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Looking for an aquarium in Milwaukee?
While Milwaukee doesn’t have a standalone aquarium, the city is home to Wisconsin’s largest aquarium inside Discovery World, plus several excellent aquariums and aquatic exhibits within an easy drive.
This 2026 guide breaks down the best aquariums in Milwaukee and nearby Wisconsin, including hands-on exhibits for kids, touch tanks, and easy day-trip options.
💡For more family-friendly ideas, explore our guide to the best things to do with kids in Milwaukee.
Quick Picks: Best Aquariums Near Milwaukee
Below you’ll find the best aquariums in Milwaukee and nearby Wisconsin, including hands-on exhibits, zoo aquariums, and easy day trips that families love.
- Best aquarium in Milwaukee: Reiman Aquarium at Discovery World
- Best touch tanks for kids: Discovery World
- Best aquarium inside a zoo: Milwaukee County Zoo Aquatic & Reptile Center
- Best aquarium day trip: Shedd Aquarium (Chicago)
- Best free aquarium exhibits: Henry Vilas Zoo (Madison)
Reiman Aquarium at Discovery World (Milwaukee’s Main Aquarium)
500 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Located inside Discovery World on Milwaukee’s lakefront, the Reiman Aquarium is the largest aquarium in Wisconsin and the closest thing to a true aquarium in Milwaukee. If you’re wondering whether Milwaukee has an aquarium, this is it. The aquarium is part of Discovery World’s science museum, making it an easy, all-in-one destination for families looking to mix hands-on learning with indoor fun.
What You’ll See
Inside, you’ll find fish and sea life from around the world, including exhibits inspired by the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Amazon Basin, African Rift Lakes, and the Great Lakes. Highlights include the Caribbean Tunnel, which lets visitors walk through a submerged viewing area, and a variety of interactive displays that help kids understand ecosystems and aquatic life in an engaging, age-appropriate way. (Note: the Caribbean Tunnel is occasionally closed for renovations, so availability can change.)
Why families love it:
- Touch tanks where kids can pet stingrays and sturgeon
- Interactive exhibits designed for curious elementary-age kids
- A great indoor option during winter or rainy days
- Located right on Milwaukee’s lakefront with other Discovery World exhibits nearby
👉 Planning a visit? We’ve put together a complete parent guide to the Reiman Aquarium at Discovery World, including what to expect, current exhibit updates, and tips for visiting with kids of different ages.
Milwaukee County Zoo Aquatic & Reptile Center
10001 W Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226
If you’re wondering whether the Milwaukee County Zoo has an aquarium, the answer is yes — you’ll find fish, reptiles, amphibians, and aquatic exhibits inside the Aquatic & Reptile Center.
The Milwaukee County Zoo is home to a huge collection of fish, reptiles, invertebrates and amphibians. You’ll find them in the Aquatic and Reptile Center. Peek into their 28,000-gallon Pacific Coast Marine Aquarium or the 30-species Lake Wisconsin exhibit.
👉 Planning a visit? Check out our Milwaukee County Zoo guide with tips for families, or browse more zoos and petting zoos around Milwaukee for other animal adventures.
Racine Zoo Discovery Center
2131 N Main St, Racine, WI 53402
The charming Racine Zoo is home to a hundred different species of animals, and it’s perfect for young children who are having a first-time zoo experience. It’s located right along the shores of Lake Michigan, so you can make it a full day trip with a stop at nearby North Beach.
The Benstead Discovery Center is located near the Zoo entrance across from the Zootique Gift Shop. You’ll find reptiles and amphibians from around the world, plus an aquarium and a bat exhibit.
Aquarium Stores in Milwaukee (Great for Fish-Loving Kids)
These aren’t public aquariums, but they’re fun places for kids to see fish up close and learn about aquatic care.
There are many aquarium stores in metro Milwaukee, but these shops rise above the rest, known for their great customer service and selection. You and your kids can peruse their selection of tropical fish, marine fish, pond fish, pond plants, glass aquariums, and more. (Warning: you might go home with a new pet!) Check their Facebook Page for the most up-to-date information on hours:
America Aquaria
3485 N 124th St, Brookfield, WI 53005
americaaquaria.com
Fun Fact: There are over 3,000 gallons of water in their Brookfield showroom!
Aquatics Unlimited
3550 S 108th St, Greenfield, WI 53228
bestfish.com
Aquatics Unlimited features over 12,000 square feet of tropical fish and aquariums, more than 350 display tanks, over 12,000 gallons of freshwater, and over 3,000 gallons of saltwater.
The Fish Factory
9218 W Oklahoma Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53227
thefishfactoryonline.com
Aquarium Day Trips
We know these aquariums aren’t technically in Milwaukee, but you have easy access to two other aquariums within a two hour drive:
Henry Vilas Zoo
702 S Randall Ave, Madison, WI 53715
Henry Vilas Zoo is a free admission zoo in Madison, WI. The Discovery Center and Herpetarium is home to reptiles, amphibians, and fish. (Don’t miss the green anaconda, the largest snake species in the world, or the Aldabra tortoise, the largest tortoise species on the planet!)
In the Discovery center, you can use microscopes and magnifying lenses to view the fine details of feathers, scales, and eggs. The Discovery Center and Herpetarium is located on the south side of the zoo near the Bridge Gate entrance.
Shedd Aquarium
1200 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
The world-renowned Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is worth the trip, and your kids will never forget their visit. From the playful dolphins to the majestic beluga whales, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, the interactive exhibits will keep your kids engaged and learning all day long.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aquariums in Milwaukee
Yes. Milwaukee’s main aquarium is the Reiman Aquarium inside Discovery World, which is the largest aquarium in Wisconsin.
Discovery World is a science museum that houses a full-scale aquarium with touch tanks, tunnels, and aquatic exhibits.
Yes. Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison offers free admission and includes aquatic exhibits inside the Discovery Center and Herpetarium.
The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is about a 90-minute drive and is the largest aquarium near Milwaukee. Depending on where exactly you live around Milwaukee, Discovery World members may qualify for reciprocal admission to the Shedd Aquarium.
More Family-Friendly Animal Experiences Around Milwaukee
If your kids love animals, here are a few more family-friendly places around Milwaukee worth exploring.
- 5 Adorable Petting Zoos Around Milwaukee
- Milwaukee County Zoo: Pro Tips & Must-See Attractions
- Shalom Wildlife Zoo: A Wild Adventure in West Bend
In 2013, Calie Herbst, a former teacher with three little ones, saw a need for a “One Stop Shop” for family fun in Milwaukee. So she founded Milwaukee With Kids. Her goal was to find the best this city has to offer families and share it with other parents. In one place.
In 2019, she published “Exploring Milwaukee WIth Kids”, a comprehensive Milwaukee travel guide for families and kids.
She appears regularly on WISN News, Fox 6’s ‘Real Milwaukee’, B93.3, and Wisconsin Morning News. She has been featured in Medium, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, NPR, the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle, and on CBS 58 News.
Calie is available for hosting, moderating and media appearances.
