Are you looking for a fun, educational family experience in Utah where your children can interact with animals and learn about the earth? Aquariums are an excellent way to spend the day together and create unforgettable memories. Two standout destinations in Utah are Layton Aquarium and Wildlife Encounters and Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. Each offers something different in terms of animal interaction, education, and conservation — but if you’re looking for hands-on excitement, Layton Aquarium goes above and beyond.
Layton Aquarium and Wildlife Encounters
Welcome to the ultimate land and sea adventure. Just 20 minutes north of Salt Lake City, Layton Aquarium and Wildlife Encounters features over 1,200 animals from more than 300 species. This hands-on experience allows visitors to touch, feed, and interact with animals from diverse ecosystems across the globe.
Explore immersive environments like the Amazon Rainforest, Caribbean, Mayan Jungle, and Egyptian Desert while meeting sharks, snakes, turtles, and lizards. Planning a birthday party or private event? Layton Aquarium offers a range of party packages and rental options for retreats, reunions, and field trips. Guests can even meet Marina the Mermaid!
Interactive Experiences
What sets Layton Aquarium apart is its wide array of personal animal encounters in small-group settings. These up-close experiences let guests feed and connect with birds, mammals, and reptiles — all while learning about conservation and species protection.
Featured Encounters Include:
- Sloth Interaction – Meet Spaghetti, the resident sloth. Feed and pet this gentle creature in a one-of-a-kind encounter.
- Asian Otter Encounter – Get to know otters Chip and Dale while feeding them and learning about their habitats through a guided Q&A.
- Fishy Kisses – Dip your feet into a tank filled with small fish that gently exfoliate by “kissing” your toes.
- Crested Porcupine Encounter – Meet Quilliam the porcupine and hand-feed him while discovering fascinating facts about his species.
- Snorkeling with Stingrays – Get in the water with rays, tropical fish, and harmless sharks in this immersive aquatic adventure.
From the moment you walk in, Layton Aquarium transports visitors to faraway ecosystems with themed exhibits and interactive decor. It’s a sensory-rich experience filled with hands-on learning opportunities and plenty of “wow” moments for families.
Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
Located 19 miles south of Salt Lake City, Loveland Living Planet is a nonprofit science and discovery center that focuses on aquatic education. The aquarium features exhibits showcasing marine life, conservation themes, and fun for all ages.
Highlights Include:
- Stingray Encounter – Guests can feed stingrays in a designated touch pool for an additional fee. Gloves must be worn, and space is limited to 10 people per session.
- Penguin Encounter – Meet Gentoo penguins in a behind-the-scenes session that includes feeding and learning about their behavior.
- Nature Storytime – A members-only program designed for children ages 2 to 4 that includes storytelling and themed activities.
While Loveland Living Planet provides engaging experiences, most exhibits are observational. Aside from a few add-on encounters, hands-on opportunities are limited. The aquarium can also feel crowded, especially for families with small children, and the parking lot is a walk away from the main entrance.
Which Aquarium Offers the Best Experience?
For families seeking active animal engagement and memorable experiences, Layton Aquarium and Wildlife Encounters stands out. Loveland Living Planet leans more toward educational exhibits and caters to older children and adults, while Layton Aquarium offers more tactile and age-inclusive activities, especially for younger kids and toddlers.
In terms of value, Layton Aquarium is also more cost-effective. Admission typically ranges from $13.99 to $19.99, with free entry for children under two. Loveland Living Planet’s general admission starts higher and charges extra for each encounter or activity. At Layton Aquarium, guests can purchase affordable feeding tokens for hands-on interactions, and no advance booking is required.
Whether you’re planning a family day out, a birthday party, or an educational field trip, Layton Aquarium and Wildlife Encounters delivers an experience that’s immersive, fun, and educational. Journey across five continents without ever leaving Utah — and create lasting memories along the way.