Photo: Elmer's Aquarium
Photo: Tiffany Weichey
Photo: Tiffany Weichey
Elmer's Aquarium
★4.6(1,680 reviews)$$Aquarium
🕑 45 minutes to 1.5 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers and preschoolers are mesmerized by colorful fish and interactive displays, while school-aged kids enjoy learning about different species and asking staff questions about animal care.🧡 Saved by 250+ families
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.
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