Visiting zoos and aquariums is one of our favorite activities. There is something about watching the fish slowly swim through their environment that is relaxing.
One time, my husband and I were traveling back home after a Caribbean cruise. We don’t have cable TV at home so the only time get to see some TV shows is when we are staying in a hotel.
This particular trip, we saw the show “Tanked” for the first time. I am ashamed to say how many episodes we watched in a row. However, by the time we turned it off, we decided to buy a fish tank when we got home.
Since we’re the type who always give everything 100% effort, we eventually had 5 aquariums and one terrarium of crabs!
Our largest tank was a beautiful 55 gallon tank with brightly colored freshwater fish.
I always thought that all you needed was a tank, water, and fish. But, that is not true at all! It takes a lot of effort to keep fish in a healthy environment.
It was a fun time that lasted for about 2 years. I did more PH tests and water changes than I ever thought I would. I didn’t initially know that taking care of fish took so much effort.
I don’t ever want to do that again. Ever.
After our very last fish died, we sold our largest tank and I told my husband that I will never have fish again. Now, when I see an episode of Tanked, I break out in a cold sweat.
I MUCH rather visit our Arkansas aquariums.
Does Little Rock have an aquarium?
The only aquarium in Little Rock is the Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center. This Nature Center has aquariums of native Arkansas fish in settings that look like Arkansas rivers.
It is beautiful. However, if you’re looking for tropical fish, you won’t find them here. Only native Arkansas fish swim in these waters.
About the Little Rock aquarium
Riverfront Park location overlooking the Arkansas River; provides many watchable wildlife opportunities within an urban area; exhibits highlight the role of fish and wildlife management and projects conducted throughout the history of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission; a portion of the Arkansas River Trail crosses the grounds; beds of Arkansas native plants are a major part of the landscaping; exhibit hall, aquariums, gift shop, theater. -source
Little Rock Aquarium location
The aquarium in Little Rock is located here:
602 President Clinton Avenue
Little Rock, AR 72201
501-907-0636
Aquariums near Little Rock
The National Park Aquarium is about an hour from Little Rock in Hot Springs, Arkansas. This aquarium features freshwater fish, saltwater fish, turtles, frogs, tortoises, lizards and more.
This is a small aquarium and ticket prices are low.
National Park Aquarium location
You will find the Nation Park Aquarium here:
209 Central Avenue
Hot Springs, AR 71901
501-624-3474