Elmer's Aquarium
About
Elmer's Aquarium is actually a beloved aquarium and pet store in Monroeville, not a swimming facility. Families can explore fascinating aquatic life displays, browse exotic fish, reptiles, and small animals, and even pick up supplies for pets at home. With its impressive 4.6-star rating from over 1,600 reviews, it's a local favorite for sparking kids' curiosity about marine life and animals.
Highlights
- ✓Extensive aquarium displays featuring colorful tropical fish and marine life
- ✓Reptile section with lizards, snakes, and turtles kids find fascinating
- ✓Small animals like hamsters, guinea pigs, and birds
- ✓Knowledgeable staff who love sharing animal facts with curious kids
- ✓Educational opportunity to learn about pet care and responsibility
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on weekday mornings when it's less crowded and staff have more time to answer kids' questions about the animals
- 2.Set expectations with kids before arriving if you're browsing only,the variety of adorable animals can make leaving without a purchase challenging
- 3.Ask staff about feeding times to see fish and other animals at their most active
- 4.The store is educational and free to browse, making it a budget-friendly rainy day activity
- 5.Bring hand sanitizer for after kids touch display tanks and explore the store
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (10:00-11:30 AM) are ideal for a quieter, more educational experience when staff can provide more personalized attention and answer kids' endless animal questions. Avoid Saturday afternoons when the store is busiest.
What to Know
Free to visit and browse. Convenient parking available at the William Penn Highway location. While not a restaurant, it's a pet store with aquariums, so no food is allowed inside.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours, making it a perfect rainy day or cold weather activity. Sunday hours are shorter (12:00-5:00 PM), so plan accordingly for weekend visits.
Nearby Eats
Monroeville Mall is just minutes away with a food court offering kid-friendly options like Chick-fil-A and Auntie Anne's. For sit-down dining, Red Robin nearby offers a fun atmosphere with burgers and bottomless fries kids love.
More Activities Near Monroeville
Monroeville Recreation & Parks
Monroeville Recreation & Parks serves as your family's one-stop hub for year-round fun and fitness in the heart of Monroeville. This community recreation center offers everything from youth sports leagues and summer camps to indoor activities and family fitness classes, making it easy to keep kids active regardless of the weather or season.
Monroeville Community Park West
Monroeville Community Park West is a spacious, well-maintained community hub that offers something for every age. With multiple playground areas, paved walking trails perfect for strollers and bikes, open fields for impromptu soccer games, and shaded picnic pavilions, it's an ideal spot for everything from quick playground visits to all-day family outings and birthday parties.
Monroeville Public Library
Monroeville Public Library is a fantastic free resource for families, offering much more than just books. This modern facility hosts engaging storytimes for little ones, interactive summer reading programs that keep kids excited about learning, and teen events that appeal to older children. With extensive children's programming, educational workshops, and a welcoming atmosphere, it's become a beloved community hub for Monroeville families.
Robert Morris University Island Sports Center
The Robert Morris University Island Sports Center is a premier ice skating facility that welcomes families year-round with public skating sessions, beginner-friendly lessons, and a climate-controlled environment perfect for escaping Pittsburgh's heat or getting active in winter. With multiple NHL-sized rinks and programs for all skill levels, it's an ideal spot whether your kids are taking their first wobbly steps on ice or dreaming of becoming the next hockey star.