Astray Fish

Visit this under the radar yet surprisingly loaded collection of reptiles and other animals. It is clean and well maintained. It has a touch tank. Great for keeping the kids occupied on a rainy day. Teachers, they offer educational programs and free resources for lesson planning. My kids loved this place!

The Aquarium encompasses a 20,000 sq. ft. footprint in the Marketplace at Steamtown. It is within the multi use building locally known as the Steamtown Mall in downtown Scranton.

Electric City Aquarium and Reptile Den official website

Fun note: Scranton is known as the Electric City because it had the first operational electrical streetcar service in the 1880’s.

Reptile and Amphibian Den:

I was surprised by the bursting array of animals here. We decided to explore the reptiles and amphibians first. The poison dart frogs are always a big hit. The children were also intrigued by the magical sticky feet of an iguana.

The snapping turtles, alligators, and mini crocodiles were also popular with the kids.

The snake  room was second to none. An anaconda, king cobra, and boas all under one roof. It was surprising and a little unnerving!

Rainforest Exhibit:

This smaller area of the facility was kept dark with blacklights. Many of the animals within it are more nocturnal. I was surprised to find a bush baby, a porcupine, and a small Asian Leopard Cat. Although I’m not a big fan of cats in cages, the exhibit was clean and the cat looked well cared for.

Aquarium:

I didn’t expect much from this part, I was wrong. They have a huge tank with many giant fish. Check out the huge white gar and catfish!

There were also smaller tanks with puffer fish, clownfish, and seahorses. And a tunnel tank you can walk through.

They even had a mantis shrimp, which has always been on my animal bucket list. Mantis shrimp use their front limbs to punch their prey at astonishing 50 mph+ speeds! It was bigger than I imagined and so colorful.

But of course the biggest draw here was the stingray touch tank! Be sure to check times before you go so you can plan to be at the touch tank when it opens. It was definitely my kids’ favorite part of the trip.

TIPS:

Electric City Aquarium and Reptile Den – Google Maps

I suggest going on a weekday if possible to beat the crowds.

Prices are currently $18-$22.

There is a discount for groups of 15 or more, call them for reservations for large groups.

Teachers and homeschoolers, please see their free K-8th educational pages! These are a great way to build a lesson plan around a field trip. Electric City Aquarium Educational Worksheets

They also offer birthday parties!!

Occasionally they have seasonal events, check the website for holiday specials.

There is a convenient parking garage under the mall. Park near the center to be closest to the Aquarium. There is an elevator in the garage for those who have difficulties with an escalator.

Just for fun..The Office – Scranton rap: Scranton (WHAT!) the Electric City!!!! – Rap

The Aquarium is located on the ground floor level of the mall.

There is a limited food court on the second level if kids are hungry afterwards and you aren’t planning to go elsewhere.

Be sure to check out The Steamtown National Historic Site, located at the mall as well. Combine it with the aquarium or on a separate day, be sure to check train departure times and plan accordingly. Check back for a blog about this adventure soon! Steamtown National Historic Site

Another unique child friendly area attraction is the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour. Check out my Coal Mine blog for details

What did you think of the Electric City Aquarium and Reptile Den? Let me know at : kit@astrayfish.com

Unless otherwise stated, all photos throughout this blog are my own and cannot be printed or distributed without my permission.

Check out some other fun family adventures here

Wjat are your favorite activities with kids in the Scranton area? Would love to hear your thoughts!

kit@astrayfish.com

Unless otherwise stated, all photos throughout this blog are my own and cannot be printed or distributed without my permission.