SERVICE ANIMALS
All service animals must check in at Admissions before being admitted on Aquarium grounds. Service animals are permitted in all areas, however, areas that are considered behind the scenes areas require advanced notice. Emotional support animals are not allowed within the Aquarium or on Aquarium grounds.
During your visit, please be sensitive to the Aquarium's animals. If they seem distressed by your service animal’s presence, please step back from the exhibit to help the Aquarium animal calm down.
GUESTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD)
The social stories below are designed for guests with Autism Spectrum Disorders to enhance their Aquarium experience but may be used by anyone. Please note that some attractions, such as the STAR center, can be temporarily closed, and that some exhibits may be loud on days that are crowded. A list of helpful hints at the end of the story can help caregivers better prepare for an Aquarium visit.
GUESTS WHO ARE BLIND OR HAVE LOW VISION
Sensory backpacks, made possible by a donation from the Surfing for Autism organization, are available for checkout at Visitor Services on a first-come-first-served basis. Each kit includes items that may be helpful during an Aquarium visit:
Sensory backpacks include:
- Monocular
- Yellow-glare reducing glasses
- Magnifying glass
- Animal artifacts and animal models with labels printed in size 18 font
- Laminated copies of the Aquarium social stories
Kits are free for checkout during your Aquarium visit, but require a valid driver’s license to ensure the backpacks are returned.
The following is a listing of all accessible tactile statues at the Aquarium:
- Frog statue in the 7 Rivers Gallery
- Sea Turtles wall signs in STAR Center
- Stingray models in the Touch Pool Gallery
- USS Monitor Turret in Turret Gallery
- Sea Turtle statue outside by the Soundside Pier
