These Oklahoma aquariums showcase sharks, exotic fish up close. How to explore

Medicine Park Aquarium and Natural Sciences Center
Oklahoma Aquarium
Blue Zoo Aquarium
OKC Zoo developing plans for new Oklahoma City aquarium

Can you find sharks in Oklahoma? Yes, if you know where to look.

Featuring multiple shark species, along with ocean-bound creatures like eels and jellyfish, the state is home to three large aquariums that are open to the public, with another one in still in the planning stages.

These attractions also feature more than just underwater animals. Visitors also have a chance to see semi-aquatic wildlife such as otters and exotic frogs.

If you're looking for a vacation destination or just a day out visiting these unique Oklahoma attractions, here's where to find them.

Medicine Park Aquarium and Natural Sciences Center

Billed as a unique eco-tourism attraction in southwestern Oklahoma, the Medicine Park Aquarium and Natural Sciences Center has more than 90 fish, reptile, amphibian, bird and mammal species on display.

The grounds also include a six-acre botanical garden featuring native plants.

The Medicine Park Aquarium & Natural Sciences Center opened in June 2017. LINDA LYNN/THE OKLAHOMAN

Aquarium staff regularly conduct public feeding shows with animals of different types, including otters, frogs, fish and eels.

Medicine Park Aquarium and Natural Sciences Center
1 Aquarium Dr., Medicine Park, OK
www.mpmns.org
Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day

Oklahoma Aquarium

That includes Aquatic Oklahoma, which is a recreation of Oklahoma lakes and rivers that contain animals that are native to the state. Visitors can see an alligator snapping turtle, paddlefish, alligators and more.

Another exhibit features "extreme" fish, like those without eyes, fish that breath air and others that blend in seamlessly with their surroundings.

At the aquarium in Jenks, which is in the Tulsa metro area, you'll also see a massive freshwater tank featuring Amazonian specimens and a section dedicated to invertebrates.

Deeper into the aquarium, you'll find the Shark Adventure, where guests walk through an underwater tunnel while watching bull and nurse sharks swim around you.

Oklahoma Aquarium
300 Aquarium Dr., Jenks, OK
www.okaquarium.org
Open every day from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. (until 9 p.m. on Tuesdays)

Blue Zoo Aquarium

The Blue Zoo Aquarium, located in north Oklahoma City in Quail Springs Mall, features stingrays, sharks and exotic fish like clownfish and seahorses. The hands-on experience also features reptiles and birds.

Zack Cody, with ScubaBros, dives in a tank with stingrays and sharks at the Blue Zoo at Quail Springs Mall.

Blue Zoo is geared toward families and kids, with options for daily and annual passes, field trips and private parties.

Blue Zoo Aquarium
Quail Springs Mall, 2501 W. Memorial Road, Oklahoma City
https://oklahomacity.bluezoo.us
Open from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

OKC Zoo developing plans for new Oklahoma City aquarium

As of 2025, leadership at the Oklahoma City Zoo was in talks to build a new aquarium in the city's newest destination zone, the Horizons District.

The district includes the OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark, which was recently completed near the First Americans Museum. The main roadblock to building a new aquarium, zoo officials previously told The Oklahoman, was the cost of construction.

A river otter makes an appearance at the Oklahoma City Zoo.

The OKC Zoo does have its own smaller aquatic exhibits, including the Herpetarium & Wetlands Walkway, plus habitat for native species like the North American River Otter and Alligator Gar and a variety of turtles.