lit up for Christmas and it so perfect to stroll through. While we didn't get to see any aquatic life on the tank at the Mountain American Event center, it looks like they were still setting things up to add some animals in soon. The facility itself was very spacious with a sound system that covers the whole room. Can't wait to come back once everything is in place!