Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den

Tucked inside the Marketplace at Steamtown — a repurposed mall in downtown Scranton — Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den has transformed vacant retail space into something genuinely surprising. This isn't a fish store in the traditional sense; it's a public aquarium and reptile exhibit that packs a remarkable amount of life into a compact footprint. Visitors routinely express shock at just how much is here: saltwater tanks teeming with colorful marine life, freshwater habitats, a rainforest section complete with nocturnal animals, and an extensive reptile collection headlined by a king cobra that draws audible gasps.

The interactive elements set it apart. Touch tanks let guests handle horseshoe crabs, sea urchins, and starfish, while stingray feeding sessions consistently rank as visitor favorites — kids and grandparents alike line up for the chance. Educational presentations run throughout the day, with zookeepers bringing out live animals (including snakes for the brave) and delivering genuinely informative talks that keep young audiences rapt.

One repeat visitor noted her three-year-old great-granddaughter retained facts between visits. Staff members like Kari at the front desk earn frequent shoutouts for warmth and knowledge. Reviewers consistently note that the animals look healthy and well cared for, and the exhibits — though modest in scale — are thoughtfully designed to reflect real habitats, from amphibian terrariums to a large marine fish display.

The facility is fully accessible on one floor, accommodating wheelchairs and scooters with ease, and validated parking in the adjacent garage removes any hassle. Is it the National Aquarium? No, and it doesn't pretend to be.

Plan for about two hours, and you'll leave satisfied. Memberships make repeat visits painless, and many Scranton-area families treat it as a regular outing. For a rainy afternoon or a birthday trip with kids, Electric City Aquarium delivers an experience that punches well above its square footage.