Ripley's Aquarium - Myrtle Beach

While on our Thanksgiving trip to Myrtle Beach we got the opportunity to visit Ripley's Aquarium. We went on Thanksgiving Day thinking they would not be very busy and were we ever surprised. They seemed just as busy on a Holiday as they were when we have been there during the summer in the past.

During our visit we got to experience Ripley's Aquarium Festival of Trees that featured more than 75 beautifully decorated and themed Christmas trees. There was one tree for each of the fifty states. We loved looking at all the different trees and the beautiful decorations. The price for the Festival of Trees was included with the aquarium admission.

Being able to see the Festival of Trees was a great pleasure as we were missing a local Festival by our home that is similar to it. The kids really enjoyed the aquarium and seeing all the different fish. I have to say that a big highlight for all of us was getting to touch a jellyfish! I love that the aquarium has several touch tanks set up throughout it for everyone to enjoy. I feel that being able to touch the animals helps bring more awareness to need to protect our environment. I also feel that it gives kids more of an interest into the animals.

All the kids loved the moving walkway that takes you through the giant tank where sharks, fish and sea turtles can swim around you.  Since it is the off season the aquarium does limit their dive shows and the mermaid shows to certain times.  The girls were disappointed as they did not get to see the mermaid show but that just gives us more reason to get back there soon.

There are so many different activities to do throughout the aquarium that it keeps the kids busy and interested the whole time they are there. There are currently 9 different experiences you can participate in while at the aquarium but I recommend checking times and dates so you do not miss something! There are currently 3 exhibits on the upper level of the aquarium and 6 on the lower level. I love that the aquarium is stroller and wheelchair friendly so everyone can easily enjoy everything there. 

If you are looking for a fun activity for the whole family while in Myrtle Beach we highly recommend Ripley's Aquarium! You can pre-buy your tickets and save some money by doing so. I know that I love saving money.