Aquarium of Boise
Aquarium of Boise things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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We visited the Aquarium of Boise on a Sunday afternoon in June, 2023. They were pretty busy, but not overly so. We waited a few minutes for our turn to pay our admission to enter. They had discount rates if you were either over 55 years old, or a US Veteran. But not both. It's one or the other. But hey it saves you a couple of bucks if you qualify. The Aquarium isn't very large. Actually it's quite small being in a smaller warehouse. It's designed to start in the front left corner. You then proceed across the front of the building then it wraps back around the back. So it seems larger than it actually is. You of course exit through the gift shop. Would you expect anything else? They do not have any fish that is really considered large. Yes they have some sizable fish that are fairly large for a small tank. But you will not be seeing dolphins, penguins, or whales. No this is a smaller indoor building with smaller tanks. But, they have some fun things to see and learn about. There were not only fish and eels, small sharks and stingrays. There were also lizards and birds. So there is a good amount to see. Small children would probably really like this because it would be less overwhelming compared to an Orca jumping out of a pool and scaring them. Parking was adequate and right in front of the building. It was also free. It's always a good start when you do have to pay to park. They get a plus for that. We had a good time visiting the Aquarium of Boise. Yes it was smaller than almost every other aquarium I been to before. But it was different and totally indoors. As such, I feel most people would enjoy visiting the Aquarium.
Sponge BobSponge Bob
50
Pretty decent aquarium has lots of parking out front, with handicapped parking and wheelchair accessible ramp. Lots of beautiful, interesting, and eye catching fish/sea creatures to check out. The reptile exhibits are quite entertaining and range from giant iguanas and boa constrictors down to tiny geckos and frogs. Some neat insects as well if that's what you're into. The staff was friendly and answered all our questions about the different creatures and seemed very informed on each specific animals needs. The hands on ray exhibit was definitely my favorite part of the whole experience getting to interact that close with animals I never see in my day to day life was quite exhilarating and really fun! Theres an option to feed some of the fish and Rays we weren't able to try that out this time but will definitely be doing it next time we go. The trip was overall fun and made a great date for the day, would reccomend to others looking for ideas for activities who would like cool sea life and reptiles as well as families with kids looking for the same thing. Definitely a spot to go see if you're in the boise area!
Isac HarveyIsac Harvey
10
Actually rated 5 stars but, statistically, more people look at the 4 star reviews. The aquarium is split into two sections: aquatic and reptiles with multiple open tanks, touch tanks, and various outer tank decorations that really bring out the atmosphere of the room. The workers can be seen feeding the animals in the morning and throughout the day - I saw the Caiman (baby alligator) and a lizard being fed. You can even feed the birds and Koi fish for 3 and 2 dollars respectfully - best to get there early, though, as they stop feeding past 4. I highly recommend the Behind the Seas tour. For only $36, a worker will take you to each tank - our guide, Hannah, let us feed the rays (only open to tours for feeding), sharks, fish that resembled large piranhas, and various other fish. The feeding was surprisingly diverse as well and Hannah had tons of facts about each animal. We even had a sighting of Stingray Steve. Overall, great experience. And the gift shop has the softest animals; I bought a blobfish.
Makayla BMakayla B
00
This aquarium is an excellent place to see and interact with sea life! There are multiple touch tanks throughout the building, but the staff will ensure that you are handling the fish properly (ie: No picking up the fish, just stroke them with a couple fingers.) However, the aquarium does not house "larger" aquatic life such as dolphins or seals that you may find at larger aquariums, though I didn't mind this at all. Just be sure to check their website ahead of time to see if the exhibits are ones that you/your group would like to see. There is also an aviary containing four birds (at the time), where you can pay to enter and feed them using a small cup ($3 at the time of writing). One of the birds was a little more aggressive and ended up biting my finger (and breaking the skin) while I held the cup, so be wary regarding this. Despite this, I had an amazing time, and would definitely return if I were to visit Boise again :)
Hunter JohnstonHunter Johnston
10
Small but very fun! I have a two year old and a six year old and we all had a great time. The entire place is set up to be interactive for kids. My favorite was feeding the rays and petting them. We also got to feed tropical fish and cichlids. There are beautiful lorikeets to feed too. They have a few really big tanks with sharks and grouper I think. There are also a lot of reptiles in beautiful habitats. We got to pet a pretty and super sweet iguana and watch her eat her lunch. The handler taught us all kinds of interesting things about reptiles. Everything is nice and clean. The little gift shop has some really cute stuff. Tickets to get in were inexpensive and so was the fish food. I think this is a place we would enjoy coming more than once if we lived in the area.
KYLER STOWEKYLER STOWE
00
Today my family and I had a behind the scenes tour of the boise aquarium and let me tell you it was fantastic…staff member Hannah gave us a guided tour and was so knowledgeable about all the reptiles, fishes of all kinds, birds, iguanas, turtles, and cannot forget about the alligator…Hannah showed us how to feed the stingrays, sharks, fishes and birds and Ms Piggy was quite excited to be fed today. Go and ask for a personal tour to really get to learn what’s going on. We also got to pet the yellow fat tail lizard called Boo. Don’t forget about this pretty boy, the Mantis shrimp. It was shy but was very receptive. If you haven’t been there it is a must stop and see for everyone of all ages. Don’t forget about gift shop at the end and Please donate as much as you can!
kevin gunnipkevin gunnip
00
Nearby Attractions Of Aquarium of Boise
Boise Towne Square
Cabela's
Franklin Towne Plaza
Escape the Room Boise
Macy's
JCPenney
Westpark Plaza
Jack City Fitness
Ulta Beauty
SEPHORA

Boise Towne Square
4.3
(4K)Click for details

Cabela's
4.3
(2K)Click for details

Franklin Towne Plaza
4.2
(1.4K)Click for details

Escape the Room Boise
4.9
(1.2K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Aquarium of Boise
Dave & Buster's Boise
Café Olé Restaurant & Cantina | Boise Towne Square
The Chef's Hut
The Cheesecake Factory
LongHorn Steakhouse
Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews
San Francisco Sourdough Style Eatery
IHOP

Dave & Buster's Boise
4.2
(1K)$$
Click for details

Café Olé Restaurant & Cantina | Boise Towne Square
4.1
(892)Click for details

The Chef's Hut
4.7
(680)Click for details

The Cheesecake Factory
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Basic Info
Address
64 N Cole Rd, Boise, ID 83704
Map
Phone
(208) 375-1932
Call
Website
aquariumboise.net
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.4
(1.1K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
entertainment
family friendly
accessibility
Description
The Aquarium of Boise is a 501 c non-profit aquarium in Boise, Idaho, United States. It opened to the public in 2011.
attractions: Boise Towne Square, Cabela's, Franklin Towne Plaza, Escape the Room Boise, Macy's, JCPenney, Westpark Plaza, Jack City Fitness, Ulta Beauty, SEPHORA, restaurants: Dave & Buster's Boise, Café Olé Restaurant & Cantina | Boise Towne Square, The Chef's Hut, The Cheesecake Factory, LongHorn Steakhouse, Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom, Olive Garden Italian Restaurant, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews, San Francisco Sourdough Style Eatery, IHOP

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