The Aquarium at the Boardwalk, in Branson, Missouri, is a fun, highly interactive experience for kids. We visited with a first grader and a second grader. Even before you enter, you will be entranced by the giant mosaic octopus forming the entrance.
This is a work of art, so take some time to appreciate it.
With the octopus in mind, you’ll be welcomed by the aquarium’s octopus pal, Aquarius. Kids are encouraged to find all 9 octopi hiding in the building. This kind of scavenger hunt helps kids focus during their trip through the attraction.
The nine hidden octopi do not include the live one. Check out our Octopus Classroom Ideas to learn more about this fascinating creature.
In addition to the scavenger hunt, there are many special play spaces in the aquarium. The climbing structure shown below is amazing.
While the aquarium is certainly designed to entertain kids who don’t get excited about staring at fish, our group really enjoyed getting up close and personal with the denizens of the deep.
Lionfish are beautiful. They’re also well camouflaged, perfectly designed to hide in seaweed. Learn more about fish with our Fish Classroom Ideas.
Rays are a special kind of fish: a cartilaginous fish. That means its internal structures are made of cartilage, like our ears. Their skeletons are flexible, not hard like skeletons made out of bones.
Sharks are another cartilaginous fish. The Aquarium at the Boardwalk has a wonderful dark tunnel. As you walk through the tunnel, you are surrounded by sharks gliding through the water beside and above you.
Fish are not the only creatures you’ll see here. Coral is an important element of the marine biome.
An aquarium is a wonderful way to learn about creatures living in the water. We’ve visited other aquaria, too:
Do you have an aquarium in your town? Go of a visit and see how it compares with the Aquarium at the Boardwalk.
