On the shores of the beautiful Arkansas River in Jenks, America sits Oklahoma’s largest aquarium, bringing the ocean to landlocked Oklahoma. Since opening in 2003, this 72,000-square-foot facility has welcomed visitors with over 500 species and 10,000 aquatic animals across a dozen exhibits.
You’ll walk through the world’s largest collection of bull sharks, get up close with loggerhead sea turtles, and experience everything from Oklahoma’s native species to tropical coral reefs. Beyond the exhibits, the aquarium features touch tanks, feeding opportunities, an outdoor playground, a carousel, a gift shop, and the Coral Reef Cafe for a bite to eat.
Shark Adventure: The Oklahoma Aquarium Shark Tunnel
The shark tunnel puts you underwater without getting wet. Ten bull sharks glide overhead while three nurse sharks cruise alongside you through the 360-degree acrylic tunnel.
Bull sharks rank among the ocean’s most formidable predators. The aquarium maintains the world’s largest captive collection, giving you an unmatched view of these powerful fish. The tunnel stretches through the 380,000-gallon tank, surrounding you with swimming sharks on all sides.
The sharks remain active throughout the day, though feeding times draw the biggest crowds. Check the daily schedule when you arrive to catch the most action.
Aquatic Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s rivers and lakes hold prehistoric giants. The Aquatic Oklahoma gallery showcases species that have survived millions of years in local waters.
Seven-foot alligator gar patrol the tanks with their armor-like scales and needle-sharp teeth. American paddlefish, also called spoonbills, can reach 100 pounds. These bottom-feeders use their distinctive paddle-shaped snouts to sense prey in murky water. An alligator snapping turtle older than Oklahoma statehood itself resides here, a living connection to the territory’s past.
Visitors can purchase vegetables at the turtle feed stand to interact with smaller turtles. The exhibit demonstrates how diverse Oklahoma’s aquatic ecosystems are, often surprising people who associate the state with plains rather than water.
Sea Turtle Island
The Oklahoma Aquarium is home to two 300-pound loggerhead sea turtles, commanding attention at Sea Turtle Island. The boardwalk offers views from above while an underwater observation station puts you face-to-face with these gentle creatures.
Reef sharks share the space, weaving between tropical fish. The loggerhead’s powerful front flippers propel it through the water with surprising grace for its size. Crawl into the viewing station for the best photo opportunities—the acrylic windows provide crystal-clear views.
The exhibit highlights sea turtle conservation efforts. Loggerheads face threats from ocean pollution and fishing nets. Many aquarium sea turtles arrive after rehabilitation, unable to survive in the wild.
Polynesian Reef
More than 50 species of tropical fish populate the Polynesian Reef in an explosion of color and movement. Yellow tangs, clownfish, and angelfish dart between coral formations while a green moray eel winds through a sunken ship.
The vivid blues, yellows, and oranges of reef fish evolved as communication and camouflage. Some species change color based on mood or social status. The reef ecosystem represents one of Earth’s most biodiverse environments, packing incredible variety into a small space.
This exhibit transports visitors from Oklahoma to tropical waters. The lighting and aquascaping recreate the feeling of snorkeling in the South Pacific.
EcoZone
Roll up your sleeves for hands-on interaction. The EcoZone features touch tanks where you can feel the difference between smooth stingrays and sandpaper-textured sharks.
Several rays glide through the shallow pool. Their wings ripple as they swim, creating fluid motion. Baby sharks cruise the perimeter—completely harmless at this size. The animals accustomed to human touch will often swim directly to your hand.
A stingray feeding station lets you offer food to the rays and black drum fish. Staff members provide guidance on proper feeding techniques. The EcoZone spans multiple habitats from rocky coasts to marshes and deep-sea caves, each with distinct species adapted to specific conditions.
Extreme Amazon
The Amazon River system holds fish with remarkable adaptations to life at different depths. The Extreme Amazon gallery’s 3,800-gallon freshwater tank highlights how species evolved to thrive in the vastly different conditions found at various levels of the river.
Piranhas, electric eels, and other Amazonian species call this gallery home. The exhibit demonstrates how extreme conditions drive evolutionary innovation, showcasing creatures that have perfected survival strategies over millions of years in South America’s most powerful waterway.
Marvels & Mysteries
Delicate seahorses grip coral with their prehensile tails. Jellyfish pulse through the water with otherworldly grace. Poison dart frogs display warning colors in electric blues and reds. Black ghost knifefish produce electricity to navigate and hunt in darkness.
The Marvels & Mysteries gallery gathers nature’s most unusual aquatic species. Daily feeding shows demonstrate how different animals hunt. The electric eel zaps its prey with stunning bursts of electricity. Piranhas strip food to bones in seconds with razor-sharp teeth. Archerfish shoot water jets with sniper precision to knock insects from overhanging branches.
Each creature solves survival challenges through extraordinary means. The variety of adaptations highlights the creativity of evolution.
The Ozark Stream
North American river otters steal the show at the Ozark Stream exhibit. These playful mammals swim, slide, and tumble through their habitat with boundless energy. Beavers work on stick piles while raccoons forage along the banks.
The exhibit recreates a northeastern Oklahoma stream environment. Native plants line the water’s edge. Educational displays explain stream ecology and conservation in the Sooner State. Oklahoma’s streams support surprising biodiversity, providing habitat for dozens of species.
Otters remain active throughout the day, making this a reliable stop for entertainment. Their social behavior and acrobatics delight visitors of all ages.
Amazing Invertebrates
Invertebrates—animals without backbones—make up 97% of animal species on Earth. The Amazing Invertebrates exhibit showcases the diversity of creatures from insects to mollusks to crustaceans.
These animals might lack spines, but they display remarkable complexity. Many possess abilities beyond vertebrates, from the mantis shrimp’s incredibly powerful strike to the octopus’s problem-solving intelligence. The exhibit helps visitors appreciate often-overlooked species that form the foundation of aquatic ecosystems.
Extreme Fishes
The Extreme Fishes gallery pushes the boundaries of what fish can do. Fish that breathe air, hunters that navigate without eyes, and camouflage experts that disappear seamlessly into their surroundings all call this space home. Each species represents a different answer to the question of how animals survive under pressure.
The enormous Extreme Amazon tank dominates the gallery, showcasing the Amazon River’s most incredible fish. Tunnels built into the tank let kids crawl underneath the water’s surface for a perspective that puts them right among the action. These viewing tubes make the experience far more immersive than simply walking past glass panels.
Oklahoma Aquarium Tickets
Ticket prices vary by age group. Children ages 2 and under receive free admission. The aquarium accepts online purchases through their website, which allows you to skip ticket counter lines during busy periods.
Tickets remain valid for one year from purchase date, providing flexibility if your plans change. Group discounts apply for parties of 20 or more with advance reservations. The aquarium operates as a nonprofit, so admission fees directly support exhibits and educational programs.
Check the official Oklahoma Aquarium website for current pricing before your visit, as rates may change seasonally.
Oklahoma Aquarium Hours
The aquarium opens at 10 a.m. daily. Closing times vary:
- Monday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (last admission 5 p.m.)
- Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (last admission 8 p.m.)
- Wednesday-Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (last admission 5 p.m.)
- Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (last admission 5 p.m.)
The aquarium closes on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Last admission occurs one hour before closing to give visitors adequate time to explore. Most families spend 2-3 hours touring all exhibits. If you plan to attend feeding demonstrations or special programs, add an extra hour.
Peak crowds arrive between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Visit earlier or later for a more relaxed experience.
Oklahoma Aquarium Map
Hotels Near the Oklahoma Aquarium
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jenks sits next door to the aquarium at 300 Aquarium Drive. This convenient location means you can walk to the aquarium entrance in under a minute. The hotel features 76 rooms and suites, an indoor pool, hot tub, free breakfast, and complimentary parking. It’s also the perfect hotel from which to explore the Jenks Riverwalk Crossing district.
Candlewood Suites Tulsa Hills – Jenks is less than a mile from the aquarium, right off Highway 75. The 95-suite property is a strong choice for families or longer stays, with every suite offering a full kitchen, a seasonal outdoor pool, free laundry, and complimentary parking. The rooftop bar, The GEM, serves food and drinks with scenic views and live music on weekends.
The Jenks area fills quickly during summer months and holiday weekends, so reserve rooms in advance for the best rates and availability.
Restaurants Near the Oklahoma Aquarium
Jenks Riverwalk Crossing, adjacent to the aquarium, features multiple dining options within walking distance. Waterfront Grill overlooks the Arkansas River from its patio, serving American fare with scenic views. Los Cabos Mexican Grill and Cantina offers classic Mexican dishes on a beautiful waterfront patio, complete with weekend mariachi bands.
District Burger on Riverwalk Terrace takes a locally sourced approach, using 100% grass-fed, organic beef from Oklahoma ranchers. The fries are fried in beef tallow, and the menu includes creative options like a Wagyu burger and a half-beef, half-breakfast-sausage burger topped with hash browns and peanut butter.
The Melting Pot provides upscale fondue dining along the Riverwalk. Four-course meals feature cheese fondues, salads, meat courses with vegetables, and chocolate dessert fondues. The experience runs about two hours, perfect for date nights or special celebrations.
Andolini’s Pizzeria on the Riverwalk serves acclaimed New York-style pizza with light, crispy crust. The Lodge Eatery and Pub features the longest bar in Tulsa plus comfort food favorites.
Most Riverwalk restaurants sit within a 5-10 minute walk from the aquarium entrance, making it easy to grab a meal before or after your visit without driving.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Oklahoma Aquarium
How big is the Oklahoma Aquarium?
The Oklahoma Aquarium spans 72,000 square feet. The facility houses more than 500 species and 10,000 individual animals across multiple galleries. The shark tank alone holds 380,000 gallons. While not the largest aquarium in the country, the size provides a comprehensive experience without overwhelming visitors.
Where is the Oklahoma Aquarium located?
The Oklahoma Aquarium sits at 300 Aquarium Drive in Jenks, Oklahoma, roughly 15 miles south of downtown Tulsa. Jenks is a southern suburb of Tulsa along the Arkansas River. The aquarium anchors the Riverwalk Crossing development, a mixed-use area with shops and restaurants.
How long does it take to visit the Oklahoma Aquarium?
Visitors in a hurry can easily view all exhibits in an hour, at the cost of missing out on feedings and interactive experiences. Most visitors spend 2-3 hours exploring all exhibits at a comfortable pace. If you plan to attend feeding demonstrations, participate in touch tank experiences, or take behind-the-scenes tours, allow 3-4 hours. Families with young children might stretch the visit longer with breaks at the outdoor playground and cafe.
Can you bring food into the Oklahoma Aquarium?
The aquarium prohibits outside food and beverages except for baby formula, baby food, and items required for medical conditions. The Coral Reef Cafe inside the aquarium serves meals, snacks, and drinks from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Numerous restaurants within walking distance at Riverwalk Crossing provide alternatives.
Does the Oklahoma Aquarium have wheelchair access?
The aquarium is fully wheelchair accessible.
What’s the best time to visit the Oklahoma Aquarium?
Weekday mornings offer the quietest experience, especially Monday through Thursday before 11 a.m. Tuesday evenings provide extended hours until 9 p.m. with smaller crowds after 6 p.m. Weekends and school holidays bring peak attendance. Check the daily feeding schedule and plan your visit around the demonstrations you want to see.
Is photography allowed at the Oklahoma Aquarium?
Personal photography and videography are permitted throughout the aquarium unless specifically posted otherwise. Avoid flash photography near exhibits, as it can stress the animals and creates glare on acrylic panels. The low lighting in some galleries challenges camera phones, so adjust settings or bring a camera with good low-light performance.
