WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — A new chapter in marine-themed attractions opened at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, as SEA LIFE Florida officially welcomed guests during World Oceans Day celebrations.
The new aquarium, designed specifically for children, features more than 3,000 sea creatures and a 180-degree immersive ocean tunnel, offering an educational and interactive experience for young visitors.
Billed as a “Theme park under the sea,” SEA LIFE Florida introduces children to marine life through creative and engaging exhibits that include an underwater castle, a haunted reef house, and even a Ferris wheel made of clams. The aquarium houses over 150 species, including stingrays, pufferfish, jellyfish, and sharks, and incorporates hands-on learning and conservation elements throughout the experience.
To mark the grand opening, LEGOLAND hosted a kid-friendly “kelp cutting” ceremony featuring sea-themed performances and appearances by community guests, including students from nearby Garden Grove Elementary. The celebration also included Sharky, the aquarium’s mascot, and a giant manta ray puppet that delighted children and families.
“This isn’t just an aquarium—it’s a space where children can learn to care about the ocean by seeing it through their own eyes,” said Franceen Gonzales, President of LEGOLAND Florida Resort. “We’re proud to launch SEA LIFE Florida as a place of both play and purpose.”
Sarah McMahon, curator of SEA LIFE Florida, emphasized the emotional impact the aquarium can have on children. “When they see a stingray glide right past their face or lock eyes with a curious octopus, something amazing happens. That spark of curiosity turns into respect. And respect is the first step to protecting our ocean,” McMahon said.
Animal welfare is a core feature of the attraction, with filtered water systems, carefully crafted habitats, and lighting designed to minimize stress for the creatures.
The opening coincides with World Oceans Day weekend, aligning with the aquarium’s broader mission to raise awareness about marine conservation. Throughout June, LEGOLAND is offering guests the option to round up their ticket purchases to support SEA LIFE TRUST, a global nonprofit focused on ocean protection and habitat restoration.
SEA LIFE Florida is located just outside the main entrance of LEGOLAND Florida and is part of the resort’s effort to expand as a multi-day destination for families with children aged 2 to 12. The new addition complements the existing theme park, water park, and PEPPA PIG Theme Park.
In keeping with its sustainability goals, LEGOLAND Florida Resort has also rolled out reusable shopping bags across all its parks, including SEA LIFE Florida.
Guests can access SEA LIFE Florida with standalone tickets, bundled admission, or as an upgrade to existing LEGOLAND Florida Resort passes. A special limited-time Summer Resort Play Pass is also available, allowing visitors who purchase a single-day ticket to enjoy unlimited visits to both LEGOLAND and SEA LIFE Florida through September 12.
More information is available at www.VisitSEALIFE.com/Florida.
