East Idaho Aquarium

Immerse yourself in the wonderful world of the deep blue without leaving the mainland. The East Idaho Aquarium is more than just a museum; it is a dynamic interactive space located in Idaho Falls, USA. This non-profit institution was created with the goal of inspiring people to explore and conserve our planet's aquatic ecosystems.

Housed within the walls of a historic former cinema building, the aquarium offers guests the chance to encounter more than 2,100 animals. It features over 200 species: from exotic fish and mysterious eels to majestic sharks, iguanas, and vibrant tropical birds. The space is divided into four themed zones, each opening a new chapter in the story of life on Earth.

The main highlight of this place is its interactivity. Unlike traditional exhibits behind glass, hands-on contact is encouraged here. The aquarium provides a rare opportunity to literally touch nature, making it one of the region's most popular attractions for family holidays and educational field trips.

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The main motto of any visit is "Interact and Explore." At the aquarium, you can do more than just watch the fish — you can become a part of their world. Using special tokens, visitors can feed the stingrays, giant river fish, iguanas, and even trout. This experience brings a rush of excitement to both children and adults, allowing you to observe animal behaviors from the closest possible distance.

One of the most memorable experiences is a visit to the open stingray touch tank. Here, you can not only feed these graceful creatures but also sit right beside them, feeling their presence in the water. For those seeking even more thrills, exclusive programs like swimming with sharks under the supervision of experienced specialists are available.

In addition to the aquatic residents, be sure to stop by the aviary, home to social birds, and check out the collection of sea anemones and jellyfish. The center's staff are happy to share unusual facts about their charges, turning a simple stroll into a fascinating educational journey into the world of wildlife.

The East Idaho Aquarium is located in the heart of the city at 570 E Anderson Street. The building is easy to recognize — it's the historic former cinema premises that has now been transformed into a home for thousands of marine creatures. Thanks to this central location, the attraction is within walking distance or just a short drive from many key points in the city.

If you are traveling by car, getting there is quite easy: Idaho Falls has a convenient road network connecting it to the state's major highways. There is parking available near the aquarium, making the visit comfortable for families with children and those coming from neighboring regions of the USA.

For those who prefer taxis or ridesharing services, the trip from the city center will take only a few minutes. Public transport also operates in the area, though most tourists prefer private vehicles or taxis for maximum flexibility.

The history of this place began in 2013, when Arron Fairs envisioned creating an educational center dedicated to the aquatic world in the eastern part of the state. The idea didn't become a reality overnight: the journey from concept to official opening took several years and required the combined efforts of the entire community.

Notably, the East Idaho Aquarium found its home within the walls of a former cinema. Converting such a unique space to accommodate massive tanks and enclosures was a significant engineering challenge, but it ultimately gave the attraction its unique architectural character and a welcoming, cozy atmosphere.

The establishment of the aquarium was made possible by the incredible support of volunteers and local businesses. Hundreds of hours of volunteer work and generous donations transformed the non-profit organization into one of the region's most significant educational centers.

Today, the site welcomes more than 100,000 visitors annually. What started as a bold dream has become an essential institution that teaches residents and visitors of Idaho about the fragility of marine ecosystems and the importance of wildlife conservation.

To leisurely explore all the exhibits and fully enjoy interacting with the inhabitants, a typical visitor will need about 2–3 hours. This is the ideal amount of time to walk through all four themed halls and participate in interactive feedings.

If you are planning a visit with children or want to book a special program (such as swimming with sharks), you should factor in an additional hour. The interactive format is quite engaging, and many guests find that time flies by while watching the graceful rays and playful birds.

The aquarium is ready to welcome guests daily, offering a convenient schedule for both weekdays and weekends. From Monday to Saturday, the doors are open from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, allowing you to plan a visit even in the evening.

On Sunday, there is a shorter schedule: the center is open from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Please note that last entry is permitted some time before closing to ensure you have enough time to see all the exhibits.

When planning your visit to the aquarium, be sure to set aside some time for a stroll through the surrounding area. The neighborhood offers many interesting locations — from picturesque riverside parks to unique architectural and art monuments that will help you better experience the spirit of the city.

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