SEA LIFE MICHIGAN AQUARIUM - Our Sneak Peek Tour! Grand Opening - 1/29 #SEALIFEMI

I am a SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium Parent Ambassador and will be receiving an exclusive first look at events leading up to the attraction’s grand opening and complimentary tickets. All opinions expressed are my own.

The grand opening of the SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium in Auburn Hills, Michigan is January 29, 2015 with a ribbon-cutting celebration at 11 a.m. and doors will open to the public at noon. Discounted tickets are available for $17.50 per person until grand opening day. The SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium is located at Entry 7 of the mall.

HIGHLIGHTS

• More than 20 displays and 5,000 sea creatures
• 180-degree tunnel where you can watch sharks, rays, eels and hundreds of beautiful fish swim above and around you
• Stingray Bay that houses three different types of sting rays
• Interactive touch pool area
• Informative touch screens along paths to engage in learning about the creatures

My daughter Rose and I had the opportunity to attend to special sneak peek media event on January 22. The aquarium is visually stunning - I could sit there all day watching all the different creatures swimming around.

Check out our entire album of photos here on Facebook - Rose took a majority of them (she's my mini-photog!)

The regular prices ($23.50/adult and $18.50/child 3-12 yrs and child under 3 are free) might seem a little steep but I believe they are worth it for a visit. We have visiting aquariums in Chicago and Philadelphia and pay more per ticket for the experience. If you love this type of attraction - I would suggest the season passes for repeat visits to save you money. The aquarium is perfect for children 2 years and up because it is very engaging, educational (in a fun way) and interactive. I think youth and adults alike with like the touch screens filled with lots of information about the creatures they are viewing. I learned that male sea horses are the ones that carry the babies - I never knew that! Rose loved the bubble indents where you could get an up-close look at the animals and she truly loved the touch pool where she could touch and hold the starfish and crabs (they won't bite).

Strollers are permitted and there are bathrooms available which is a must with families! No food or drinks allowed so if you are bringing younger children - make sure to give them a snack in advance. There is a play area available if any of your young ones get antsy and want to shed some energy.

When you enter the Sea Life Aquarium you will check in at the front desk and get assigned a time. They allow approximately 50 guests in per half hour which allows everyone to enjoy the aquarium without overcrowding. You can spend the entire day there if you want, or you can leave to get a bite to eat and do some shopping and then come back in the aquarium that same day. Depending on what time you arrive and check in, if you need to wait to enter the aquarium there is a nearby food court with a children's play area and carousel, tons of stores to check out (like Bass Pro Shops and Jeepers), in addition to many wonderful restaurants.

I truly feel this is a must-see attraction and I am excited that it is only an hour drive for my family. We are already planning out a date to take my husband and spend part of our day there. Rose can't wait to show him around and I can't wait to sit back and observe all the sea creatures!

 

Be sure to follow SEA LIFE Michigan’s website, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for more updates and don't forget doors open this Thursday, January 29!

Disclosure: Coupon Savvy Sarah receives products in order to conduct reviews. No monetary compensation was provided unless noted otherwise. All opinions are 100% my own. Some posts may contain affiliate links that I receive commission or payment from in exchange for referrals. In the event of a giveaway, the sponsor is responsible for delivery of the prize, unless otherwise noted in the posting. I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe will be a good fit for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 225: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"

SEA LIFE MICHIGAN AQUARIUM UPDATE: The Sharks Have Arrived! #SEALIFEMI

I am a SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium Parent Ambassador and will be receiving an exclusive first look at events leading up to the attraction’s grand opening and complimentary tickets. All opinions expressed are my own.

The grand opening of the SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium in Auburn Hills, Michigan is rapidly approaching and my family and I cannot wait to check it out!

On January 8, SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium, the 35,000-square-foot aquarium in Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, welcomed one Nurse shark, three Blacknose sharks and two Bonnethead sharks to their new home, along with the enthusiastic winners of the Young Environmentalist contest—aged 8 to 12—standing by to cheer them on.

The creatures arrived in a transport truck, and after some testing and preparation, were rushed inside via stretchers by trained aquarists. The sharks were then placed into a small, connected acclimation tank before swimming off into the main ocean tank.

“Great care is taken in transporting the SEA LIFE animals,” said Curator Lucy Handel. “There is a trained crew of three in the truck checking water parameters at regular intervals, looking at ammonia levels, oxygen, temperature and pH.”

Many of the other creatures, including Moray eels, seahorses and stingray, have already been delivered to the aquarium, with the remaining inhabitants arriving within the next week, allowing them time to settle in before the attraction opens to the public at noon on Jan. 29.

SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium will feature 22 tanks in highly themed, engaging exhibits, including a 180-degree ocean tunnel and interactive touchpools. SEA LIFE’s conservation messaging will be included throughout, inspiring guests to take an active role in protecting the world’s oceans and sea creatures. 

Rose and I are attending a special media sneak peek on January 22 and I cannot wait to share our experience on the blog!

Tickets and annual passes are available for purchase at the SEA LIFE website. Tickets are currently available for a special pre-opening rate of $17.50/each.  Annual passes are also available for a special pre-opening rate of $54 for an individual and $200 for a family of four.

Regular ticket rates will be:
Individual ticket: $23.50
Annual pass for one: $60
Annual pass for family of four: $230

We are very excited to team up with SEA LIFE Aquarium Michigan to give away a Family Four Pack of Tickets Prize pack! Giveaway ends January 22!

Disclosure: Coupon Savvy Sarah receives products or attends events in order to conduct reviews. No monetary compensation was provided unless noted otherwise. All opinions are 100% my own. Some posts may contain affiliate links that I receive commission or payment from in exchange for referrals. In the event of a giveaway, the sponsor is responsible for deliver of the prize, unless otherwise noted in the posting. I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe will be a good fit for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 225: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"

SEA LIFE Michigan Family 4-Pack Prize Giveaway (Plus extras!) #SEALIFEMI

I am a SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium Parent Ambassador and will be receiving an exclusive first look at events leading up to the attraction’s grand opening and complimentary tickets. All opinions expressed are my own.

SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium is opening January 29, 2015. It’s a 35,000-square-foor aquarium that will be opening its doors inside Great Lakes Crossing Outlets in Auburn Hills, Michigan! I am attending a media/blogger event at the Aquarium a week before it opens! Rose and I are super excited for the sneak peek (and playing hooky from work and school!).

The SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium will allow you and your little ones to get nose to nose with more than 5,000 amazing creatures from a diverse 250 species! This is an educational, one-of-a-kind experience! Species include: sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, sea horses and much more! SEA LIFE works to provide a glimpse of the diversity of marine life while also playing an active role in animal and environmental conservation.

Tickets and annual passes are available for purchase at the SEA LIFE website. Tickets are currently available for a special pre-opening rate of $17.50/each.  Annual passes are also available for a special pre-opening rate of $54 for an individual and $200 for a family of four.

Regular ticket rates will be:
Individual ticket: $23.50
Annual pass for one: $60
Annual pass for family of four: $230

We are very excited to team up with SEA LIFE Aquarium Michigan to give away a Family Four Pack of Tickets Prize pack! ENTER TO WIN!

The family 4-pack includes: 4 tickets (for one visit), 4 behind the scenes tour tickets, 1 souvenir guidebook and 2 gifts from the retail store. The tickets are for the Auburn Hills, Michigan SEA LIFE Aquarium only and prizes will be mailed after grand opening.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Disclosure: Coupon Savvy Sarah receives products or attends events in order to conduct reviews. No monetary compensation was provided unless noted otherwise. All opinions are 100% my own. Some posts may contain affiliate links that I receive commission or payment from in exchange for referrals. In the event of a giveaway, the sponsor is responsible for deliver of the prize, unless otherwise noted in the posting. I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe will be a good fit for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 225: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"

SEA LIFE AQUARIUM MICHIGAN - Opens January 29 - HOT Pre-Order Ticket Sale!! #SEALIFEMI

I am a SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium Parent Ambassador and will be receiving an exclusive first look at events leading up to the attraction’s grand opening early next year and complimentary tickets. All opinions expressed are my own.

Sea Life Aquarium opens to the public in Michigan on January 29, 2015. I cannot wait to take my family to check out this new attraction! 

For a limited time only, Sea Life Aquarium has tickets on sale now at special pre-opening rates - The rates are good through January 28 at midnight.

SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium will transport you into the amazing underwater world. Come nose to nose with sharks and prepare for astonishingly close views of everything from humble sea stars and seahorses to graceful rays. To get any closer you’d have to get wet!

• Admire our amazing underwater Ocean Tunnel
• Encounter more than 5,000 sea creatures
• Hold a crab or touch a sea star in our Touchpool Experience
• Watch the fun talks and feed shows throughout the day

Be sure to follow SEA LIFE Michigan’s website, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for more updates.

Disclosure: Coupon Savvy Sarah receives products or attends events in order to conduct reviews. No monetary compensation was provided unless noted otherwise. All opinions are 100% my own. Some posts may contain affiliate links that I receive commission or payment from in exchange for referrals. In the event of a giveaway, the sponsor is responsible for deliver of the prize, unless otherwise noted in the posting. I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe will be a good fit for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 225: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"

SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium Update: 120,000 Gallons of Water Delivered for Tank Fill Event!! #SEALIFEMI

I am a SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium Parent Ambassador and will be receiving an exclusive first look at events leading up to the attraction’s grand opening early next year and complimentary tickets. All opinions expressed are my own.

SEA LIFE Michigan, the 35,000-square-foot aquarium set to open in Great Lakes Crossing Outlets in early 2015, has reached a major construction milestone: filling the attraction’s 120,000 gallon ocean tank with water!

The filling of the ocean tank happened yesterday and is a key landmark in construction. SEA LIFE artists have worked tirelessly to create an exciting themed environment in the tank, including rock and coral formations, and a sculpture of Neptune’s head.

Images provided from Sea Life Michigan Team

The aquarium will house more than 5,000 creatures, including sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, sea horses, a giant Pacific octopus and more. Guests will have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to get nose-to-nose with the creatures in the aquarium’s unique 180-degree ocean tunnel, interactive touch pools and engaging, educational exhibits that focus on conservation.

Advance tickets will be on sale on the SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium website beginning in November. Check www.visitsealife.com/michigan for more updates.

CALL FOR YOUNG ENVIRONMENTALISTS!

Don’t forget — SEA LIFE Michigan is looking for Young Environmentalists, age 8-12, to represent the aquarium in the year ahead. You can get more details on what it takes to apply HERE - Entries are open through Nov. 16, 2014.
Be sure to follow SEA LIFE Michigan’s website, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for more updates.

Disclosure: Coupon Savvy Sarah receives products or attends events in order to conduct reviews. No monetary compensation was provided unless noted otherwise. All opinions are 100% my own. Some posts may contain affiliate links that I receive commission or payment from in exchange for referrals. In the event of a giveaway, the sponsor is responsible for deliver of the prize, unless otherwise noted in the posting. I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe will be a good fit for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 225: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"

SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium Seeking Young Environmentalists - Ages 8-12 {Get A FREE Annual Pass!} #SEALIFEMI

I am a SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium Parent Ambassador and will be receiving an exclusive first look at events leading up to the attraction’s grand opening early next year and complimentary tickets. All opinions expressed are my own.

Do you have a child age 8-12 who loves the sea? Enter them to become a  Young Environmentalist for SEA LIFE Michigan, coming to Auburn Hills, Mich. in spring 2015 by visiting this link!

Here’s what you need to do:

• Have your child make an artistic creation based on the sea. It can be any form of art – a drawing, a painted picture, a Lego or Play-Doh creation, etc.
• Take a photo of your child’s artistic creation.
• Upload the photo and submit a 100-word essay from your child explaining why he/she loves the sea.

Those chosen will win a SEA LIFE Michigan Annual Pass, be one of the first to preview the new attraction before it opens to the public, be invited to special events throughout the year and more! They will also help communicate the Aquarium’s conservation messages to the community and join in a host of special environment-related activities during their “year in office.” How cool is that?!

The contest runs through Sunday, November 16, 2014. A panel of SEA LIFE experts will review all submissions and choose 12 kids to be part of the panel. Parents will be notified via email by November 24, 2014. ENTER HERE to Apply!


Be sure to follow SEA LIFE Michigan’s website, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for more updates.

Disclosure: Coupon Savvy Sarah receives products or attends events in order to conduct reviews. No monetary compensation was provided unless noted otherwise. All opinions are 100% my own. Some posts may contain affiliate links that I receive commission or payment from in exchange for referrals. In the event of a giveaway, the sponsor is responsible for deliver of the prize, unless otherwise noted in the posting. I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe will be a good fit for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 225: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"

SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium - Coming Soon to Auburn Hills, Michigan! #SEALIFEMI

I am a SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium Parent Ambassador and will be receiving an exclusive first look at events leading up to the attraction’s grand opening early next year and complimentary tickets. All opinions expressed are my own.

My family and I are ecstatic about the SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium coming to Great Lakes Crossing Outlets in Auburn Hills in Spring 2015! We love the Great Lakes Crossing Outlets for their unique variety of stores and restaurants and the new SEA LIFE Aquarium will be a perfect attraction to add to the mall! The Groundbreaking Ceremony was held on September 23, 2014!

Here are some renderings of what the space is going to look like:

All images are courtesy of SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium.

SEA LIFE is the world’s largest aquarium brand, with more than 40 attractions worldwide. We are focused on offering amazing, breathtaking and educational experiences that wow our guests and inspire them to take an active role in conversation so these amazing creatures and their environments are preserved for generations to come.  

 

In addition to weaving conservation information and tips throughout our exhibits, SEA LIFE takes an active role in conservation through our Breed Rescue Protect initiative. We run breeding programs to help sustain endangered species, rescue hundreds of sick and injured creatures and nurse them back to health to return them to the wild, and actively campaign to protect individual species and marine environments from exploitation or destruction.

 

You’ll find more information about these initiatives in the new 35,000-square-foot aquarium, along with more than 5,000 amazing creatures from our world’s oceans, including sharks, stingray, seahorses, fish and much, much more. We’ll also have creatures from our very own Great Lakes and other Michigan waterways. Through our one-of-a-kind, engaging exhibits, such as our 180-degree underwater tunnel and our interactive touchpools, guests will have the once in a lifetime opportunity to come nose to nose with these creatures and learn about them and their environments.

 

Great Lakes Crossing Outlets was the perfect choice for Merlin Entertainments seventh American SEA LIFE attraction. As a world-class shopping, dining and entertainment destination with more than 50 brands that cannot be found anywhere else in Michigan, it provides a unique home for SEA LIFE Michigan—the only location of the world’s largest aquarium brand in the entire Midwest. 

My family and I are looking forward to reporting updates in the future about the SEA LIFE Aquarium as more is announced so stay tuned! In the meantime, be sure to follow SEA LIFE Michigan’s website, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for more updates.

Disclosure: Coupon Savvy Sarah receives products or attends events in order to conduct reviews. No monetary compensation was provided unless noted otherwise. All opinions are 100% my own. Some posts may contain affiliate links that I receive commission or payment from in exchange for referrals. In the event of a giveaway, the sponsor is responsible for deliver of the prize, unless otherwise noted in the posting. I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe will be a good fit for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 225: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"