The Unique Day Trip To The Alaska SeaLife Center Is A Must-Do

The Alaska SeaLife Center is more than an aquarium. The center is involved in projects including scientific research and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, beyond operating an aquarium. The facility in the coastal town of Seward certainly is an attraction, though. Reviewers describe the SeaLife Center as "kid friendly" and adults say they discover something new every time they visit.

The Alaska SeaLife Center opened in Seward in 1998, with multiple missions as a non-profit, scientific research facility and public aquarium overlooking Resurrection Bay.

Children often are in awe of the creatures they see at the Alaska SeaLife Center and provide some perspective of the size of residents such as this sea lion.

Marine animal rescue and rehabilitation is a major effort of the center.

As these playful otters illustrate, human visitors are not the only ones who have fun at the center.

This ringed seal is quite proud of its catch, seemingly posing for this photo. Feeding time offers some great viewing for visitors.

The opportunity to see puffins up close in a natural environment is an underrated feature of the center, sometimes overlooked amid the underwater creatures.

They're commonly called "starfish," but "sea star" is the preferred scientific label for these animals.

An octopus is worth up-close study, in multiple ways. They are occasionally shown in "touch" exhibits at the center.

Seward is about 120 miles from Anchorage. That's a reasonable drive for a day trip, budgeting a two-hour visit to the Alaska SeaLife Center. Of course, there's more to do in Seward, a gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. The center is open daily from March through September, with hours changing by the month. Open days vary during the rest of the year. Alaska residents are offered free admission on certain days during the winter. In the peak season, timed reservations are recommended. So check the center's website before making your plans.