Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
4.6(20K)google
4.1(429)yelp
FamilyKidsWildlife WatchingInteractiveEducationalIndoor
Overview
Located in Draper, this world-class, multi-million dollar educational facility houses over 4,000 animals representing hundreds of diverse global species. The center features five massive themed ecosystems, including a breathtaking 300,000-gallon shark shark tunnel, a humid South American rainforest pavilion with playful otters, an Antarctic penguin habitat, and an expansive outdoor plaza anchored by the iconic, massive 'Claw' kinetic music stage structure.
Practical Info
Mon10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tue10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sun10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Suggested Duration2.5-4 hours
Best TimePerfect year-round due to fully climate-controlled adaptive galleries. Aim for weekday mornings right at 10:00 AM opening; as Utah's largest interactive aquarium network, early arrival guarantees zero wait times at the famous, completely free walkthrough shark tunnel and Gentoo penguin habitats, letting you photograph the marine tanks before school crowds peak.
Getting ThereLocated in Draper at 12033 Lone Peak Parkway. Driving from Salt Lake City is seamless: take I-15 S south straight to Exit 291 for 12300 South toward Draper. Proceed west and turn left onto Lone Peak Parkway; the facility sits identifiable by the colossal historic steel music stage framework 'The Claw' outdoors, fronted by an immense free parking plaza.
Travel Tips
- Dynamic Ticket Pricing & Monday Savings: The aquarium utilizes dynamic pricing where weekend tickets are highly marked up. Booking online for Monday through Thursday visits, particularly after 4 PM, offers the best discount rates.
- Weekend Parking Surge: The main parking lot routinely caps out between 11 AM and 2 PM on weekends. Pay attention to staff indicators directing traffic toward designated overflow lots; do not park illegally on the street.
- Antarctic Exhibit Cold Notice: Indoor air conditioning is set quite high, especially within the penguin and polar habitats which replicate natural freezing temperatures; packing a light jacket or sweater for kids is highly advised.
Reviews
Positive
- The massive 360-degree shark tunnel and the grand Claw stage outside deliver intense visual impact, fully living up to photo expectations.
- Accessibility inside is absolute perfection; restrooms are plentiful and immaculate, and interactive touch pools offer top-tier fun for kids.
- Staff service maintains a premium standard with tight safety management; crowd flow during animal feeding shows is orderly and smooth.
- Located right off I-15, driving here is highly convenient with a massive parking lot, and late operating hours enhance transit convenience.
Heads up
- Weekend and holiday tourist density is suffocatingly high; halls are swamped with loud kids and strollers, killing any peaceful ocean viewing.
- Adult tickets are costly, and money-grabbing extras (like VR rides and snack booths) are everywhere; heavily marked up for low value.
- The aquarium sits in the southern suburb of Draper; for global tourists relying entirely on city public transit, it's a time-consuming trek.
- The indoor rainforest habitat feels suffocatingly hot and humid; public rest seating benches are inadequate during peak hours.