Aquarium of Lyon (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Aquarium of Lyon?
What makes it 91% Kids-Friendly: Kids up to 12 love the touch pool, live feedings, virtual-fish coloring and short cinema; family tickets, lifts and stroller access simplify logistics for parents.
Positives:
- Interactive exhibits: Touch pool and virtual aquarium keep kids engaged hands-on.
- Stroller-friendly layout: Flat floors and lifts let you move through galleries easily.
- Family Pack savings: Booking online swaps €60 total for €51 for 2 adults + 2 kids.
Challenges:
- Peak-time crowds: Weekends and school holidays bring longer lines at entry and exhibits.
- Cinema environment: The short shark movie is dark and loud and may spook sensitive children.
- Limited seating: Benches near tanks fill up quickly; grab a spot early during busy periods.
What is Aquarium of Lyon?
- A riverside aquarium at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône housing nearly 50 tanks and around 300 aquatic species
- Collections span diverse habitats, from coral reefs to temperate freshwater ecosystems
- Facilities include a dedicated shark pit and an interactive touch pool
What is so special about Aquarium of Lyon for with kids?
- Nearly 50 tanks with 300 species from coral reefs to sharks.
- Hands-on touch pool and virtual coloring keep kids busy.
- Live feeding talks and a short shark movie are included.
- Family Pack ticket saves €9 for 2 adults + 2 kids.
- Indoor, stroller-friendly layout with snack bar break areas.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A visit lasting around 2–3 hours lets kids explore galleries, join feedings and take snack breaks without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Aquarium of Lyon
Explore main galleries:
Wander through nearly 50 tanks showcasing tropical fish, coral reefs, marine curiosities and sharks.
Tip: Start at the shark pit for cooler temps and shorter lines; follow the daily feeding schedule posted at the entrance.
Join live feeding talks:
Watch fish, rays and sharks get fed while guides explain their habits.
Tip: Check the timetable at entry and arrive 10 minutes early for front-row viewing.
Virtual aquarium coloring:
Kids color fish drawings and see their creations swim on a big screen.
Tip: Pick up coloring templates near the ticket desk right after entry to finish before the demo.
Touch pool experience:
Gently handle starfish and small rays at the shallow touch pool.
Tip: Use hand sanitizer before and after; supervise children closely at all times.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Aquarium of Lyon
- Book tickets online: Secure the Family Pack and skip the ticket line with advance purchase.
- Visit mid-week: Weekday afternoons have fewer visitors and shorter waits.
- Plan around feedings: Use the daily schedule to hit galleries between feeding shows for smoother flow.
Reviews of Aquarium of Lyon
Alex
The aquarium in Lyon turned out to be quite small, with very few fish. In my opinion, the price is too high — for one adult and three children (aged 13, 10, and 9), I purchased a Family Pack for €60, otherwise it would have been even more expensive. The visit takes a maximum of 30 minutes — spending more time there doesn’t really make sense.
Chloe Park
Small but cute place, had good memories and would recommend but do not expect too much! Nothing too special. Good to spend some time with your loved ones.
Emily Hall
The aquarium was practically empty when I visited which was great, and I enjoyed my visit a lot. All information plaques and talks are in French of course but Google translate had me covered. The problem is that it's pretty small, they recommend 90-120 minutes to get through but that's really only if you have kids and are doing the interactive stuff designed for them like the online quiz. As an ad...
Iryna Konovalova
Visited in December 2023. The aquarium isn't that big. There are a lot of benches to take a break and enjoy the view. There are quizzes online, on the floor and in a booklet to make a visit more interesting. You can find out more about marine life on the screens next to the tanks. There are also short educational lectures a few times per day. There's a cafeteria and a gift shop with plenty of toys...
Nopphol Tha
A little disappointed. It is smaller than I expected, especially when compared with the price. It is more like a walking around fish tanks than the aquarium. Even the biggest tank has few fish. The good point is that it is clean, well organized, and easy parking
When is the best time to visit Aquarium of Lyon (Lyon, France)?
Indoor galleries keep you cool in summer and warm in winter. Expect larger crowds during summer vacations and school holidays; visiting on a weekday afternoon reduces wait times.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Family Pack admission (2 adults + 2 kids) | EUR 51 |
| Family snacks at snack bar | EUR 20 |
| Souvenir from gift shop | EUR 15 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 86 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Aquarium of Lyon
Address: 7 Rue Stéphane Dechant, 69350 La Mulatière, France
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About Aquarium of Lyon
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+33 4 72 66 65 66Explore Popular Things to Do
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