Florida Aquarium Review: Visiting with Points and Miles
The Florida Aquarium in Tampa is often listed as one of the top aquariums in the United States, especially for families traveling with kids. Between the interactive exhibits, conservation focus, and easy access from downtown Tampa, it’s easy to see why it shows up on so many Tampa itineraries.
We planned a short, aquarium‑centered trip and wanted something that felt manageable with a child, didn’t require a full day commitment, and was easy to pair with flights and a nearby hotel. Below is a full breakdown of what the visit was actually like, ticket prices, how long it took, what stood out for kids, and what we would plan differently next time.
We approached this trip with a budget mindset and looked for ways to keep costs reasonable without cutting corners. One of the ways we did that was by using points and miles for flights, our hotel, and transportation. I’ve shared those details later for readers who want ideas on saving money, but if you’re here just for the Florida Aquarium review, you’re in the right place.
This guide lives inside my Trip Planning and Redemptions series, where I share practical ways to plan smoother family travel days. You can explore all of our aquarium posts in the Aquarium Travel hub once you finish this list.
Trip Details at a Glance
We kept this trip intentionally short and focused mainly on the aquarium, with plans to return to Tampa for a longer stay later.
- Day 1: Fly into Tampa → Rent a car → Visit the Florida Aquarium → Check into hotel
- Day 2: Enjoy free hotel breakfast → Fly home
Getting to the Florida Aquarium: Location and Parking Tips
We rented a car at Tampa International Airport, which made getting around easy even with downtown traffic from the Gasparilla Pirate Festival. The ride from the airport to the Aquarium was entertaining, with plenty of pirate-dressed pedestrians and rickshaw riders having a good old time! For lunch, we stopped at Chick-fil-A, which is always a reliable option for our picky eater.
Parking at The Florida Aquarium was easy to find with a dedicated parking lot and plenty of spaces. Payment is handled via kiosk or app. We booked four hours and paid $20, though two to three hours would have been enough for most visitors.
If you are visiting Tampa attractions beyond the aquarium, having a car gives you the most flexibility. That said, the location is walkable from nearby hotels and attractions like Sparkman Wharf.
Florida Aquarium Tickets, Prices, and Timed Entry
Timed entry tickets are required according to the Florida Aquarium website, though tickets were available at the door during our visit. We arrived about 45 minutes after our reserved time and had no issues entering.
Ticket Prices at the Time of Our Visit
- Adults: $35.95
- Children ages 3 to 11: $30.70
- Children under 2: Free
Our total for two adults and one child came to $107.60 with tax.
The aquarium also offers paid add ons such as penguin encounters, SeaTREK underwater walking tours, stingray feedings, and dolphin cruises along Tampa Bay.
Inside the Florida Aquarium: Best Exhibits and Kid Friendly Highlights
We happened to walk in at exactly the right time. As we entered around 2:15 p.m., staff lined visitors up in the front corridor and introduced two African black footed penguins named Pebbles and Archibald. They waddled right through the crowd and completely stole the show.
Exhibit Highlights
We started in the Wetlands Exhibit, where bright pink roseate spoonbills, turtles, otters, and alligators immediately grabbed our attention.
In Journey to Madagascar, the ring tailed lemurs were the clear favorite. Their wide eyed expressions had us laughing longer than expected.
The Shorelines Exhibit featured tiny eels that looked like blades of grass swaying in the sand. My daughter spent several minutes watching them move.
Stingray Beach was another highlight. Kids can touch cownose rays, and this area stays busy throughout the day.
The No Bone Zone showcased one of the widest varieties of anemones we’ve seen at any aquarium.
In the MORPH’D Exhibit, we watched a four eyed fish whose eyes sit both above and below the water line.
The Coral Reef is the largest habitat and puts you face to face with tiger sharks and a massive sea turtle swimming between viewing windows.
At Reef Secrets, we saw seahorses up close, including one carrying eggs.
In Waves of Wonder, a sand spitting fish entertained kids nearby, and in Moon Bay, visitors can gently touch moon jellyfish. Staff explained that while they do have stinging tails, the sensation is mostly undetectable for humans.
If you have visited places like the Monterey Bay Aquarium or Shedd Aquarium, you will notice that Florida Aquarium leans heavily into interactive experiences rather than massive single tanks.
Visiting the Florida Aquarium With Kids: What to Know
If your kids plan to use the stingray touch tank, bring an extra shirt or full change of clothes. Leaning over the tank tends to soak sleeves and fronts of shirts.
Our eight year old did not realize how wet she was until we walked away. We ended up using the Dyson hand dryer in the bathroom to dry her shirt. Next time, we will absolutely pack a spare.
A few highlights from inside the Florida Aquarium, including the coral reef tank and touch exhibits.
What the Florida Aquarium Does Well
Prime Location
The aquarium sits close to downtown Tampa, hotels, the airport, and waterfront attractions. The surrounding area offers plenty of additional activities, making it a great spot for a day of exploration. Or, like us, you can fly in for a quick direct trip!
Diverse Wildlife
From vibrant birds to sea turtles and reef life, the variety of species keeps the visit engaging from start to finish.
Hands On Experiences
Multiple touch tanks allow kids to interact with rays and jellyfish, which is a major win for family visits.
Conservation and Education
Clear signage and displays focus on marine conservation, endangered species, and environmental responsibility.
Family-Friendly Design
Wide pathways, stroller access, and kid friendly exhibits make the aquarium easy to navigate.
Accessibility
Wheelchair friendly exhibits, elevators, sensory services, and stroller or wheelchair rentals are available.
Clean and Convenient Bathrooms
Bathrooms are clean, plentiful, and easily accessible, with thoughtful amenities such as Dyson hand dryers, a lifesaver after a visit to the stingray touch tank!
Dining Options
Whether you’re looking for quick bites or a sit-down meal, the Florida Aquarium has diverse dining options like Cafe Ray and The Cove. Enjoy pizza, burgers, sushi, salads, and even beer, wine, or Tiki Time for adults. Cafe Ray also offers allergy-friendly and diet-specific menus (vegan, nut- free, gluten-free, etc.) available online for easy planning before your visit.
Where the Florida Aquarium Could Improve
Some exhibit glass could benefit from more frequent cleaning. With water, animals, and plenty of kid fingerprints, visibility in a few areas was reduced.
How We Booked Our Florida Aquarium Trip With Points and Miles
Flights: Delta
From my home airport of Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), there are three airlines offering direct flights to Tampa International Airport (TPA): Frontier, Southwest, and Delta. For my family of three, Delta is always our top choice. We consistently choose Delta for service and reliability, especially when flying with a child.
For our trip to Tampa, we booked Delta First Class, and here’s exactly how we made it happen:
- Roundtrip Economy Seats for Three
- 13,900 Delta SkyMiles per person (41,700 total)
- Taxes and fees: $33.60
- Upgrades to First Class for Three
- 3,267 Delta SkyMiles per person (9,800 total)
- Total Points and Cash Used
- Delta SkyMiles: 51,500
- Cash (taxes and fees): $33.60
We earned SkyMiles through Delta credit cards and flight spending. American Express Membership Rewards can also transfer to Delta, with a small excise tax fee.
Hotel: Home2 Suites by Hilton Westshore Airport
This hotel sits about 2.5 miles from Tampa International Airport and 7 miles from the Florida Aquarium.
What Worked Well
- Location between airport and aquarium
- Spacious room with king bed and pullout sofa
- Free breakfast with waffles, eggs, yogurt, oatmeal, and more
What Could Be Better
- No on site restaurant for dinner
- Difficulty using Hilton gift cards at the property
Booking Details
- One-Night Stay: 50,000 Hilton Points
- Parking Fee: $12 (cheaper than I found at other hotels nearby)
- Breakfast: Free with stay
If you’re planning a visit to Tampa using points and miles, this hotel is a solid option! We earned our Hilton points from a combination of Hilton credit cards and stays. You can also transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to Hilton.
Finding Nearby Hotels (Cash or Points)
If you’re still deciding where to stay, this map shows hotels and rentals near the Florida Aquarium. You can compare prices, locations, and see which properties work best for cash bookings or points stays.
This post includes a few helpful affiliate links (like a Stay22 map), which means I may earn a small commission if you book through them, always at no extra cost to you.
Transportation
We rented a car through the Capital One Travel portal using our Venture X travel credit. The $43.81 rental cost was fully covered by the annual credit, resulting in zero out of pocket cost.
For us, renting a car was the best option and allowed for the most flexibility. It balanced cost and convenience for a more enjoyable experience.
If you’re newer to points and miles, this is the general approach we use to turn everyday spending into trips.
Other tips for Visiting Tampa Attractions
Check out Tampa Bay CityPass, which gives discounts for:
- The Florida Aquarium
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
- ZooTampa at Lowry Park
- The Tropics Boat Tours
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Museum of Science & Industry
- Glazer Children’s Museum
Is the Florida Aquarium Worth It?
For families, especially those visiting Tampa for a short trip, the Florida Aquarium is absolutely worth including. The interactive exhibits, manageable size, and kid friendly layout make it easy to enjoy without feeling rushed.
Packing It Up: A Rewarding Florida Aquarium Visit
Our trip to the Florida Aquarium was a fantastic experience, made even better by strategically using points and miles. From touch tanks to the unexpected penguin parade, the visit offered plenty of memorable moments. The convenience of flying in with Delta SkyMiles, staying at a Hilton property using points, and covering our rental car with a travel credit all reinforced how rewarding it can be to leverage points and miles for family travel.
If you’re considering a visit, I highly recommend booking tickets in advance, bringing an extra shirt for kids visiting the touch tanks, and planning extra time to explore Tampa’s waterfront attractions nearby. If you’re looking for a fun family-friendly stop in Tampa, the Florida Aquarium is well worth the visit. And if you can book it all on points? Even better!
Your Next Read
Monterey Bay Aquarium Review: Is It Really Worth the Hype?
Shedd Aquarium Review: Is It Really Worth It?
Top Aquariums in the US: Our Family Favorites and Future Must Visits
