There are plenty of kid-friendly things to do at Great Lakes Crossing, including Michigan’s largest aquarium. SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium has more than 250 species and includes 10-plus breathtaking exhibits, live marine creatures you can touch and a 180-degree underwater tunnel. Since there is a lot to see, make sure you check out the Aquarium Map beforehand.
This article was recently updated on July 19, 2024 by Metro Parent’s Assistant Editor, Nikki Roberts. The update included her research and fact-checking expertise to provide the latest information on the best things to do at SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium. Questions? Please reach out to nikki@metroparent.com.
Quick details about SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium
- Address: 4316 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills
- Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays-Fridays and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays
- Cost: $17.99+/SEA LIFE admission, $27.99+/SEA LIFE + Peppa Pig admission, $27.99+/SEA LIFE + Legoland admission, $37.99+/SEA LIFE + Legoland + Peppa Pig admission, free/ages 2 and under
Things to do at SEA LIFE with kids
- There’s an interactive touchpool where kids can touch a sea anemone, sea star and more.
- Take a behind-the-scenes with your family for an extra $6/person. You’ll join an expert from the aquarium to learn about how they care for more than 2,000 creatures. It’s a 20-minute interactive experience. It must be booked when you purchase tickets. For this tour, arrive at the Ocean View Window, near Dive Station 8 at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time of the tour.
- When booking tickets, purchase a Ranger Mission Pack for your child. This pack includes three fun missions for kids to complete during their visit. It also comes with a pencil, lanyard and magnifying glass. It costs $5/child.
- Take advantage of the educational talks and feeding of the sea creatures. Check out the full schedule for all days and times.
- There are many events happening right now at SEA LIFE, including Toddler Time, Watershed Cleanups, Teacher Appreciation Days and First Responder Appreciation Days. Check out the schedule to find out the dates and times of all of the exciting events.
Tips for families when visiting SEA LIFE
- For cheaper tickets, book ahead of time online.
- If you want close parking, park at entrance 7.
- Leave belongings in your car because there are no lockers.
- Make sure your child wears socks so they can enjoy the children’s play structure at the end of the visit.
Things to do near SEA LIFE
- Rainforest Café is located directly across from SEA LIFE. You and your family can eat like you’re in the actual rainforest. Book a reservation in advance to guarantee seating. If you get there earlier than your reservation, walk around the gift shop. The cafe offers stroller parking.
- Legoland Discovery Center has a Miniland, Kingdom Quest Laser Ride, Lego Racers: Build & Test, Lego 4D Cinema, Merlin’s Apprentice Ride, Duplo Farm, Lego City Play Zone and much more. Be sure to check out which events are going on before heading there. Pro tip: Bundle tickets with SEA LIFE for a discounted price.
- Peppa Pig World of Play Michigan has 14 themed areas for your little one to explore and pretend they’re actually on the show. They’ll be able to climb into George’s fort and into Peppa Pig’s treehouse, shop at the supermarket, go through the “car” wash on the bicycles and more. Pro tip: Bundle tickets with SEA LIFE for a discounted price.
- End the trip with a trip to M Street Baking Co. in Great Lakes Crossing Mall. It specializes in elaborate milkshakes, macarons, cake jars, edible cookie dough, cupcakes and shimmer lemonade.
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