Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den

In the heart of Scranton, located in the USA, lies a fascinating destination—the Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den. This large-scale interactive educational center spans over 20,000 square feet, inviting visitors on a thrilling journey through the world of wildlife. Here, the depths of the sea meet the inhabitants of lush tropical forests, creating a unique atmosphere for discovery.

The center's exhibits showcase an incredible diversity of fauna, from graceful sharks and rays to exotic snakes, alligators, and vibrant tropical birds. Each zone is carefully designed to mirror the animals' natural habitats as closely as possible, making the experience both entertaining and educational for guests of all ages.

What sets this place apart is its mission of education and conservation. Located inside the popular Marketplace at Steamtown, the aquarium is an ideal spot for family outings, where you can combine shopping with an immersive dive into the world of zoology and ecology.

When planning your visit, it’s a good idea to check the contact information in advance to easily find your way. The facility is active on social media, where you can find the latest news and announcements for special events.

Your journey through the center begins with observing the inhabitants of the ocean depths. You can see formidable sharks, swift piranhas, and majestic sea turtles in spacious tanks. Fans of the exotic will appreciate the reptile house with its rare species of snakes, lizards, and amphibians, as well as the bustling rainforest zone.

One of the most popular activities is the Stingray Touch Tank. In this pool, visitors are allowed not only to see but also to feed the stingrays or horseshoe crabs. It is an unforgettable tactile experience; food can be purchased from the staff, who will also show you how to properly interact with these amazing creatures.

For those eager to learn more, educational tours and interactive presentations are available. The staff often let guests get a closer look at some of the gentler inhabitants, such as red-eared sliders. This makes the visit especially valuable for families with children, helping to foster a love for nature.

Additionally, the aquarium offers unique event opportunities, ranging from children's birthday parties to themed events. You can even arrange an unusual photo shoot or a celebration amidst exotic backdrops, making any occasion truly exceptional.

The attraction is located at 300 Lackawanna Ave, right inside the Marketplace at Steamtown shopping complex. If you are traveling by car, the most convenient route is via Interstate 81, following signs for downtown. Ample parking is available for visitors, and when you purchase a ticket to the aquarium, you can have your parking validated for free.

For those who prefer public transportation, Lackawanna County buses stop near the mall and run through the city's main streets (look for stops on Lackawanna Avenue). The aquarium is also easily accessible by taxi from anywhere in the city center—the ride usually takes only a few minutes.

Thanks to its central location, a visit to the aquarium can be easily combined with a tour of the historic Steamtown district. Look for the mall entrance, where bright signage will guide you toward the world of marine and land creatures.

The opening of this center in Scranton marked a significant milestone in the development of the city's entertainment infrastructure. The project was conceived as a space that brings together land and water dwellers under one roof—a relatively rare format for regional educational centers. The founders aimed to make nature more accessible to urban residents by utilizing modern life-support technologies for the animals.

The building housing the aquarium is part of the city's fabric, integrated into the Marketplace at Steamtown. Converting retail space into a full-scale ecosystem required complex engineering solutions, including the installation of massive tanks and specialized filtration systems capable of sustaining thousands of organisms.

The name "Electric City" is a tribute to Scranton's historical nickname, earned in the late 19th century when it became one of the first cities in the world to introduce electric streetcars. In this way, the aquarium not only introduces visitors to nature but also highlights the unique identity of the region, fitting perfectly into the cultural context.

Today, the center continues to grow, constantly updating its exhibits and introducing new educational programs. It has become a favorite destination not only for tourists but also for locals who appreciate its contribution to environmental education for Pennsylvania's youth.

To leisurely explore all the exhibits and enjoy plenty of interaction at the touch zones, it is recommended to set aside 1 to 2 hours. This is usually enough time for a standard walkthrough, watching the animal feedings, and reading the information displays.

If you are planning a visit with children or want to participate in interactive programs, it’s better to schedule about 2.5 hours. Little ones often spend a long time at the stingray pools, and the opportunity to feed the inhabitants makes the visit much more engaging and extended.

The Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den is open to visitors throughout the week. The schedule is consistent: guests are welcome from Monday to Sunday, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

This schedule makes it easy to fit a visit into any city tour itinerary. It is recommended to arrive no later than one hour before closing to ensure you have time to see all the key exhibits and participate in animal feedings.

Exploring the surrounding area after your visit to the aquarium can greatly enrich your trip. Its location in the heart of the city makes it the perfect starting point for further discovery of the region's history and culture.

A walk through the nearby streets will allow you to see Scranton's industrial heritage, as well as its modern art installations and cozy park areas. Below are the attractions located in the immediate vicinity: