Top Things to do at Ripley’s Aquarium

The 85,000 square foot Ripley’s Aquarium claims to be the most visited attraction in the whole of South Carolina, and is a ‘must’ for guests staying at Vacation Myrtle Beach resorts. The aquarium opens daily at 9 a.m. and is open 365 days of the year. There are six separate sections to the aquarium with different kinds of sea life featured in each one.

But walking around the aquarium viewing the exhibits is not the only thing to do at this one of a kind aquarium. Here are some of our favorite things that you can do at Ripley’s Aquarium.

One of the more popular things to do is to have a sleep over. Instead of counting sheep to get to sleep you get to count sharks. You’ll need a group of at least 15 kids in order to organize this sleepover, and the kids will need a sleeping bag, pillow and, if desired, a foam sleeping pad. There must be a chaperone with the group (one free adult ticket for every 10 paid kids). In addition to just sleeping, the kids get to enjoy a scavenger hunt through the aquarium, a craft activity and a presentation. There’s also a late night snack and a continental breakfast.

Another very popular thing to do that all kids love is the Mermaid, Sailor or Pirate Makeover. The makeovers include an appropriate T-shirt, and in the case of the mermaid makeover, hairstyle of choice, shimmering makeup, fashion jewelry and a beauty bag with mirror, comb and compact. Sailors get a sailor’s hat and pirates get an eye patch and bandana.

How would you like to get close up and personal with a stingray? If you are at least six years old and love animals, you don’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind experience for the ultimate animal lover. The hands-on learning session will enable you to get close up and personal with spotted eagle rays, southern rays and guitar fish. You will also get to use a mask and snorkel and get close up with the rays in the deep waters of Ray Bay.

One final top thing to do at Ripley’s Aquarium is to pay a visit to the Discovery Center. Aside from the fact that you’ll have the opportunity of holding a horseshoe crab in your hands, you’ll find that the center is an interactive, multimedia playground as well as being an educational resource center. The aquarium provides an exclusive selection of educational programs on marine life and ocean environment. Professionals are available in the building to answer questions and assist you in other ways at all times.