Under the Sea: Family Fun at North Carolina’s Aquariums

Want to observe some of North Carolina’s most beautiful residents in their natural habitats? Visit aquariums from the Outer Banks to the Asheville area to peek at life under the sea and discover the aquatic life that make our freshwater and saltwater ecosystems so vibrant.

1 North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher

1 North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher

Kure BeachSee on map

At this aquarium in the Wilmington area, you’ll follow the mighty Cape Fear River from its inland origins to the ocean. Along the journey you’ll meet Luna, an albino alligator; have the opportunity to touch Bamboo sharks; and even learn about one of the biggest sharks that ever swam off our coast, the Megalodon. It was longer than a school bus, had teeth the size of a dinner plate and a jaw 8 feet across. Fortunately, all that remains are fossil relics of this 2 million-year-old predator, but an exhibit including replica jaws, teeth you can touch and an interactive video gives you a feel for this massive creature.

Website(910) 772-0500Directions

2 North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island

2 North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island

ManteoSee on map

At this aquarium on the Outer Banks, you’ll see more sharks in one place than you ever thought possible. Nurse, sand tiger and sandbar sharks swim through the 285,000-gallon Graveyard of the Atlantic exhibit, living beside dozens of other fish. Divers pay this huge tank a visit to swim with the sharks; check with the aquarium for feeding schedules. This aquarium isn’t just one exhibit, though. The whole aquarium will give you an idea of how water reaches the ocean from its inland tributaries, and it provides a look at the creatures that call these waters home.

Website(252) 475-2300Directions

3 North Carolina Aquarium at Jennette's Pier

3 North Carolina Aquarium at Jennette's Pier

Nags HeadSee on map

The newest of the North Carolina aquariums, this Outer Banks outpost offers summer camps, classes, fishing lessons and even hang gliding for kids. Fishing is what the pier is best known for, and there’s plenty to be had. Anglers can experience some of the East Coast’s best fishing from 1,000-foot pier that extends over the Atlantic Ocean. Veteran anglers teach everything from fishing with the entire family to private lessons.

Website(252) 255-1501Directions

4 North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

4 North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

Pine Knoll ShoresSee on map

When you walk into this aquarium on the Crystal Coast, you’re greeted by a three-story indoor waterfall. The waterfall introduces you to the layout of the aquarium, which takes you from the mountains to the sea, stopping to visit hundreds of animals along the way. Among the aquarium’s exhibit highlights: the always-popular river otters; a Tidal Touch Pool; and the Living Shipwreck, which features a 60-foot viewing window.

Website(252) 247-4003Directions

5 North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

5 North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

RaleighSee on map

You’ll love the Fish and Invertebrates exhibits at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, where you can explore both fresh and saltwater species native to our state. One of the best parts? General admission to this museum is free.

Website(919) 707-9800Directions

6 SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord

photo credit: Explore Cabarrus

6 SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord

ConcordSee on map

More than 250 unique species call SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord their home, including rescued and rare specimen. The 10 interactive zones invite you to touch a chocolate chip sea star, come face-to-face with a rescued sea turtle and see jellies like never before.

Website(855) 450-0512Directions

7 Greensboro Science Center

7 Greensboro Science Center

GreensboroSee on map

An aquarium-zoo hybrid, the Greensboro Science Center is the perfect place to experience the whole animal kingdom at once. The indoor aquarium offers visitors the chance to feed the fish and penguins, touch the stingrays and small sharks, and watch frolicking otters play. Check the daily schedule for the chance to witness the trainers’ daily dive.

Website(336) 288-3769 Directions

8 Aquarium & Shark Lab by Team Ecco

8 Aquarium & Shark Lab by Team Ecco

HendersonvilleSee on map

At the Aquarium & Shark Lab by Team Ecoo, the first inland aquarium in North Carolina, you can observe reptiles and tropical fish as you learn about the ocean’s fascinating ecosystems. Daily activities include large tortoise feeds outside, plus shark and sting ray feeds. The aquarium also offers educational camps and classes.

Website(828) 692-8386Directions