Plan Your Visit-Draper Aquarium-Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

Are you thinking of going to the Draper Aquarium?  The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is amazing! This is the best aquarium Salt Lake has to offer! (Yes, it is located in Draper but in Salt Lake County)

This is one attraction to add to your Salt Lake City itinerary. This Salt Lake aquarium will not disappoint! 

The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is actually located in Draper, Utah which is just south of Salt Lake City.  The aquarium in Draper is always expanding and making things better and better.

In this post, we are going to give you a complete guide to the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. We will let you know the Living Planet Aquarium prices and hours.  We will also show you all the fun things to do at the Living Planet Aquarium in Draper! 

Let’s explore all about the Draper aquarium so that you can plan your adventure at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.

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Tickets to Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Draper

Admission

Adult: $17.95 – $27.95

Seniors, Teens, Military, College Student: $14.95 -$24.95

Child: $12.95 – $22.95

Children under 2 are free

Hours

10:00 am – 6:00pm

Mondays are extended hours to 8:00 pm plus a family discount of $5 off per ticket.

Memberships

If you live nearby and are considering an annual membership they will usually pay for themselves within 2-3 visits.

There are a few options for memberships:

• Individual Membership
• Family Membership
• Bring a Guest Membership
• Adult Add A Child Membership

Benefits for all Members Include:

Parking at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Draper

There is no additional charge to park. The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Draper has plenty of parking that is located directly adjacent to the building.

Explore the Draper Aquarium

The aquarium is divided into different sections: Ocean Explorer, Expedition Asia, Journey to South America, Discover Utah, Penguin Research Station, and Deep Sea Lab.

You can start at any section.

1. Ocean Explorer Area

As you walk in the Ocean Explorer section which is located on the main floor of the Draper Aquarium you will see animals such as the Giant Pacific Octopus, colorful ocean fish, and stingrays.

Sting Rays

There is an area where you can place two fingers in the water to pet the stingrays as they swim by.  This is a fun interactive area where you can have a hands-on experience.

My kiddos love the hands-on experiences in this area! 

Shark Tank

As you move around this area you will be led on a shark adventure. The shark tank is incredible.  You are actually surrounded by sharks in a 40-foot tunnel.  It is really impressive to see this massive shark tank. My kids loved this! We could spend all day exploring the shark tanks! 

As you exit the shark tank you will get another view of the sharks.  It is a large area where educational lectures are held.

2. Expedition Asia

Expedition Asia was an expansion in 2016.  It is a great way to explore some of the rare Asian Arowana Fish, Clouded Leopards, and Asian Clawed Otters.

We love going to this section!  It is exciting to explore new fish unique to the Asian continent.  This exhibit is quite large.  My kids love exploring this area.

3. Journey to South America

Journey to South America is one of our favorite areas.  There are alligators, amazing birds, and gigantic fish.  It is on two levels.

Rope Bridge

The best part for my kids is a rope bridge that they can run across while looking down at the animals.  My kids spend a long time running across the bridge over and over again.

Spotted Frogs

There are also really cute Amazon frogs that are all different colors.  There are also big frogs for the kids to play on.

South American Atmosphere 

You really feel like you are in the Amazon.  There are birds flying around.  You even feel the humidity that is common in this part of the world.

It really is a beautiful area.  I love the walkways that help you immerse yourself and help you actually feel like you are in the Amazon.

4. Discover Utah Section Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

We love how this Draper Utah aquarium really explores all parts of the world but also highlights Utah.  Many people know about Utah’s amazing National Parks. But the aquarium highlights some of the wildlife that you may not otherwise know about when you visit Utah.

Native Fish

Utah also has many lakes with native Cutthroat fish.  There are also desert turtles in many of these lakes.

Utah Aquarium Exhibit

One reason the Draper Aquarium makes my list of top things to do in Salt Lake City for kids is that throughout the entire building there are fun and interactive exhibits where kids can have hands-on experiences!

There are mazes made out of the red rock that is so common in Utah.  My kids love crawling through them.

North American Otters

There are North American Otters in this section that are so cute.  Kids can crawl to a viewing area and actually feel like they are in the otter habitat. It is like being face-to-face with an otter!

5. Penguin Research Station

The Penguin Research Station in my opinion is the best part of the whole aquarium.  There are so many adorable penguins.  They swim around and interact with each other.

Penguin Presentation

Presentations are offered throughout the day.  You can ask all sorts of questions and learn all about these amazing animals.  It is fun to see them swim under the water and then jump up on the rocks and hang out.

6. Deep-Sea Lab Exhibit at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

Have you ever wondered what could survive in the depths of the ocean?  This very dark area helps you actually feel like you are in the depths of the sea.

These fish do not like light so the area is dimly lit.  There is a submarine that the kids can play and pretend in. My kids love this! It is so much fun! 

This is a smaller area with limited sea creatures.

7. 4-D Theater at Draper Aquarium Utah

The 4D Theater is a fun interactive experience!  There are shows on the half-hour and hour.  Different presentations alternate so you may have the opportunity to see two different shows in one visit.

My kids love seeing a new film and get excited about this when we go to the aquarium in SLC.

8. Tuki’s Play and Party Center

For kids, the Tuki’s Island Play Center is amazing!

If you have a membership it is included.  If not, there is an additional charge of $3 per kid.

Socks must be worn.

Our Experience

My kids could spend 2-3 hours just in this area.  It is basically a really cool play area.  Birthday parties are also conducted in this area but are isolated in private rooms. 

Parents can relax on couches and chairs while their kids play. I spent so many hours in this area of the Draper Aquarium when my kids were little.  It was awesome!  

This area alone made my Draper Aquarium pass worth it! 

9. Gift Shop at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

As you exit the Draper Utah aquarium you will be going through the gift shop.  I actually really like this gift shop.  I have purchased some pretty unique items for birthday gifts and Christmas.

One thing I like about it is there are usually sales on specific items each time I visit.  Unfortunately, the hard part is that there are so many cool things that it might make it hard to actually exit because your kids will want everything.

I highly recommend making some time to explore the gift shop on your visit.  Your trip to the Draper Aquarium would not be complete without some souvenirs right?!

10. Cafe Avalon at Draper Aquarium

If you work up an appetite never fear the cafe has plenty of great food options to choose from.  When my kids were little we would make sure to eat lunch every time we came to the Sandy Aquarium which is where the Loveland Living Plane Aquarium was first located.

It is a nice way to start or finish your adventure at the Draper Aquarium.

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium EECO Voyager

I had the opportunity to speak with the director of the Draper Aquarium and she shared with me how exciting the new area is.

Virtual Reality Shows at Salt Lake Aquarium in Draper

There are two virtual reality and 4D shows in the EECO area.  One is an Amazon adventure and the other takes you under the sea.  

You will need a reservation to see these, so make sure to book them right when you enter the aquarium. If you want to see both shows the reservations have to be spread out at least 45 minutes.  

These shows are so cool because they use air, water, scents, and motion during the production.  

Outside Play Zone

This area also has a playground and zip line under the enormous outdoor stage canopy alien. 

Are You Ready to Go to the Utah Draper Aquarium?

Hopefully, this helps you plan out your Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Utah day!  There is so much to do and see.  It is fun and one of the best aquariums in Utah. 

You are going to have a blast exploring the Aquarium in Draper Utah! 

If you are looking for more ideas for your Salt Lake City with kids itinerary, check out my post on This is the Place, Heritage Park.  This is another great spot to explore with kids!

If you are planning a spring break in Utah , fall break, or winter break in Utah. The Salt Lake City Aquarium is one of the best things to add to your list. 

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