It’s finally here, the new aquarium opens at the Toledo Zoo this weekend. There are grand opening celebrations planned for this weekend.
About the New Toledo Zoo Aquarium
The new Aquarium at the Toledo Zoo has been a huge undertaking. The new aquarium has almost 4x more total water volume than the old aquarium. The Reef is the largest new exhibit, and has nearly double the water volume of the old aquarium. The new Toledo Zoo Aquarium also features a Touch Tank which the old aquarium never had. The Lake Erie Islands and Ohio Waterways exhibit focuses on local freshwater fish.
The new Toledo Zoo Aquarium also shifts its focus to marine (saltwater) exhibits. Previously the aquarium was only 37% marine. It is now 87% marine. Despite this shift in focus, many of the old favorites are still in the aquarium such as the Moon Jellies, Alligator Snapping Turtle, Sea Star, Flashlight Fish, and more.
Opening Weekend Activities at New Toledo Zoo Aquarium
There will be special activities across the Toledo Zoo all weekend to commemorate the opening. Highlights of the weekend include:
- Friday
- 10:15a Grand Opening Ceremony
- 11a-2p Aquarium Themed Crafts & Activities in Museum of Science
- noon-2p Stories, Puppets & More with Toledo-Lucas County Public Library in the Museum of Science
- noon-2p Face Painting courtesy of Toledo School for Arts in Museum of Science
- noon-2p Michael Roy’s Circque de Papier Origami demonstrations in Nature’s Neighborhood
- 12:30p & 2:30p Under the Sea with the Little Mermaid – behind the scenes look at Ballet Theatre’s new production
- Saturday & Sunday
- 9a Early access for Toledo Zoo members
- 10a, 11a, & noon – TSA Glass City Steel and performance puppets near Broadway entrance
- 10:30a-3:30p Aquarium Themed Crafts & Activities in Museum of Science
- noon-2p Stories, Puppets & More with Toledo-Lucas County Public Library in the Museum of Science
- noon-2p Face Painting courtesy of Toledo School for Arts in Museum of Science
- noon-2p Michael Roy’s Circque de Papier Origami demonstrations in Nature’s Neighborhood
- noon-4p Activities with Imagination Station
- 12:30p & 2:30p Under the Sea with the Little Mermaid – behind the scenes look at Ballet Theatre’s new production
My daughter has been asking about visiting the new Sea Life Aquarium at Great Lakes Crossing. I was thinking of taking her over spring break, but maybe we’ll go to see the New Toledo Zoo Aquarium instead.
