Living Planet Aquarium

An expansive indoor aquarium where you can view a wide variety of animal species.

This is a magnificent aquarium located just 18 miles south of Salt Lake City, Utah. It is right off of I-15 on the 12300 South exit. When you drive up to the aquarium, you will notice the massive alien-like monument out front. This is part of a new science learning campus that will offer even more hands-on learning to those seeking to learn more about our planet's ecosystems. 

The Ocean Explorer exhibit features an underwater tunnel where you can find nurse sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, and a giant octopus. You can also interact with some sea creatures up close and personal near the entrance of the exhibit. The Expedition Asia also has neat animals to see, such as otters, tree dragons, Burmese tortoises, and the elusive clouded leopard. You can also see some giant fish swimming around like the rare Arowana fish. Another area features fish and animals native to Utah, such as river otters, cutthroat trout, and desert tortoises. 

Another neat thing you can see is the deep sea lab featuring a replica of a deep-sea submarine. There are some bizarre creatures here, like the Japanese spider crab and giant isopod. You can look at many deep sea creatures that you would otherwise never be able to see in person.

Check out the exquisite tropical rain forest exhibit that features animals from South America. You will feel the change in humidity once you enter, and it has free-flying birds like the toucan, tiny tree frogs, electric eels, an anaconda, and adorable two-toed sloths. There is also a waterfall inside this exhibit that is 17 feet tall.

There is a penguin research station that features gentoo penguins. You can see them swim around and waddle on land through the floor to ceiling windows in the exhibit. If you want to experience feeding them, private penguin encounters are available at this aquarium. These encounters last about 50 minutes long so you can really get to know the individual penguins that live here.

As you leave the aquarium, you will be able to purchase stuffed animals and other neat souvenirs at the gift shop. There is also a cafe on the left-hand side of you as you first enter the aquarium if you need a bite to eat. Their menu includes burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, salads, noodle bowls, ice cream, churros, and chocolate-covered raspberries.