North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island — Attraction in Roanoke Island

LET ME TELL YOU!!

This experience was amazing for all the ages we had with us! There was plenty to look at, feel, read, and learn! Everyone we encountered here was beyond helpful and kind! We were on vacation from Missouri and this was our first visit to this aquarium and it did not disappoint!

They had a shark scavenger hunt going on where they had 8 sharks hidden around the aquarium and they gave you a random one to find on your trip! It was so fun to walk through each section and see all the water life animals!

I think personally, the turtle rehab center was pretty cool! We were able to speak with a kind lady who educated us on how many turtles come to their rehab center and what season is the busiest for them! She also told us how they accommodate all the sea turtles they find - they pretty much transform other areas of the aquarium to acclimate the turtles! We also learned that the turtles have shell-safe painted numbers on them to track their progression!

The massive tank has several sharks and other wildlife you can see - and take some awesome photos with!

Once we completed our shark scavenger hunt we had to post online about our find and show the desk to receive a shark tooth!

Once we checked out the souvenir shop and bought what our hearts desired - we walked back outside and went left! There you will find a digging station to find your own shark teeth/bones (be mindful that this can get messy due to the rock/sand/dirt) !!

There are trails out there to walk ( it was pretty hot during our visit so we didn't) there was also a food truck (we were getting lunch else where so didnt stop here) and they have their own peir to walk out on and enjoy the water!

Overall this was such an awesome experience and we thoroughly enjoyed our trip here and look forward to coming back our next vacation to see...

The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island: where sharks, turtles, and snakes join forces to create a family-friendly experience that’s more entertaining than a cat video binge. Whether you're a wide-eyed kid or a grown-up with a penchant for marine life, this place is a one-stop shop for underwater awesomeness.

Walking through the aquarium is like diving into a Nat Geo documentary, minus the dramatic voice-over. You’ve got sharks gliding around like they own the place, turtles doing their best "Finding Nemo" impressions, and snakes lounging in their exhibits, probably plotting world domination. It's a spectacle that keeps everyone from toddlers to grandmas utterly captivated.

The best part? It’s the ultimate guilt-free parenting hack. Your kids think you’re a hero for bringing them to see real-life "Baby Shark," and you get to bask in the glow of their adoration while secretly enjoying the exhibits yourself. Win-win!

But let's talk logistics. Parking? Well, if you enjoy playing Tetris with your car, you’re in luck! The parking lot can get tighter than your jeans after Thanksgiving dinner. Pro tip: come early or bring a bike, or perhaps a magic carpet.

And whatever you do, buy your tickets ahead of time. Unless you’re into standing in lines so long you start considering a career as a professional queue-stander, get those tickets online. Trust me, you’ll want to spend your time gawking at jellyfish, not grumbling about wait times.

In short, the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is a splash-tastic adventure for all ages. From the mesmerizing marine life to the sheer joy of seeing your kids’ faces light up, it’s worth every penny and then some. Just don’t forget to plan ahead – and maybe bring a snorkel, just in case you’re tempted to dive...

Must visit if you're in the area! It's great fun for kids! We had a 5 yr old with us and ended up spending almost 5 hrs and could have spent more if we had the time! The huge screen in the visitor's lobby that welcomes you with a picture of your own is a huge hit with children and adults alike. The exhibits have a 'shipwreck' theme which attracts many children who may not otherwise be as interested in seeing fish after fish after fish (I know they are all different but you know what I mean). The shipwreck theme makes the exhibits doubly interesting and it is very well done. One of the most popular area is where they take care of turtles and alongside it is a hands-on activity center for kids where they can pick a (pretend) turtle, diagnose what's wrong it, and help it with rehab, recovery and finally release. We spent an hour here taking care of several turtles. This exhibit is a great mix of on-screen and hands-on activity for children. The huge tank towards the end is like the finale - you end the aquarium tour with a bang. We loved many many exhibits (river otters, turtle sick center, jelly fish, rays that you can also touch, the big tank). And, last but not the least by any means, the dinosaur trail - it's excellent! The dinosaurs move and make sounds and some of them even have babies making various cute sounds. It was another huge hit...several of many huge hits! We loved the aquarium and the super friendly staff and will be back! Kudos to the team that has designed the exhibits! Even the cafe was good - tasty food, and really considerate staff willing to offer some off the menu options for...