Location: 810 Lumiere Pl. Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63102
Website: https://www.childrensaquarium.org/
I've been trying to get down to this place for years. This aquarium owned by Leonard Sonnenschein has been around for over 20 years in various locations. First they were in West County, then Brentwood, then they were in the City Museum and now they are down on the Landing since 2016. They were asked to leave the City Museum for a few reasons. One was that the animal exhibits were cited for being unclean. I can testify after this visit that this is still the case.
I parked in a lot for $6. There was a closer lot but they wanted $10. You might be lucky and find a metered spot open but I couldn't, so I spent my $6 and then walked a couple blocks over to the aquarium. The entrance fee for adults is $8 and kids under 15 are $6. I walked in alone because my kids were out of town and the man asks me why I'm there because this is a place for kids. I said because I'd like to see some fish? He said OK. I thought that was odd. If you look at reviews you will see other comments about this gentleman having an attitude or being rude, so just know going in that he's a bit crotchety.
The caulking job on this enclosure could use some improvement.
This poor gator doesn't look like it has much room to move.
There is this staircase that goes up to a ship's wheel where kids can pretend they are steering a boat.
Ship's wheel
Sloth! You can feed him too!
This is the entrance to the downstairs level. You go out the backdoor of the first level, walk around the building and then go in this door. This lower level is twice as big as the first.
There are a lot of reptiles here, including Dave the boa constrictor. He weighs 30 lbs! You can hold many of the reptiles. This is the thing that kids (and people of all ages) will love.
Blue crab
Tarantula
My overall impression is that the owner loves his fish and animals and that this place would be fun for kids to experience. I wouldn't necessarily classify it as an aquarium because most of the animals are reptiles. Some of the animals that kids can feed include an alligator, crocodile, sloth, honey bear, sharks, turtles, and various fish. You can also pet a sloth, stingray, tarantula, snakes, lizards, and urchins. There are a lot of mixed reviews of this place because of concern for the animals. I would lower your standards and not expect a multi million dollar venue like the new aquarium being built at Union Station will be. I was honestly concerned by all the exposed wiring and cords laying around. I would recommend this place only for school aged kids and up. I would be a nervous wreck with a toddler in here. I would describe this place as more of a pet rescue than an aquarium. The important thing to remember is that kids don't care about the looks of the place if they can get up close and personal with some exotic animals. So you be the judge on whether or not you want to visit!
THE CITY CONDEMNED THIS BUILDING IN JUNE 2019. SO GLAD! https://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/world-aquarium-at-laclede-s-landing-closes-after-city-condemns/article_66138677-03ea-5289-a642-86a49fd47715.html
I think it is hard to classify this as an aquarium. It is more like a unique rescue that you can visit, like the reptile/amphibian/fish version of Long Meadow Ranch. We learned that many of these animals have been discarded or ceased by people who should never have made them pets or some are animals with healed injuries that prevent them from surviving and thriving in the wild. I think they struggle with funding as well just as many rescues do. When I visit with that mindest verse looking at it as a true aquarium, it seems more impressive.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with this assessment.
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