SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium

More than 5,000 creatures in 30 exhibits share the story of the underwater life of plants, fish and reptiles from around the world. A favorite of the 90-minute self-guided tour is walking through a plexi-glass tunnel with sharks, sting rays and other creatures swimming overhead. One section is devoted to life in Missouri waterways including channel catfish and bluegill, as well as a big section of the Lake of the Ozarks.

Best and Worst Times to Go To the Sea Life Aquarium
Late afternoon and early evening hours are the best time to explore without a crowd. The aquarium gets crowded with school children on field trips during the day. All of Crown Center is busy on December weekends.

Must See/Do at the Sea Life Aquarium
Hold a crab and touch a starfish in the interactive Touchpool.

Find Nemo and other clown fish.

Feed fish and play turtle games throughout the day.

Admission Discounts to the Sea Life Aquarium
Find significant discounts on tickets if you arrive after 3 p.m. More bargains are available by ordering tickets online rather than upon arrival. Children under 3 years old are admitted free. The best bargain is to buy a combination ticket with the adjacent Legoland Discovery Center, housed in the same building.

Parking and Public Transportation to the Sea Life Aquarium
The Sea Life Aquarium is located in the Crown Center entertainment district at 25th and Grand, which includes a multi-level parking garage. Parking is free if you have your ticket stamped by a merchant. Crown Center is also a stop on the city's Metro bus route. Taxi service is also plentiful in the city.

Food at the Sea Life Aquarium
There is no food service specifically inside the Sea Life Aquarium, but inside adjacent Crown Center, you'll find everything from fast food, bagels, and ice cream to fine dining options.

Insider Tip for Visitors to the Sea Life Aquarium
Take plenty of time to read the "Fin Facts" painted on the walls around the various exhibits. You may win a prize from fun "pop quizzes" administered by the staff.

Author's bio: Diana Lambdin Meyer is a travel writer based in the Kansas City area. Follow her travels at www.mojotraveler.com.