If you thought the Florida Aquarium in Tampa was just about looking at pretty fish, think again. It’s an educational experience and you’ll find birds, snakes, alligators and other animals as you explore the exhibits.

You will touch a stingray or sea anemone and take a cute selfie but you’ll also learn about the importance of wetlands, coral reefs and other habitats.

Sure, you’ll take photos of pretty fish but you’ll also get slightly creeped out by the sounds of hissing cockroaches or feel “fish” hitting against your feet as you watch a film in the 4D Theater.

The Florida Aquarium is ranked in the top 10 aquariums in the United States and Parents Magazine ranked it in the top 5 “Kid-Friendly Aquariums.”

Here’s some of what you’ll see if you decide to visit. When I visited I used the Tampa Bay CityPASS which you can read about in a previous post.