Sea Life aquariums are located in ten U.S. cities, each operated by Merlin Entertainments

Sea Life is a chain of indoor aquariums owned and run by Merlin Entertainments, a UK-based company. The aquariums are not a single location — they are spread across the country, with each one built inside a shopping mall or entertainment complex. If you are looking for a Sea Life near you, the locations are: Kansas City (Missouri), Charlotte (North Carolina), Chicago (Illinois), Dallas (Texas), Grapevine (Texas), Myrtle Beach (South Carolina), New Jersey (in the American Dream mall in Secaucus), New York City, San Antonio (Texas), and Schaumburg (Illinois).

Each Sea Life aquarium is a self-contained facility with its own hours, ticket prices, and special exhibits. They are not connected to each other — visiting one does not give you access to another. The aquariums range in size, but all feature underwater tunnels, touch pools, and live animal demonstrations as core attractions.

Key Takeaways

  • Sea Life operates ten aquariums across the United States, with locations in Missouri, North Carolina, Illinois, Texas, South Carolina, New Jersey, and New York.
  • Each location is independently operated and has its own hours, admission prices, and seasonal events.
  • Most Sea Life aquariums are located inside shopping malls or entertainment complexes, which affects parking and nearby dining options.
  • Ticket prices and special exhibits vary by location, so checking the specific aquarium's website before visiting is necessary.

Sea Life locations by region

The Texas locations are the most numerous. Sea Life Dallas is in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Sea Life San Antonio is in the South Texas region, and Sea Life Grapevine is in the Fort Worth suburbs. These three are spread across the state and are not within driving distance of each other for a single day trip.

The Illinois locations are closer together. Sea Life Chicago is in the downtown area, and Sea Life Schaumburg is in the northern suburbs, about 30 miles away. Both are accessible by car or public transit from the Chicago area.

The East Coast locations include Sea Life New Jersey (inside the American Dream mall in Secaucus, near the New Jersey-New York border), Sea Life New York City (in Midtown Manhattan), Sea Life Charlotte (in North Carolina), and Sea Life Myrtle Beach (in South Carolina). Sea Life Kansas City is the only Midwest location outside Illinois.

What to expect at each location

All Sea Life aquariums follow a similar design: a walk-through tunnel where sharks and rays swim overhead, interactive touch pools where visitors can handle starfish and sea urchins, and live feeding demonstrations. The size and number of exhibits vary — larger locations like New York City and Dallas have more species and deeper tanks, while smaller ones focus on a core collection.

Most Sea Life aquariums are designed for families with young children and can be toured in two to three hours. The underwater tunnel is the signature feature at every location. Touch pools are usually available during set times, so arriving early or checking the daily schedule on-site is important if that is a priority for your visit.

Admission prices and hours vary by location

Sea Life does not set a single national ticket price. Each location sets its own rates based on local demand and operating costs. Prices typically range from $20 to $30 for adults and $15 to $25 for children, but some locations charge more during peak season or special events. Discounts are often available for purchasing tickets online in advance.

Hours also differ by location and season. Most aquariums are open daily, but some reduce hours in winter months or close on certain weekdays during off-season. Checking the specific aquarium's website or calling ahead before your visit is the only way to confirm current hours and pricing.

How to find the nearest Sea Life to you

The official Sea Life website has a location finder that shows all ten aquariums with their addresses, phone numbers, and links to individual location pages. Each location page displays current hours, ticket prices, parking information, and details about any temporary closures or renovations.

If you are planning a trip and want to compare what each location offers, the individual pages also list the types of animals on display and any special exhibits running that month. Some locations host birthday parties, school field trips, and private events, which are also listed on their pages.

Parking and nearby amenities

Because most Sea Life aquariums are located inside shopping malls or entertainment complexes, parking is usually available on-site or in an adjacent lot. The American Dream mall in New Jersey and the Midtown Manhattan location are exceptions — both have limited parking and are best reached by public transit or ride-share services.

Shopping malls hosting Sea Life aquariums typically have restaurants, food courts, and retail stores nearby, making it straightforward to spend a full day at the complex. Myrtle Beach and San Antonio locations are in tourist areas with additional attractions within walking distance or a short drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit a Sea Life aquarium without buying a ticket?

No. Sea Life aquariums are paid attractions and require a ticket for entry. Some malls allow you to walk through common areas without a ticket, but the aquarium itself is a separate ticketed venue. Online tickets are usually cheaper than tickets purchased at the door.

Do Sea Life aquariums offer annual passes?

Yes, most locations sell annual memberships that allow unlimited visits for a year. The cost varies by location, but annual passes typically pay for themselves after three or four visits. Check the specific location's website for membership details and pricing.

Are Sea Life aquariums good for very young children?

Yes. Sea Life aquariums are designed with families in mind and have attractions for children of all ages. Touch pools and the underwater tunnel are popular with toddlers and preschoolers. Strollers are allowed, and most locations have family restrooms and nursing areas.

Can I bring my own food into a Sea Life aquarium?

Most Sea Life locations do not allow outside food, but policies vary. Some permit you to bring snacks or a packed lunch, while others restrict food to items purchased inside. Call the specific location before your visit to confirm their food policy.

How long does it take to see everything at a Sea Life aquarium?

Most visitors spend two to three hours at a Sea Life aquarium. The time depends on how long you spend at each exhibit and whether you watch the live demonstrations. Smaller locations can be toured in 90 minutes, while larger ones may take closer to four hours if you see everything.