Shark Reef Aquarium: what families should know before visiting
Shark Reef Aquarium is a family-friendly attraction inside Mandalay Bay Resort And Casino that’s open to guests of all ages and separate from the casino floor. Families should plan for walk-through exhibits, check Shark Reef hours before you go, and remember that Mandalay Bay operates as a 21+ gaming resort — the reservation holder must be at least 21 to check in.
In this guide
Getting there, check-in, and hotel basics
Mandalay Bay Resort And Casino is at 3950 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, Nevada. Standard check-in begins at 3:00 PM (check-in window extends to midnight) and check-out is before 11:00 AM.
The property is a 21+ gaming resort: the reservation holder must be at least 21 with a matching government-issued photo ID and credit card to check in. Family areas such as Shark Reef Aquarium and the main pool complex are open to all ages while the casino and certain adults-only venues remain restricted.
- Hotel phone for BookResorts agents (24/7): +1 (888) 605-1350
- Mandatory daily resort fee applies and includes in-room Wi‑Fi and other guest conveniences
- Parking: self-parking and valet are available for a fee; Nevada residents may receive limited complimentary parking
What Shark Reef Aquarium offers families
Shark Reef Aquarium is an indoor, walk-through aquarium located inside Mandalay Bay and is listed as a family-oriented attraction separate from the casino. It features a variety of marine animals, including sharks, rays, moray eels and other fish species.
Hours and ticket prices can change; the aquarium’s published schedule in our research listed daily hours starting mid-morning with extended hours on Friday and Saturday. Check the aquarium or hotel website for the current opening times and ticket details before you go.
- Exhibit type: walk-through aquarium with large tanks and a shark tunnel
- Family access: open to guests of all ages (the casino and some pools have 21+ restrictions)
- Best for: children who can walk through a tunnel and handle dim exhibit lighting
Pools, beach complex, and age rules
Mandalay Bay Beach is an 11-acre pool and beach complex with real sand, multiple lagoons, a lazy river, and a wave pool. It’s a family-friendly area separate from the casino.
Pool and beach operations are seasonal; the main complex typically operates in the warmer months while the adults-only Moorea Beach Club stays open year-round on select days and is restricted to guests 21 and older.
- Wave pool: published hours were 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM; only persons 48 inches and taller are allowed in the wave pool
- Lazy river: part of the main family pool area; typical current noted in research was about 3 mph
- Moorea Beach Club: adults-only (21+), topless-optional, heated pool with swim-up bar and priority given to hotel guests
| Pool Area | Who can enter | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wave Pool | All ages (48-inch height minimum to enter) | Seasonal hours; check for current schedule |
| Lazy River & Lagoons | All ages | Complimentary loungers for hotel guests (first-come, first-served); cabanas/daybeds extra |
| Moorea Beach Club | 21 and older only | Heated; swim-up bar; priority for hotel guests |
Rooms to consider for families
Mandalay Bay has multiple room types and suites; some room names to look for when traveling with kids include Resort Room, Resort Strip View Room, and suites that provide extra living space such as Elite Suite and Reef Suite.
Room configurations vary by type. If you need specific bedding (two beds, sofa bed, extra space), request it when booking and reconfirm with the hotel before arrival.
- Resort Room — 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds
- Resort Strip View Room — 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds
- Elite Suite — 1 King Bed and 1 Queen Sofa Bed; Reef Suite and other suites offer larger living areas
| Room type | Beds | Why families might choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Resort Room | 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds | Standard family option with two-queen layout available |
| Resort Strip View Room | 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds | Same bed options with a Strip view |
| Elite Suite | 1 King Bed and 1 Queen Sofa Bed | Extra living area and sofa bed for families |
| Reef Suite | 1 King Bed | Larger suite layout for more space (request rollaway/sofa if needed) |
Dining and family-friendly restaurants
Mandalay Bay lists many on-site dining options; several restaurants explicitly welcome families and serve breakfast, lunch, or casual meals—examples include Seabreeze Café and Border Grill (which also offers weekend brunch).
Other venues are fine-dining or adults-focused; if you want a casual family meal, look for café-style and quick-service spots on the property.
- Seabreeze Café — casual American breakfast and lunch with pool views
- Border Grill — Mexican restaurant with patio dining and weekend brunch; reservations encouraged
- Quick options: Bonanno's New York Pizzeria, Pan Asian Express, BBQ Mexicana for fast family meals
Practical tips, accessibility, and childcare
Daycare and child-care services are not provided on-site; families should plan accordingly. Service animals are welcome without a fee; the resort allows dogs (up to 2 dogs per room, combined weight limit applies) with an advance notice and pet fee.
Wheelchair-accessible rooms and accessible parking are available. Spa Mandalay and the fitness center have age minimums: Spa Mandalay requires guests to be 18 or older to use the spa and fitness center access is for guests 18+ (spa access for non-hotel guests typically requires purchasing a treatment).
- No on-site daycare or babysitting — plan ahead
- Pet policy: dog-friendly (up to 2 dogs per room) with non-refundable pet fees; service animals allowed at no charge
- Accessible rooms and parking are available; contact the hotel for arrangements
