A big indoor aquarium at Arizona Boardwalk in Scottsdale. It's a Certified Autism Center with a dedicated quiet room, a downloadable visual guide and staff support. Parking is free, and once you leave you can't come back in.
Sensory supports. Certified Autism Center, quiet room and visual guide.
Hours
Open 365 days a year from 9 am. Closing is normally 7 pm, with occasional exceptions; this week's hours are on the aquarium's Plan Your Visit page, or call 480-291-8000. Last entry is 60 minutes before closing.
9500 East Vía de Ventura, Suite A-100, Scottsdale, AZ 85256 (Arizona Boardwalk)
“OdySea Aquarium is a Certified Autism Center, as designated by the International Board of Credentialing and Continued Education Standards (IBCCES).”
“including a dedicated quiet room, a downloadable visual/social guide, and on-site staff support”
“OdySea Aquarium has a no re-entry policy.”
As a Certified Autism Center, at least 80% of the aquarium's guest-facing staff are trained and certified in autism.
The quiet room is near Penguin Point and has a restroom, books and soft chairs; ask any staff member for access. Sensory bags with fidgets, headphones and communication tools can be picked up at the Concierge Desk.
For help during your visit, go to Guest Relations inside the aquarium or ask any team member. To make a request before your visit, call 480-291-8000 or email info@odyseaaquarium.com.
Animal talks run through the day, like the penguin talk at Penguin Point and the stingray feeding at SeaTREK Lagoon (food boats $5). The daily schedule has today's times.
Admission: adults (13 and up) $49.95, children 2 to 12 $39.95. Adults with a military or veteran ID get $5 off at the ticket window. Tickets aren't refundable, but the aquarium will change your date if you call 480-291-8000 at least 24 hours before.
Parking at Arizona Boardwalk is free but limited, so leave extra time to park and walk over.
Single strollers, double strollers and wagons are welcome. Strollers and wheelchairs can be borrowed at the Concierge Desk for a refundable $50 fee, first come, first served. There are no lockers.
Touching is allowed only at Stingray Shores and the Tidal Touch Pool. Sturgeon Cove and Tidal Touch close 30 minutes before the building does.
Elevators and escalators connect the levels. For the nursing area, ask a Guest Relations Specialist.
Lost something? Go to the Concierge Desk in the Aqua Lobby.
