Blue Zoo Aquarium Spokane
About
Blue Zoo Aquarium Spokane offers an intimate, hands-on marine experience perfect for young explorers. Unlike larger aquariums, this location encourages close-up encounters with fascinating sea creatures including mesmerizing jellyfish, playful octopuses, graceful seahorses, and even sharks, making it an ideal afternoon adventure for families seeking interactive learning.
Highlights
- ✓Touch tanks where kids can gently interact with marine life under staff supervision
- ✓Mesmerizing jellyfish exhibits with beautiful lighting that captivate all ages
- ✓Up-close views of octopuses and their incredible camouflage abilities
- ✓Seahorse displays featuring multiple species and babies
- ✓Shark viewing area where kids can safely observe these impressive predators
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on Monday afternoons for the smallest crowds and most one-on-one time with staff who love sharing fun facts about the animals
- 2.The aquarium is located inside NorthTown Mall, so parking is plentiful and you can easily combine your visit with lunch or shopping
- 3.Bring hand sanitizer and plan for kids to get their hands wet at the touch tanks,it's encouraged!
- 4.Ask staff about feeding times for the best viewing experience, especially for the sharks and octopuses
- 5.The visit is compact but engaging,budget about 90 minutes to fully enjoy without rushing
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (Monday through Wednesday 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM) offer the quietest experience with more opportunities for kids to interact with exhibits. Avoid Friday and Saturday evenings when crowds peak and the mall is busiest.
What to Know
Located conveniently inside NorthTown Mall with free parking and easy stroller access. The aquarium is climate-controlled year-round, making it a perfect rainy day activity. Food options are available throughout the mall, though outside food isn't permitted inside the aquarium itself.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours, making it an excellent rainy day or winter activity when outdoor options are limited. Hours extend slightly on weekends and Fridays. Check their website for special holiday hours during Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks.
Nearby Eats
The onsite mall food court offers quick kid-friendly options like Chick-fil-A and Panera Bread. For a sit-down meal, try Twigs Bistro & Martini Bar (also in NorthTown Mall) which has an excellent kids' menu with healthier options beyond typical fast food.
More Activities Near Spokane
Centennial Trail
The Centennial Trail offers 40 miles of paved, scenic pathway along the Spokane River, making it one of the Pacific Northwest's premier family-friendly outdoor destinations. Whether you're looking for a quick 30-minute bike ride or an all-day adventure, this trail accommodates strollers, training wheels, and everyone in between with stunning river views, wildlife spotting opportunities, and multiple access points throughout Spokane.
Looff Carrousel
Step back in time at the Looff Carrousel, a stunning hand-carved carousel from 1909 that's been enchanting Spokane families for over a century. Located in the heart of Riverfront Park, this beautifully preserved national treasure features 54 hand-carved horses and other whimsical creatures, all accompanied by the magical sounds of a vintage Wurlitzer organ. It's an affordable, nostalgic experience that creates lasting memories for multiple generations to enjoy together.
Green Bluff
Green Bluff is a charming agricultural area featuring over 30 family-run farms just 20 minutes north of Spokane, offering authentic u-pick experiences where kids can harvest strawberries, blueberries, apples, pumpkins, and more depending on the season. It's an ideal destination for teaching children where their food comes from while enjoying fresh air, farm animals, hayrides, and the satisfaction of filling their own baskets with delicious, just-picked fruit.
Manito Park
Manito Park is a stunning 90-acre urban oasis that offers families the perfect blend of natural beauty and active play. With multiple themed gardens to explore, a charming duck pond that captivates little ones, several playgrounds for different age groups, and miles of stroller-friendly walking trails, this award-winning park provides hours of free entertainment for the whole family.