Downtown Aquarium
Denver Aquarium - Denver, CO
The Downtown Aquarium in Denver (formerly Colorado’s Ocean Journey) is a combined public aquarium + dining & entertainment complex. It sits on a 17-acre site adjacent to the South Platte River, at the intersection of I-25 and 23rd Avenue. The facility is about 107,000 square feet and features both freshwater and marine exhibits that collectively hold roughly one million gallons of water. There are over 500 species and about 5,000 individual animals.
Besides the aquariums, Downtown Aquarium offers more than just exhibits. It has a full-service restaurant, a bar/lounge, ballroom space for events, interactive touch exhibits like Stingray Reef, shopping, and various amusements. It aims to serve both as an educational attraction (especially around aquatic environments, conservation, and ecosystems) and a family entertainment / dining destination.
Photo Gallery
Upcoming Events
For Visitor Info, Exhibits, Shark Cage, Mermaids, Dining, Birthdays and more – Visit website
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours of operation?
Typically, the aquarium opens around 10:00 AM and closes between 8:00-9:30 PM, depending on day of week (weekends sometimes later). Best to check the official site on the day you plan to go.
What is the cost of admission?
Admission prices vary; Frommer’s lists something like Adults, Seniors, Children (age 3-11), free for 2 and under. There are sometimes discounts (after certain hours, with restaurant receipts, etc.).
When was the Downtown Aquarium established?
The aquarium opened on June 21, 1999 under the name Colorado’s Ocean Journey, founded by Bill Fleming and Judy Petersen Fleming as a nonprofit. It was envisioned with two river “journeys” (the Colorado River in North America, and the Kampar River in Indonesia) that eventually lead to ocean habitats, as a way to teach about watershed, river to sea ecosystems, species diversity, and conservation.
However, the original nonprofit couldn’t meet debt obligations (construction costs were high, funding complicated), and in April 2002 the institution filed for bankruptcy with over $60 million in debt.
In March 2003 Landry’s Restaurants, Inc. purchased the facility for about $13.6 million. The site was closed temporarily in summer 2005 for renovations, during which a restaurant, bar, ballroom, and a large marine tank in the restaurant area were added. On July 14, 2005, it reopened under the new name Downtown Aquarium.
Can you eat there?
Yes. There is a full-service restaurant (the Aquarium Restaurant), a Dive Lounge, bar, etc. Dining is part of the experience and many patrons combine a visit with dinner.
What exhibits or special animal features are there?
Exhibits include freshwater ecosystems (Colorado River, etc.), marine habitats, a big 150,000 gallon marine tank in the restaurant, interactive touch tanks like the Stingray Reef, etc. Also some terrestrial exhibits, such as a tiger habitat.
Is it good for kids / how much time should we plan?
Does it do educational programs or conservation?
Yes. It is accredited by the AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums), participates in conservation programs, houses endangered/threatened species, and runs volunteer & educational offerings.
What are special events or rentals?
They have a ballroom (Nautilus Ballroom), can host private events, weddings, corporate events, etc. Also sometimes special “experiences” like diving or snorkeling with sharks, depending on schedule.