Splash Aquarium

Imagine a place where nature science stops being boring textbook theory and transforms into a living, breathtaking adventure. This is exactly what Splash Aquarium is — an educational center in Sacramento that has become a true oasis of ecological enlightenment. Founded in 1999 by biologist Eva Butler, this project is dedicated to one important mission: teaching the younger generation to understand, appreciate, and protect the unique ecosystems of the USA.

Splash is not just an aquarium in the traditional sense, but an entire educational platform that combines theory with invaluable outdoor experience. Here, children and adults can learn about local water resources and how the fragile natural communities of Northeast California function. Over decades of operation, the center has become a key partner for many schools and municipalities in the region.

The organization's main motto states: “People will value what they understand, and protect what they value.” This vision permeates all curricula — from elementary school programs to serious environmental projects for high schoolers. Splash helps guests realize their role in preserving the planet, emphasizing the importance of clean water and the biodiversity of local landscapes.

To clarify details about educational programs or to plan a group visit, you can use the center's official contact information. Splash Aquarium is always open to dialogue with those passionate about ecology and nature conservation.

The main highlight of a visit to Splash is the opportunity for active interaction with the natural environment. Here, children and adults can take part in interactive programs where studying biology happens through direct contact with nature rather than at school desks. One of the most exciting activities is the guided tours to the vernal pools — unique seasonal wetlands where you can see rare species of plants and animals in their natural habitat.

For school and college students, Splash offers specialized courses in water resource management and stormwater pollution prevention. This provides an opportunity to see how human actions affect the ecology of the city of Sacramento. Visitors learn to conduct scientific observations and realize the importance of preserving the region's biodiversity through practical experiments.

Additionally, the organization hosts inspiring workshops and training sessions for educators, helping teachers turn school lessons into real scientific research. Many guests note that it was here they felt a true connection with wilderness for the first time, which for many young people becomes the starting point for a future career in science or environmental protection.

The attraction is located at 6171 Stockton Boulevard, Suite 170, in the northern part of Sacramento. It is a fairly busy area, so getting here is easy both by private car and public transport.

If you prefer comfort, it is most convenient to order a taxi from the city center — the trip will take about 15–20 minutes depending on traffic. For those using navigation apps, it is recommended to enter the exact coordinates: 38.5132222 latitude and -121.4362194 longitude for the most accurate route planning.

You can also reach Stockton Boulevard via city buses that run through the area. From the nearest public transport stops, it is only a few minutes' walk to the entrance of the Splash center. The center is fully operational and always ready to welcome guests.

The history of this unique organization began in 1999, when biologist and conservationist Eva Butler decided to bring the idea of practical environmental education to life. She believed that the best way to teach children to love nature was to give them the opportunity to touch it. In over 20 years of operation, Splash has helped nearly 105,000 students truly experience California's wild world for the first time in their lives.

The organization pays special attention to vernal pools — rare seasonal wetlands that once covered vast areas around Sacramento. Today, a significant portion of them are concentrated in the Illa Collin Conservation Preserve at Mather Field. Splash plays a key role in protecting these fragile ecosystems, which account for about 10% of all remaining pools in the region.

In addition to working with children, Splash is actively involved in teacher training. Since the project's inception, more than 450 teachers have been trained in special methods that make natural sciences exciting and accessible. The organization is constantly evolving, participating in major regional partnerships and initiatives, such as CAELI, to promote environmental literacy at a new level.

To fully appreciate the educational potential of the center and participate in the activities offered, most visitors need 2 to 3 hours. This is enough time to explore the exhibits and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of nature study.

If you plan to participate in specialized tours of the vernal pools or are visiting the center as part of a large educational program, your visit may last half a day. In any case, there is no need to rush — every corner of Splash is designed for thoughtful observation and discovery.

When planning your visit to the center, please take note of the established schedule. Splash Aquarium operates on the following schedule:

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• Monday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
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• Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
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Since educational programs and nature tours may depend on weather conditions or seasonal factors, guests are strongly encouraged to check current information on the official website before visiting.

After visiting the Splash educational programs, you can continue exploring the interesting sites of Sacramento. The area offers many options for active recreation, especially if you are traveling with family.