Yes, Nashville has an aquarium downtown on the riverfront
Nashville is home to the Aquarium at Opry Mills, located at 422 Opry Mills Drive in the Opry Mills shopping complex on the east side of the city. The facility opened in 2000 and holds freshwater and saltwater exhibits with over 10,000 animals. It is not the only aquarium option in the Nashville area — there is also a smaller facility called the Tennessee Aquarium in nearby Chattanooga, about 120 miles southeast, which some visitors choose instead.
The Aquarium at Opry Mills is the main aquarium within Nashville itself and is open year-round. It sits near the Grand Ole Opry, making it a common stop for visitors exploring that part of the city. The facility includes touch pools, interactive exhibits, and a 680,000-gallon main tank with a walk-through tunnel where you can see sharks, rays, and large fish swimming overhead.
Key Takeaways
- The Aquarium at Opry Mills is Nashville's primary aquarium, located at 422 Opry Mills Drive on the east side of the city.
- The facility houses over 10,000 animals in both freshwater and saltwater exhibits, including a 680,000-gallon main tank with a walk-through tunnel.
- Hours and admission prices vary by season, so checking the official website before your visit will save time and help you plan your day.
- The aquarium is located within the Opry Mills shopping complex near the Grand Ole Opry, making parking and nearby dining convenient.
- The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, about 120 miles away, is an alternative if you want a larger facility or are traveling in that direction.
What you will see inside the Aquarium at Opry Mills
The main draw is the 680,000-gallon saltwater tank with a walk-through acrylic tunnel. Sharks, rays, groupers, and other large fish swim around and above you as you move through. The tunnel is designed so you are surrounded on three sides by water and marine life, which creates the impression of being underwater without getting wet.
Beyond the main tank, the aquarium has separate exhibits for freshwater species native to Tennessee and the Southeast, including catfish, bass, and turtles. There are also touch pools where visitors can handle starfish, sea cucumbers, and other invertebrates. The facility includes a sea lion show that runs multiple times daily, and interactive feeding demonstrations where staff explain the diet and behavior of different species.
The aquarium is designed for families with young children, so exhibits are at varying heights and many are interactive rather than view-only. The entire facility can usually be toured in two to three hours, depending on how long you spend at each exhibit.
Hours, admission, and what to bring
The Aquarium at Opry Mills is open daily, but hours change seasonally. During peak summer months, it typically opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 9 p.m. In winter, hours are usually 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., though these vary. The official website lists current hours before you visit, which is important because holiday schedules and special events can shift opening and closing times.
Admission is charged per person, and prices are lower for children and seniors than for adults. Annual memberships are also available and can be cost-effective if you plan to visit more than once. Many hotels and visitor centers in Nashville offer discount coupons or combo packages that bundle aquarium admission with other attractions.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, as you will be on your feet for two to three hours. The facility is climate-controlled indoors, so you do not need to worry about weather. Strollers are allowed, and the pathways are wide enough to accommodate them. Outside food is typically not permitted, but the aquarium has a cafe with standard snacks and meals.
Parking and location near other attractions
The Aquarium at Opry Mills is located within the Opry Mills shopping complex, which has a large parking lot. Parking is free, and the aquarium entrance is clearly marked from the lot. The complex also includes restaurants, shops, and a movie theater, so you can easily spend a full day in the area.
The Grand Ole Opry venue is just across the street, making it possible to visit both in one trip if you have time. The Opry offers live country music performances most nights, and tickets are sold separately. The area is about 10 miles northeast of downtown Nashville, so if you are staying downtown, plan for a 15- to 20-minute drive depending on traffic.
The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga as an alternative
If you are willing to drive outside Nashville, the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga is larger and often considered one of the best aquariums in the Southeast. It is about 120 miles away, roughly a two-hour drive south on Interstate 24. The Chattanooga facility has both freshwater and saltwater exhibits and is known for its river tank and sea turtle exhibits.
The Tennessee Aquarium is worth considering if you are already planning a trip to Chattanooga or if you want a more extensive aquarium experience. However, for a quick visit while staying in Nashville, the Aquarium at Opry Mills is more convenient and does not require leaving the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to see everything at the Aquarium at Opry Mills?
Most visitors spend two to three hours at the aquarium. If you move quickly and skip the sea lion shows, you can finish in about 90 minutes. If you spend time at the touch pools and watch multiple shows, you may stay closer to three or four hours.
Can I bring my own food into the aquarium?
Outside food is typically not permitted inside the facility. The aquarium has a cafe with sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. You can also eat at one of the restaurants in the Opry Mills complex before or after your visit.
Is the aquarium wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Aquarium at Opry Mills is wheelchair accessible throughout. Pathways are wide, elevators connect all levels, and accessible restrooms are available. If you have specific accessibility questions, you can call the facility directly before your visit.
What is the difference between the Aquarium at Opry Mills and the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga?
The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga is larger and has more exhibits, including a river tank and more extensive sea turtle displays. The Aquarium at Opry Mills is smaller but is located in Nashville itself, making it more convenient if you do not want to drive outside the city.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
You can buy tickets at the entrance on the day of your visit, but purchasing online in advance sometimes offers a small discount. Checking the official website before you go will show current prices and any available deals.