Exploring the Reiman Aquarium at Discovery World: A Guide for Families

The Reiman Aquarium at Discovery World, located on Milwaukee’s lakefront, is Wisconsin’s largest aquarium, and an interactive experience for families interested in exploring marine life.

Here’s a guide to what parents can expect when visiting with kids, including exhibits, activities, and helpful tips to plan your trip.

Overview of Reiman Aquarium

The Reiman Aquarium showcases aquatic life from both freshwater and saltwater environments, with exhibits highlighting local Great Lakes species as well as tropical marine life.

Kids can experience these habitats up close, including interactive areas where they can touch marine animals.

The aquarium is designed to engage children’s curiosity about underwater ecosystems while providing a hands-on learning experience.

Main Exhibits at Reiman Aquarium

Lake Michigan Tank

This 80,000-gallon freshwater tank introduces families to creatures native to the Great Lakes. Kids can observe fish like shovelnose sturgeon, northern pike, gar, and carp in this large display.

Discovery World also hosts special events at the Lake Michigan Tank, where visitors can see divers in action or spot a visiting mermaid during certain times.

Checking Discovery World’s event calendar before visiting can help you catch these experiences.

Monthly Mermaid Echo Performances

Mermaid Echo brings an imaginative touch to the Reiman Aquarium experience, connecting kids with aquatic ecology in a fun, memorable way.

On select Sundays, Echo performs an interactive show, swimming among underwater friends and teaching kids about freshwater habitats and the creatures that live there.

Important Notes

• Performances are included with General Admission.
• Space is very limited, and shows are first-come, first-served.

For more details about Mermaid Echo, visit Discovery World’s website.

Touch Tank

One of the most interactive parts of the aquarium, the Touch Tank lets kids gently touch various aquatic creatures, including stingrays and sturgeon.

This hands-on exhibit allows children to experience the unique textures of these animals up close, enhancing their understanding of the species and their habitats.

Caribbean Tank

Currently undergoing updates, the Caribbean Tank is a saltwater exhibit that houses species found in the Caribbean Sea, such as Bamboo Sharks and Honeycomb Cowfish.

At 65,000 gallons, this tank offers a glimpse into the tropical ocean world.

Please note: The Caribbean Tank is currently being upgraded and is emptied out. Families planning a visit may want to check Discovery World’s website for updates on when the Caribbean Tank’s upgrades are complete.

Weird & Wild

This exhibit offers a look at some of the more unusual aquatic and amphibian species, including poison dart frogs, piranhas, pea pufferfish, and axolotls.

Kids may be interested to learn about axolotls’ regenerative abilities or the bright warning colors of the poison dart frogs.

The vivid displays and unique creatures make this section particularly engaging for those who enjoy learning about diverse species.

Me, Undersea

The Me, Undersea exhibit covers topics like bioluminescence, camouflage, and the effects of water pressure on the human body.

This area includes interactive activities for children, introducing them to marine biology and oceanography concepts in a way that’s accessible and hands-on.

Additional Activities and Events

The Reiman Aquarium hosts various events and live animal encounters throughout the week. These encounters may include feedings, special talks, or opportunities to see certain animals up close.

Discovery World’s Calendar of Events is updated with these activities, so checking the schedule ahead of time can help families plan for specific encounters that might be of interest.

Practical Tips for Visiting the Reiman Aquarium

• Timing: The aquarium can be busiest on weekends and school holidays, so visiting on a weekday may offer a less crowded experience. Mornings and afternoons tend to be quieter times for families who prefer a calmer atmosphere.
• Ticket Options: Discovery World offers ticket packages that include access to both the aquarium and museum exhibits, providing families with a full day’s worth of activities under one admission.
• Break Areas: Discovery World has areas where families can take a break if needed, allowing younger children to rest during their visit. Having a few breaks can help maintain energy levels for exploring the rest of the aquarium and Discovery World’s other exhibits.
• Doodle Studio: Also on the Aqua Side, this hands-on, interactive experience combines creativity and technology, allowing kids (and adults!) to bring their drawings to life in a colorful, animated world. 
• Nearby Attractions: The aquarium is part of Discovery World, which has other interactive science and technology exhibits for kids. For more information on what else to explore, see our guide to Discovery World’s must-see attractions and pro tips.

More Aquarium Options in Milwaukee

For families interested in exploring more aquariums around the area, check out our guide to 6 Splash-tastic Aquariums in Milwaukee Your Family Will Love.