METRO GUIDE 2017: RiverQuarium tells story of Flint River ecosystems

ALBANY — The Flint RiverQuarium, located at 101 Pine Ave., tells the story of the Flint River and the blue hole springs that helped create it. Visitors can experience the unique ecosystems of the Flint watershed through a variety of interactive exhibits featuring more than 100 species of native aquatic life.

The facility’s aviary gives visitors a close-up look at a wide variety of birds found in the surrounding wetland habitat. The RiverQuarium’s Imagination Theater is located next door and presents nature-based educational films on a screen three stories tall. Other ongoing programming includes dive shows, alligator feedings and animal presentations.

The aquarium also presents a number of educational programs such as Tadpole Time and Discovery Days, along with camps throughout the year aimed at children, and has several programs that tie in with holidays such as Christmas and Halloween. The RiverQuarium also has sponsored regular canoe trips down the Flint River.

RiverQuarium essentials

• Chief Operating Officer, Tommy Gregors

• Location, 101 Pine Ave.

• Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday.

• Admission is $6.50, youth, $9, adult for aquarium; $4.50, youth, $6 adult for theater; $10 youth, $14 adult combined aquarium and theater. Children 3 and younger are free. Group, senior and student rates are available.

• Annual memberships range from $49, individual, and $89, family, to $349, contributor.

• Contact (229) 639-2650 or 1 (877) GO-FLINT.

• Website: www.flintriverquarium.com