1 / 2MaST Center Aquarium
📍 Des Moines, WA
The MaST Center Aquarium at Highline College displays 250+ native Puget Sound species across 15 tanks totaling 3,000 gallons of flow-through seawater. Free public Discovery Days run on Saturdays year-round and Sundays in summer.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with kids ages 3 and up who want a hands-on, unhurried introduction to Pacific Northwest marine life in a small, manageable setting. The compact scale is an advantage for young children with short attention spans.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →206 Google reviews
G Reviews from Google
Nalini Jeffords
10 months ago
“I attended my Marine biology course here and loved it! The aquarium is quaint and well cared for. Highly reccomed visiting during free hours with family! The donation support the aquarium directly, so if you're able that is also very much appreciated by our local community of aquatic life supporters!”
Ray
10 months ago
“I took my grandkids here and they had a blast! They just love fish and after visiting this place we ended up going to an aquarium store and getting them their own fish to keep at home!”
Lacey Johnson
10 months ago
“Amazing little gem - free on Saturdays 10a-2p. Perfect for kids of all ages. It's not big, but my kid probably doesn't have the attention span for more anyway. Will be back!”
💬 What parents mention
Overview
Run by Highline College's marine biology program, the MaST Center Aquarium occupies a 2,500 sq ft facility on Redondo Beach with direct access to Puget Sound habitats. All 15 tanks cycle with real seawater and house creatures native to the Sound-from invertebrates to fish species found just offshore. Interpretive staff lead Fish Chat sessions during open hours. The facility serves as both a working marine biology teaching center and a public education venue.
