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Aquarium of Boise

About

The Aquarium of Boise is a non-profit organization and a popular attraction located in Boise, Idaho, USA. This aquarium offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the underwater world and meet its diverse inhabitants without leaving the city limits. It is ideal for family vacations and educational field trips.

Aquarium of Boise. Illustration.
Source: Kupi.com AI

Traveller photos:

The aquarium covers an area of about 930 square meters and is housed in an originally converted warehouse, which gives it a special atmosphere. It is home to about 5,000 animals belonging to 300 different species. Guests can explore 32 main exhibits, each opening a window into the amazing ecosystems of our planet, from tropical reefs to local waters.

One of the impressive features of the Aquarium of Boise is its largest tank, holding about 64,000 liters (17,000 gallons) of water, where large marine animals can be observed. A visit to the aquarium will be an educational and exciting adventure for the whole family, allowing you to learn more about marine life, the importance of water conservation, and participate in interactive programs.

Contacts

For the most up-to-date information on the Aquarium of Boise, including visiting hours, ticket prices, and special events, it is recommended to visit its official website. There, you can also find answers to any questions you may have and plan your visit accordingly.

How to contactContact
Address64 N Cole Rd, Boise, ID 83704, USA
Phone+1 208-375-1932
Websitewww.aquariumboise.net

What to Do

Visiting the Aquarium of Boise is a fascinating dive into the underwater world, where 32 diverse exhibits await you. Here, you can meet many species of marine and freshwater inhabitants. Watch graceful fish, study the behavior of other aquatic animals, and marvel at the diversity of life hidden beneath the water's surface in this corner of Boise.

The Aquarium of Boise is not just a place for observation, but also an important educational center. Visitors, both adults and children, can learn a lot about the aquatic ecosystem, the habitats of the species presented, and their role in nature. This is a great opportunity to expand your knowledge of the world around you in an interactive and fun way, getting to know the unique residents of the aquarium.

In addition to exploring the amazing exhibits, the aquarium often serves as a venue for various events. It regularly hosts school field trips and community groups, offering them educational programs. Furthermore, the Aquarium of Boise provides opportunities for corporate meetings and private celebrations, making it not only an educational but also a multi-functional center.

Getting There

Getting to the Aquarium of Boise is quite simple, as it is located within the city of Boise. Depending on your location and preferences, you can choose from several convenient options.

One of the most common options is public transport. Boise has a bus network, and it is likely that one of the routes passes near the aquarium or within a reasonable walking distance. It is recommended to check current routes and schedules on the city transit company's official website in advance. This is not only an economical but also an eco-friendly way to travel.

If you prefer comfort and speed, you can always use a taxi or popular ridesharing apps. A trip from downtown Boise to the aquarium usually doesn't take much time, especially outside of peak hours. Also, if you are traveling by your own or a rental car, there are convenient access roads leading to the aquarium, and visitor parking is typically provided nearby.

Nearest city: Boise

History & Facts

The Aquarium of Boise is not just a place for entertainment, but the result of the efforts of a dedicated non-profit organization founded in 2008. After searching for a suitable location, the aquarium found its home in a converted warehouse space of approximately 930 square meters (10,000 square feet) in Boise. The official opening to the public took place on December 16, 2011, marking the beginning of the fascinating history of this aquatic world in the USA.

Interestingly, the aquarium originally opened as a "work in progress," with some exhibits still being finalized. Over time, it has been constantly updated with new inhabitants and displays, transforming into the amazing place we see today. Construction cost approximately $300,000. These funds were raised through small donations, season pass and daily ticket sales, as well as grants, fundraising events, and support from corporate and private sponsors.

A significant milestone in the aquarium's history occurred on May 21, 2014, when the "Idaho Aquarium" (its original name) officially changed its name to the Aquarium of Boise. This change was part of a larger restructuring that included a new board of directors and the appointment of a new CEO and COO. The primary mission of the revamped organization became maintaining and strengthening the aquarium as a vital educational resource for the entire community, emphasizing its role not only in entertainment but also in education.

Time Needed

When planning a visit to the Aquarium of Boise, you should allow about 1-2 hours to fully experience the exhibits. This time is generally enough to leisurely walk through all the halls, observe the marine and freshwater inhabitants, and read the informational displays.

For most visitors, this timeframe allows for a complete overview of the aquarium, watching the feeding of some species if it coincides with the visit time, and taking memorable photos. If you are traveling with children, who are particularly curious and love to linger at every tank, or if you are a big fan of the underwater world yourself, your visit may take a little longer, perhaps up to 2.5 hours.

However, if you are short on time, a quick tour of the main exhibits can be completed in an hour. In any case, the Aquarium of Boise offers a fascinating immersion into the world of aquatic depths, and the duration of your visit will depend on your personal interest and pace.

Working Hours

The exact opening hours of the Aquarium of Boise may vary depending on the season and day of the week, so it is highly recommended to check current information on the attraction's official website or contact them directly before visiting. This will help you plan your visit and avoid any surprises related to schedule changes.

Typically, popular tourist sites like aquariums may offer different hours on weekdays and weekends, as well as during holidays. It is also worth checking if advance ticket booking is required, especially if you plan to visit during the peak tourist season or as part of a large group. On the Aquarium of Boise's official resource, you will likely find the most up-to-date information on operating hours, ticket prices, and possible special events.

DayOpening hours
Monday10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday10:00 – 17:00
Thursday10:00 – 17:00
Friday10:00 – 17:00
Saturday10:00 – 17:00
Sunday12:00 – 17:00

Nearby

A visit to the Aquarium of Boise is undoubtedly an exciting adventure, but you shouldn't stop there. Exploring the surrounding area will help you dive deeper into the atmosphere of Boise and discover even more interesting places. Often, it is these spontaneous discoveries and visits to nearby sites that leave the most vivid impressions of a trip.

There are several notable places near the Aquarium of Boise that can complement your cultural or entertainment program. Whether it's a scenic park, a shopping center, or another unique attraction, setting aside a little time to visit them will make your journey even more fulfilling.

NameDistance
Milwaukee Marketplace1.4 km
Boise Trampoline Park1.6 km
Boise Spectrum Center1.9 km
Molenaar Park3.5 km
Kathryn Albertson Park3.9 km
Ann Morrison Park4.3 km
Veterans Memorial Park4.6 km

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