Great Day Out: Discovering the Greater Cleveland Aquarium

By Frank Macek

Stepping into the Greater Cleveland Aquarium on the west bank of the Cuyahoga River felt like entering a hidden aquatic world tucked inside the industrial-chic shell of the historic FirstEnergy Powerhouse. As soon as I passed through the doors, I was struck by how the brick, steel, and history of the building blended seamlessly with shimmering tanks, ambient lighting, and the gentle rhythms of marine life gliding through water. My visit that day became less a casual outing and more a journey—through ecosystems, through time, through wonder.

From the outset, the setting impressed. The aquarium occupies roughly 70,000 square feet of exhibition space inside that powerhouse structure. That alone gives the venue a unique character: you see exposed brick and wrought iron here and there, a nod to Cleveland’s industrial past, even as you peer into the future via coral reefs, stingrays, and sharks. As a Cleveland-based blogger always scouting local gems, I appreciated how the experience felt both rooted and elevated—it belongs here, but it doesn’t feel static or purely nostalgic.

Once inside, the galleries unfold before you, each offering a different slice of aquatic life—freshwater, saltwater, local, and exotic. It’s not a sprawling multi-hour destination park, but for its size it offers depth and personality. The exhibits invite you to slow down, to linger, to absorb the small details: the swirl of a school of fish, a painterly play of light through water, the gentle sway of seaweed in a current. The aquarium features seven immersive galleries, including an 11,000-gallon stingray touchpool and a 175-foot SeaTube tunnel. On arrival, I made a beeline for that tunnel—immersing myself in a corridor surrounded by sharks, rays, and tropical fish, a moment that instantly silenced the world outside.

The design of the exhibits impressed me most. Many tanks are placed at child’s-eye level, making the experience inclusive for families while maintaining sophistication for adults. Rather than feeling like you’re looking down into aquariums, the design invites you to step into each environment. I crouched before a habitat of garden eels—those slender creatures that resemble blades of grass—and watched as they swayed in unison like a living underwater meadow. The lighting, sound, and architecture all work together to heighten that sense of immersion.

One of my favorite zones was the Ohio Lakes & Rivers gallery, a space dedicated to our region’s freshwater habitats. It gave me a new appreciation for the wildlife thriving in our own backyard. Nearby, the tropical forest and coral reef sections whisked me into another world entirely, full of vibrant fish, darting eels, and graceful rays. For those who think aquariums are only about sharks, this local-meets-global perspective is refreshing. And yes, when you reach the shark tunnel, it’s every bit as dramatic as promised—standing under the curve of that glass as a sand tiger shark glides silently overhead is the kind of goosebump moment that sticks with you.

I made a point to stop for one of the daily presentations led by aquarium staff, and it was well worth the time. The aquarist shared stories about coral propagation and conservation partnerships, emphasizing how much the aquarium does beyond its walls. That sense of mission—education, research, and stewardship—runs through the entire visit. The stingray touchpool was another highlight, offering a hands-on connection to the sea that delights children and adults alike. I lingered longer than expected, mesmerized by their smooth, almost friendly glide as they circled the shallow pool.

The SeaTube remains the showstopper. Walking through it, I paused halfway to just stand still and take it in—the quiet hum of filtration systems, the soft light refracting through water, and the surreal feeling of sharks coasting above me. It’s mesmerizing, and it feels both calming and thrilling at once. You can understand why this has become one of Cleveland’s most Instagrammed attractions.

In total, I spent just under two hours exploring the aquarium at a leisurely pace, revisiting a few exhibits and watching families delight in discovery. The entire experience strikes the right balance between immersive and manageable—it’s engaging without being exhausting. When I exited through the gift shop, I found myself picking up a sea turtle magnet, a small keepsake from a surprisingly enriching afternoon.

From a logistics standpoint, the aquarium is easy to navigate. Located at 2000 Sycamore Street in the Flats, it’s open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking was straightforward in the nearby lots, and the venue is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs alike. I’d suggest arriving early on weekends or holidays to avoid the mid-afternoon rush. During my mid-morning visit, the crowd was light, and there was plenty of room to linger by each exhibit. Staff were helpful and genuinely enthusiastic, eager to answer questions and share insights about the animals. The entire experience felt well-managed and visitor-friendly.

The industrial setting itself adds another layer of fascination. Knowing that this space once powered a city and now powers curiosity gives the visit extra depth. The exposed brick and steel create a unique aesthetic—where industrial history and marine life coexist beautifully. It’s very “Cleveland”—proud of its grit, yet full of life and transformation.

The Greater Cleveland Aquarium doesn’t try to compete with massive aquariums in coastal cities. Instead, it embraces intimacy and authenticity. It’s a perfect size for an afternoon outing, especially for families or anyone wanting a meaningful indoor experience without sensory overload. You’ll walk away having learned something about aquatic ecosystems, conservation, and maybe even about Cleveland itself.

By the time I stepped back into the crisp air outside, I realized that what makes this place special isn’t its scale—it’s its soul. The Greater Cleveland Aquarium manages to blend education, entertainment, and emotion effortlessly. Whether you’re a lifelong local or a visitor exploring downtown, this is one of those experiences that renews your sense of wonder.

Frank's "3" Insider Tips:

1. Arrive Early: The aquarium opens at 10 a.m., and the first hour is the quietest time to visit. You’ll have more room to enjoy the exhibits and better photo opportunities before families and school groups arrive.

2. Don’t Rush the SeaTube: The shark tunnel is the highlight—pause midway through and look up. The reflections and slow movement above you make for the best video and photo moments.

3. Ask the Aquarists: The staff are passionate and approachable. Take a minute to ask about feeding times or animal personalities—they often share behind-the-scenes details not listed on signs.

Visitor Information: Greater Cleveland Aquarium

• Address: 2000 Sycamore Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44113
• Phone: (216) 862-8803
• Website: greaterclevelandaquarium.com
• Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas; 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM on Christmas Eve)
• Admission: Adults $24.95; Seniors $18.95; Children (2–12) $18.95; Under 2 free
• Highlights: 70,000 square feet of aquatic exhibits, seven themed galleries, a 175-foot SeaTube shark tunnel, and an 11,000-gallon stingray touchpool
• Amenities: Gift shop, stroller and wheelchair access, rest areas, family-friendly design
• Nearby: Jacobs Pavilion, The Nautica Queen, The Flats East Bank, and the Greater Cleveland Aquarium parking garage
• Ideal For: Families, couples, and visitors seeking a local experience that blends education and entertainment in one of Cleveland’s most creative adaptive reuse spaces

Photos Courtesy: Greater Cleveland Aquarium