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A woman holding a child up to look at a stingray through the glass at the Electric City Aquarium in Scranton, PA.
Family Fun
May 21, 2025
Plan a Visit to the Electric City Aquarium in Scranton
Get up close with sharks, sloths, stingrays and more at the Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den in Scranton. From hands-on touch tanks to live animal encounters, this family-friendly spot lets you experience creatures of all kinds like never before.
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The Electric City Aquarium in Scranton: Where the Wild Things Swim, Slither and Climb

Get ready for a unique, up-close experience with some of the most fascinating creatures at downtown Scranton’s Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den. This exciting attraction inside The Marketplace at Steamtown invites visitors to explore aquatic ecosystems, tropical rainforests and reptile habitats all in one day. With hands-on exhibits, interactive touch tanks and educational programs led by expert staff, the Scranton aquarium offers a truly immersive experience and indoor family fun. From the graceful movements of stingrays to the slow charm of Molasses the sloth, every turn brings a chance to connect with creatures from land and sea. Whether you’re exploring with kids or just love animals, the Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den offers hands-on encounters with creatures from land and sea.

The Electric City Aquarium makes it easy to spend a full day exploring its diverse exhibits. Walk through the stunning ocean tunnel, get hands-on at the touch tanks or catch a live animal feeding. The Reptile Den showcases fascinating amphibians and reptiles, while the rainforest exhibit highlights exotic species in lush surroundings. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, group visit or a spontaneous day out, this Scranton destination delivers fun, education and a deeper appreciation for wildlife. We’re sharing everything you won’t want to miss on your visit to Scranton’s aquarium.

 

Spend a Fun-Filled Day at the Electric City Aquarium in Scranton

Explore Marine Life at the Aquarium
A turtle swimming in an exhibit at Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den, Scranton, PA.

Dive into the vibrant underwater world at the Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den in Scranton, where marine life from around the globe is just a few steps away. The family-friendly walk-through aquarium offers a hands-on, up-close experience with a variety of aquatic species.

Watch schools of tropical fish weave through coral displays in a burst of color and motion. Glide along with elegant stingrays as they sweep across open tanks, and be captivated by the hypnotic drift of jellyfish, their translucent forms glowing in gently lit exhibits. Sharks, with their powerful presence and effortless movement, cut through the water just inches away—reminding visitors of their vital role in maintaining the balance of ocean ecosystems.

The aquarium’s signature ocean tunnel brings the deep sea to life in a truly immersive way. Surrounded by water on all sides, guests can stroll through this see-through tunnel and feel as though they’re walking on the ocean floor, with sea creatures gliding overhead and beside them.

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Interactive Touch Tanks & Feedings
Two women reach into the touch tank at the Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den in Scranton, PA.

Interactive features like the stingray touch tank allow visitors to connect directly with marine life. You’ll feel the texture of their smooth bodies and observe how they socialize and respond to their environment. You can even feed them during your visit when you purchase a cup of food. Knowledgeable staff are there to guide the experience and share fun, fascinating facts about the animals.

Touch Tank Schedule:

  • 11:30AM-12:30PM: Ray Bay Touch Tank
  • 12:30PM-1:30PM: Invertebrate Touch Tank
  • 1:30AM-2:30PM: Ray Bay Touch Tank
  • 2:30PM-3:30PM: Invertebrate Touch Tank
  • 3:30PM-4:30PM: Ray Bay Touch Tank
  • 4:30PM-5:30PM: Invertebrate Touch Tank

Don’t miss the octopus exhibit—these intelligent creatures can change color, blend into their surroundings, and maneuver through water or tight spaces with incredible agility. Watching them is like witnessing a real-life underwater escape artist.

Animal Feed Schedule (Weekends Only):

  • 12:30PM: Shark Feeding
  • 2:00PM: Crocodilian Feeding
  • 3:30PM: Catfish Cove Feeding
  • 5:00PM: Asian Water Monitor Feeding
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Get Up Close with Reptiles & Amphibians in the Reptile Den
A chameleon climbs on a branch at Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den, Scranton, PA.

Get up close with creatures from around the world in the Reptile Den at Electric City Aquarium. This immersive exhibit features a diverse array of reptiles and amphibians, including snakes, lizards, tortoises, frogs, scorpions, and even a crocodile. Designed to reflect their natural habitats, the enclosures allow you to observe these fascinating animals as they bask, slither and climb.

Throughout your self-guided tour, expert keepers are available to share educational facts, help you identify species and highlight the unique characteristics that make reptiles critical to our ecosystem. The Reptile Den offers an unforgettable experience that combines education with the wonder of the natural world.

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Meet the Animals of the Rainforest
A woman takes a photo of a sloth lounging in a wicker basket hanging from a tree branch at the Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den in Scranton, PA.

Step into the lush Rainforest exhibit at Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den and you’ll find yourself immersed in a vibrant world teeming with life. This dynamic habitat features a variety of exotic animals, including colorful birds, a bushbaby and the aquarium’s beloved two-toed sloth, Molasses.

Molasses, known for her relaxed demeanor and slow movements, captivates visitors as she navigates her treetop home. Her enclosure is thoughtfully designed to mimic her natural environment, complete with ample branches and foliage, allowing her to exhibit natural behaviors like climbing and lounging.

The Rainforest exhibit offers more than just a visual experience; it’s an educational journey. Informational displays provide insights into the unique adaptations and roles of rainforest species, highlighting the importance of conservation. Knowledgeable staff members are on hand to answer questions and share fascinating facts about the inhabitants.

Catch Live Animal Presentations & Educational Programs
Aquarium staff hold an anteater during a presentation at the Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den in Scranton, PA.

Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den offers engaging daily educational programs that bring visitors face-to-face with a variety of fascinating animals. These interactive sessions, led by knowledgeable keepers, provide insights into the behaviors, habitats and conservation of reptiles, mammals and aquatic creatures. Guests can observe animals like snakes, alligators, turtles and more during these informative talks, which often include opportunities for up-close encounters and questions.

Daily Educational Programs:

  • 12:00PM
  • 1:30PM
  • 3:00PM
  • 4:30PM
Showtimes & Animal Feeding Schedule
Host a Birthday Party or Group Visit
Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den in Scranton featuring two large, curved aquariums filled with colorful coral and marine life.

Birthday Parties

Celebrate your child’s special day with the aquarium’s Perfect Party Package, priced at $300. This package includes free admission for the birthday child, 10 guests and 2 party hosts. The celebration features access to a private party room, guided tours and animal meet-and-greets, providing an unforgettable experience for young animal enthusiasts. Additional guests can be accommodated for an extra fee, ensuring flexibility for larger parties.

Group Visits & Field Trips 

The aquarium welcomes school field trips, scout groups, and other organizations, offering discounted group rates for parties of 15 or more. Groups of 30 or more are required to submit a reservation request at least five days in advance to ensure availability. Educational programs are available, including complimentary 15-minute sessions and a private up-close educational program for $200, where groups can meet and learn about three animal ambassadors. Additional options include scheduled animal feedings, touch tank experiences and access to printable educational resources.

Browse the Gift Shop
T-shirts on display in the gift shop at the Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den in Scranton, PA.

Before you head out, swing by the aquarium gift shop—it’s the perfect place to find a keepsake that captures the magic of your visit. Whether you’re looking for a cuddly plush version of your favorite animal, an educational toy, or a unique souvenir, the shop offers a variety of items for all ages. From  apparel and magnets to fun, aquarium-themed gifts, there’s something for everyone to remember their underwater adventure.

Browse Online Gift Shop

Tickets & Membership Information

Day pass tickets are available for adults, children, military and first responders, students, and seniors. Tickets can be purchased online or at the admission gate, no timed entries or reservations required. Day passes are non-refundable and valid for one-time use up to one year from the purchase date.

Day Passes Include:

  • Full access to all exhibits, daily educational shows, and weekend feeding demonstrations.
  • Unlimited re-entry on the same day with a receipt or hand stamp

An aquarium membership grants pass-holders unlimited access during regular business hours for an entire year. Members are welcome to visit on any day the facility is open, as often as they’d like throughout the year.

Membership Benefits: 

  • Unlimited visits for a full year during posted business hours.
  • Access to daily educational programs and exhibit feedings.
  • Free and discounted admission to special events.
  • 10% discount on gift shop merchandise.
  • 10% discount on Rainforest River Mining Bags.
  • 10% off the listed base prices of Birthday Party Packages.
  • Access to a digital membership portal with digital membership cards.

Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den FAQ

  • Where is the Electric City Aquarium located?
    The Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den is located inside The Marketplace at Steamtown at 300 Lackawanna Ave. in downtown Scranton, Pennsylvania,
  • What are the aquarium’s hours?
    The aquarium is open daily from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Last admission is at 5:15 PM. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
  • What animals can I see at the aquarium?
    Visitors can explore marine life like sharks, stingrays, jellyfish and octopuses, as well as reptiles, amphibians, rainforest animals, and the popular two-toed sloth, Molasses.
  • Are there interactive exhibits?
    Yes! The aquarium features several hands-on exhibits including Ray Bay and Invertebrate Touch Tanks. Visitors can also observe weekend animal feedings and attend live educational programs.
  • Where can I buy tickets or memberships?
    Tickets and memberships can be purchased online or at the admission gate. No reservations or timed entries are required.
Spotlight On
Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den
Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den Image
Brian Johnson
Videographer