Living Shores Aquarium — Attraction in Bartlett

Wish I could give this place 0 stars. We went to the Living Shores Aquarium in June and it was a terrible experience. We purchased our tickets online because they charge less then buying it at the door. While on the website purchasing the tickets we saw no warnings or indication that many of the exhibits were closed. We showed up and as soon as we entered we were greeted by an empty tank. We had been here once before and knew this tank wasn't a big part of the Aquarium. As we passed the first tank that actually had fish and walked into the main room (the aquarium is essentially 1 large room) we noticed that the otter exhibit was also blocked off. Again we were going to overlook that until we noticed that the bird encounter exhibit was also closed. Now this aquarium is very small and it is a stretch to say that you could be in there for 1 to 2 hours when everything is open. It is a waste of money when a couple of the big exhibits are closed. We wouldn't have been so upset if they had reduced the admission but it was full price for only part of the aquarium. We spent less than five minutes in there and walked out to the front to ask for a refund. The girl at the front said that she had to contact her manager because she couldn't give refunds. The manager Brandon said on the walkie talkie that we had to contact the website for a refund. This was unacceptable and we wanted him to come to the aquarium to speak with us. The girl said it would take him a few minutes to come over. We stepped to the side and waited quietly. While waiting for over ten minutes a different employee, Dylan came over. I asked if he was Brandon and he said no and that he heard on the Walkie that we were making a commotion so he came over to help. I immediately told him that we had been standing off to the side quietly waiting and that there was no commotion. He said that he would try to help. We explained and he said that same thing the Brandon said and that we would have to use the website. He then said that he was in charge of the website and that he knows that it says the exhibits are closed ( we checked later and it said nothing). After going back and forth with him for no reason since he couldn't help the general manager Chris was called to come over. Chris was useless and again said he could not refund money and that we would have to use the website contact form. I looked at the form and it said nothing about requesting a refund and only about asking questions. We didn't understand how they could easily take our money but that it was very difficult to refund us. After some back and forth with Chris the General Manager who doesn't have the authority to issue a refund we decided to just file a dispute with our credit card and leave. Anyone reading this don't waste your time or money at this place. It is greatly overpriced for what it is. The thing is if they had just either given us a discount or maybe a free admission for another time we would have been happy with that but they made the whole experience terrible and they have lost customers with young children who go to Story land every...

We visited Living Shores on a recent family vacation. It was quiet (probably because it was a school day) but overall fabulous. First, they offer free lockers which was fantastic. I didn’t want to lug our winter coats around.

They take your photo with a fun background (with offer to purchase at the end). They did have some ‘work in progress’ going on so some things were barricaded, but this didn’t take away from all the other cool things,

You start your walk among the great reef tanks with the colorful fish. The onward to the touch tank with stingrays, which was really cool. They seemed to really enjoy being petted and they even try splashing you and giving high-fives!

I loved the red garra tank, they tickle (nibble) on your fingers. We all had a good laugh at that.

They also had an interactive area for the little ones with an augmented reality sand box that used projection to show sea creatures and ocean life (plus the occasional treasure box).

They also had a neat table set up with markers where they can color the photos of fish, lobsters and other things, then they place it on another table, and it shows up on a large TV screen. The kids loved it (so did we)!

Overall, it was a great trip, and we would go again. The only downfall that I wish places like this would consider giving parents a beak, offer another option to exit where you are not forcing us to go through a gift shop. For some it’s hard enough to cover the cost of the ticket, then they have to deal with their children begging for something overpriced on the way out. It’s also the only way to/from the restrooms. I witnessed a poor woman almost to tears herself, first she struggled telling the kiddos they needed to leave, then they were all upset that she wouldn’t get them anything from the shop...she tried pleading with them that she simply couldn’t afford it, but no child understands this concept.

I felt bad and also dreaded knowing I was in for the same struggle myself as soon as we were heading out the door….uggg. Next time I bring...

This place is an absolute joke! If you want to be completely ripped off be my guest and go! Otherwise read the reviews and listen to them! We came here in April. The price was $19.99 online. Everything was open. Yesterday we went back. Same price. We arrived and instantly realized 4 of the what 7 attractions were closed. No fish in first tank, birds are gone, the otters are gone and one of the touch tanks was completely empty. So you are able to touch some little fish the sting rays and possibly see/touch a sea star and a few other animals all in a wall unlabeled. They say this is “educational” ummm. When I told a team member how disappointed I was she said “ I know im really sorry we have told them people are not happy” also told someone else and they said well there is a note at the desk…. Ummm WHERE! I emailed them and sent in a request for a refund and this is what I received back. Good morning Lindsay,

“We are sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations. It is our goal to share a variety of educational experiences to the area. We understand that experiences might not appeal to every guest. We do have a wonderful website that lists and describes all of the current exhibits, so that are guests have the appropriate expectations before they arrive. We have a strict “No-Refund” policy and will have to deny your request for a refund.

Please let us know if you have any other questions.

Bev”

Thai place won’t last much longer unless they do some real changes. People catch on. I was not going to post a bad review either until this was how they corrected the issue. Also I attached a picture of the website they told me yesterday had a notice about closed exhibits? I’m sorry where. False advertising at best! Theft. It’s...