Skip to main content
Layton Aquarium & Wildlife aquarium in Layton, UT
Photo: Layton Aquarium & Wildlife
View of Layton Aquarium & Wildlife in Layton, UT
Photo: Ken Reich
View of Layton Aquarium & Wildlife in Layton, UT
Photo: Aaron Jessop

Layton Aquarium & Wildlife

4.6(7,984 reviews)$$Aquarium
🕑 2-3 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers and preschoolers are thrilled by the tactile experiences and colorful fish, while elementary-aged kids love the educational aspects and feeding opportunities. Even teens enjoy the unique animal interactions, though younger children get the most excitement from the hands-on elements.

About

Layton Aquarium & Wildlife offers an incredibly hands-on experience that goes far beyond typical aquariums. Kids can actually touch stingrays, feed exotic birds, interact with reptiles, and get up close with animals from around the globe,making it perfect for families who want more than just looking through glass. With an impressive 4.6-star rating from nearly 8,000 reviews, parents consistently rave about the engaging animal encounters that keep children entertained and educated.

Highlights

  • Stingray touch tanks where kids can feel these gentle creatures glide under their hands
  • Interactive bird aviaries where colorful parrots and tropical birds land on arms and shoulders
  • Reptile encounters including opportunities to touch snakes, lizards, and even baby alligators
  • Fish feeding experiences with koi and other species
  • Educational animal presentations throughout the day with knowledgeable staff

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Arrive right when doors open (11 AM weekdays, noon Sundays) to enjoy animal feedings with smaller crowds and more attentive animals.
  2. 2.Bring hand sanitizer and plan for multiple hand-washings,kids will be touching animals throughout the visit and stations can get busy.
  3. 3.Purchase animal feed tokens at the entrance to save time later; feeding the birds and fish are typically the biggest hits with kids.
  4. 4.Wear comfortable clothes kids can move around in,this isn't a stroller-friendly, passive experience but rather an active exploration.
  5. 5.The venue is located inside a shopping complex, so parking is plentiful and you can easily combine the visit with lunch or shopping nearby.

Best Time to Visit

Weekday afternoons (Tuesday-Thursday, 2-5 PM) offer the smallest crowds while animals are still active. Weekends and school holidays get busy, especially during feeding times. Avoid the first hour on Saturdays when weekend crowds peak.

What to Know

Located conveniently in a shopping center with ample free parking and numerous dining options nearby. Check their website for current admission prices and any combo-ticket deals; they occasionally offer family packages that provide better value than individual tickets.

Seasonal Notes

Open year-round, making it an excellent indoor activity during Utah's cold winters and hot summers. The climate-controlled environment is perfect for any weather. Check their social media for special holiday events and themed weekends featuring specific animals or conservation topics.

Nearby Eats

Station Park (the shopping complex where it's located) offers numerous family-friendly options including Cafe Rio, Chick-fil-A, and Kneaders Bakery,all within easy walking distance. For sit-down dining, try Roosters Brewing Company which has a kids menu and casual atmosphere.

More Activities Near Layton

Library

Davis County Library Layton Branch

4.7Free

Davis County Library Layton Branch is a modern, family-friendly library that goes beyond books with its impressive lineup of children's programs and interactive learning spaces. With highly-rated storytimes, engaging summer reading challenges, and dedicated areas designed specifically for young readers, this library makes learning fun and accessible for kids of all ages.

Park

Layton Commons Park

4.6Free

Layton Commons Park is a sprawling 52-acre family paradise that truly has something for every age. From the popular splash pad that keeps kids cool in summer to the stocked fishing pond, multiple playgrounds, and miles of walking trails, this park consistently ranks as one of Northern Utah's top family destinations with good reason.

Playground

Kays Creek Parkway

4.6Free

Kays Creek Parkway is a charming neighborhood park in Layton that offers the perfect blend of active play and natural beauty. With modern playground equipment, scenic walking paths that meander alongside the creek, and plenty of shaded spots for parents to relax, it's an ideal destination for a morning outing or afternoon play session that the whole family will enjoy.

Park

Ellison Park

4.5Free

Ellison Park is a beloved Layton neighborhood gem that delivers everything families need for a perfect park day. With top-notch playground equipment that keeps kids entertained for hours, multiple sports courts for active play, and plenty of shaded picnic spots for snacks and breaks, this park has earned its impressive 4.5-star rating from over 1,300 families who keep coming back.