Over the weekend we had the opportunity to visit the Valley’s newest entertainment spot for kids and adults, OdySea in the Desert!
Located in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, OdySea Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the Southwest, spanning 200,000 square feet. The two-level, state-of-the-art facility holds more than 2 million gallons of water and accommodates up to 10,000 visitors daily. With over 50 exhibits and 500 different species, there are more than 30,000 animals that call OdySea home.
OdySea Aquarium offers an entertaining, interactive, and educational experience for guests of all ages by combining theme-park-style amusement with highly engaging presentations of aquatic life like no other in the industry. The facility includes a 3D theater, SeaTREK™ underwater ocean walking, and a one-of-a-kind voyage through the “Living Sea.”
My kids are true desert dwellers so having the opportunity to experience the aquarium was a fun treat! Our friends at OdySea in the Desert were kind enough to set us up a behind the scenes tour! If your littles are age 6 and up, I highly recommend this tour!
On our tour we got to see how the aquarium runs with things like each aquariums life support systems, the various kitchens and coolers used to prep each animals special diet plus some fun encounters with the sea lions AND we got to go into the penguin habitat!
OdySea Aquarium is great for little kids who are fascinated by swimming fish but also so great for kids in elementary school and beyond as they can learn a lot more about animal care and the environment.
If you are looking for fun, winter break activities for your kids and any family that might be visiting then you need to add OdySea in the Desert to your list! OdySea in the Desert is a whole entertainment destination that OdySea Aquarium and Butterfly Wonderland are a part of! Throughout the month they will have tons of FREE holiday entertainment for all ages!
With restaurants, ranging from Classic American to Greek, Italian, & Mexican, to an array of Shops that engage guests with a variety of merchandise and interactive experiences; they are all centered in a bustling courtyard with lively stage performances.
The December holiday entertainment schedule includes:
• The Dinosaurs Invade OdySea in the Desert: December 19 –December 23rd. 12pm-2pm
Roaming appearances and interactive photo opportunities, archeological fossil digs, dinosaur egg, teeth & claws exhibit. Featuring baby Tyrannosaurus Rex “RAJA”; a fully-grown Velociraptor “RAVEN”; infant Utah Raptor “TALON”
• Holiday Carolers: December 18 – December 22nd. 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Strolling carolers, in beautiful period costuming, fill the air with the songs of the season
• Circus Farm Entertainers & Workshops: December 26 & December 27; December 29 & December 30th. 11am-3pm
Strolling circus entertainment with stilt walkers, jugglers, walking globe, hoops and Children’s Circus Prop Workshops
• OdySea in the Desert Presents “Showstoppers Live Holiday Spectacular”
December 26 – December 30th. 3:45-6:45 p.m.
The Showstoppers Live! Holiday Spectacular features America’s greatest tribute performers recreating some of the most beloved holiday performances of all time. Audiences can sing along to songs such as Elvis’ rendition of “Blue Christmas,” Natalie Cole’s version of “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” and The Blues Brothers!
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For more information visit facebook.com/OdySeainTheDesert.
About OdySea in the Desert Entertainment Destination
A 35-acre, multimillion-dollar entertainment destination that is reminiscent of popular tourist boardwalks throughout the country with shops and restaurants that showcase the local flavor of the region. Approximately 20 restaurants, retail and amusement establishments encircle a one-acre bustling courtyard with multiple water features and a lively center stage with entertainment that is free to the general public. OdySea in the Desert also features three major attractions: OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland and Dolphinaris. For more information call 480-951-2100.
