Dive into Shark Week early at the St. Louis Aquarium, where the celebration of the fascinating fish lasts all summer long.
Summer of the Shark—which kicked off May 29 and lasts through Labor Day—spotlights the aquarium’s many shark species, including bonnetheads, zebra sharks, nurse sharks, and more.
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In addition to viewing the many species that make their home in Shark Canyon, visitors of all ages can take advantage of several shark-themed experiences each day. Handle ancient shark teeth on the shark artifact cart, visit sharks and rays at the touch pool, and learn facts and solve riddles as you work to complete a shark scavenger hunt throughout the aquarium’s many exhibits.
In addition to their own programming, the St. Louis Aquarium is also playing host to Sharks, an exhibition on loan from the American Museum of Natural History, this summer. The Union Station attraction is the first location in the nation to house the exhibition, which includes 54 panels featuring information about groundbreaking shark research, sharks’ superb sensory powers, and plenty of other fun facts in both English and Spanish.
During the Summer of the Shark, adventurous guests can also explore behind-the-scenes areas of Shark Canyon alongside the aquarium’s helpful staff guides. Experiences include feedings, a shark nursery area, and—for those over age 5—the rope bridge. The net-lined pathway lets participants peek into the tanks from above for a unique view of the habitat’s sharks, rays, sea turtles, and fish.
Scheduled events for kids and adults are on offer throughout the summertime salute to sharks. Stop by with the little ones for Shark Storytime in the KidZone at 10 a.m. each day and at 2 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. For those looking to start the weekend off with a splash, the aquarium will host Friday Night Happy Hours throughout the month of June. Visitors ages 21 and up can enjoy a complimentary drink from the Anheuser-Busch Beverage Container as they wander the exhibits, while children 12 and under will receive complimentary shark sunglasses. A full schedule of events, including daily dive shows and feedings, can be found online.
For more information and a full schedule of events, visit stlouisaquarium.com/summer-of-sharks.
