Exploring Hanoi’s Aquarium and VinKE Experience: A Family Adventure in the City’s Heart

Hanoi’s VinKE and Vinpearl Aquarium, situated within the bustling Vincom Mega Mall Times City, offer a lively escape for families wanting to combine entertainment with education. For just $8 per person, visitors gain access to a lively environment filled with interactive activities, eye-catching marine life, and plenty of opportunities for kids to imagine their future careers. With tickets valid for one day, this experience is perfect for a half-day or a relaxed afternoon outing.
What we love most about this tour is how it balances fun and learning. The interactive career exploration at VinKE provides a hands-on approach that makes imagining future jobs tangible for children. Meanwhile, the vast aquarium offers a mesmerizing look at sea creatures from around the world, including engaging shows like the Mermaid performance and penguin feeding. The second highlight? The chance to hand-feed fishes and even sleep under the sea—talk about a memorable experience!
A small consideration is that food and drinks are not included, so you’ll want to plan ahead or grab something within the mall. Also, as tickets aren’t based on age but height, parents should be prepared to check their kids’ measurements at entry. This setup is ideal for families with children between 100-140 cm in height, and kids under 80 cm can enter free.
This experience suits families looking for an engaging, affordable, and educational day out, especially those with young children eager to explore careers or marvel at marine life without breaking the bank.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points

- Affordable Entry: Just $8 per person, making it a budget-friendly family outing.
- Educational and Fun: Combines career exploration at VinKE with an impressive aquarium experience.
- Interactive Activities: Kids can engage in career-guided games and fish feeding, making learning tangible.
- Shows and Highlights: Enjoy the Mermaid show, penguin feeding, and reptile interactions scheduled throughout the day.
- Age and Height Policy: Tickets are based on height, with free entry for children under 80 cm.
- Operational Hours: Open from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm; plan your visit around scheduled shows.
While in Hanoi, here are other experiences we've covered
A Detailed Look at Hanoi’s VinKE and Vinpearl Aquarium Experience

The Location and What It Offers
VinKE and Vinpearl Aquarium are located inside the vibrant Vincom Mega Mall Times City, right in the heart of Hanoi’s Dong Bac district. This makes it a convenient stop for families combining shopping, dining, and entertainment in one location. The overall setup is designed to appeal primarily to children and families, but there’s enough variety to keep adults entertained as well.
The ticket price of $8 per person is quite reasonable considering the range of experiences packed into this venue. The single-day validity means you can choose a time that suits your schedule, whether a quick visit or an afternoon adventure.
What Makes This Experience Stand Out
The interactive section at VinKE is one of its strongest points. Kids can explore different professions—from medicine to engineering—through hands-on activities and simulation games. We loved the way this makes career discovery accessible and fun for children, turning what might otherwise be a dry topic into an engaging game.
Meanwhile, the aquarium itself is quite extensive. It’s home to a wide variety of sea creatures, from colorful fish to more unusual species. The Coral Reef exhibit (if present) and the mermaid show provide a magical moment, especially for younger children who are captivated by the spectacle of live performances. The penguin feeding schedule adds an extra layer of interest, giving kids a chance to see these charming animals up close and learn about their habits.
More Great Tours NearbyPossible Drawbacks or Considerations
While the experience is generally very positive, a couple of things to keep in mind. First, food and drinks are not included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to eat inside the mall. Second, as tickets are not based on age but on height, parents should verify their kids’ measurements beforehand, especially for very young or petite children under 80 cm who can enter free.
Another aspect is that the showtimes are scheduled throughout the day, so planning your visit around these can maximize your experience. If your children are particularly interested in the Mermaid show or penguin feeding, timing your arrival accordingly is recommended.
- 2-day Experiences of Sapa Ethnic Homestay Trek
- 2 Day Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu/Bai Dinh- Trang An/Tam Coc- Mua Cave
- 2-Day Mai Chau Valley Tour from Hanoi
- From Hanoi: 2-Day Ha Long Bay Tour with Ninh Binh and Cruise
- 2-Day: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay Luxury Cruise
- 2-Day: Halong Lan Ha Bay 5 Stars Cruises w/Balcony & Bathtub
The Visitors’ Perspective
Reviews mention that the overall experience is highly engaging and that kids especially love the chance to touch and feed fish. One parent noted, “The aquarium was quite large and had a nice variety of creatures, making it a perfect afternoon activity for our family.” Others appreciated the value for money, especially given the range of entertainment options packed into one location.
On the downside, some visitors felt that crowds could be an issue during peak hours, so early visits or weekday afternoons might offer a more relaxed experience. Also, since the experience is quite focused on children, adult visitors might find fewer “adult-only” options but will still enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Practical Tips for Visiting
- Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy the shows without long lines.
- Check the showtimes (Mermaid at 11:00 am, 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm, and 8:00 pm; penguin feeding at 10:00 am, 3:00 pm, and 7:30 pm) and plan your visit around your children’s interests.
- Bring passport or ID card for ticket validation.
- Consider bringing snacks or grabbing a quick bite in the mall before or after your visit.
- Dress your kids in comfortable clothes suitable for a day of exploring and standing.
Who Should Consider Visiting?

This attraction is ideal for families with young children who enjoy interactive learning and marine life. It provides a cost-effective way to entertain children while also allowing them to explore future careers at VinKE. It’s also a good choice for visitors seeking a relaxing, hands-on experience without the need for extensive travel outside Hanoi’s urban core.
If you’re traveling with kids aged between 100-140 cm in height, this is a perfect, manageable outing. Those with small children under 80 cm will appreciate that entry is free for them, giving the entire family a budget-friendly day out.
FAQs

Is the ticket valid for one day only?
Yes, your ticket is valid for one day, so you can choose a convenient time to visit within the hours of operation.
How much does it cost to enter?
The entry fee is $8 per person, which includes access to both VinKE and the aquarium. Children under 80 cm enter for free, and child tickets apply to those between 100-140 cm.
Are there shows scheduled during the day?
Yes, there are scheduled shows like the Mermaid performance (at 11:00 am, 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm, and 8:00 pm), penguin feeding (at 10:00 am, 3:00 pm, and 7:30 pm), and reptile interactions from 4:30 pm.
Can I feed the fishes myself?
Absolutely, one of the fun highlights is the opportunity to hand-feed fishes, which kids particularly enjoy.
Is food available on-site?
Food and drinks are not included in the ticket, so plan to bring snacks or purchase meals within the mall.
What should I bring for the visit?
Bring passport or ID card for ticket validation. Comfortable shoes and perhaps a hat or sunscreen if you plan to spend time outdoors in the mall area.
Can I visit with very young children?
Yes, children under 80 cm can enter for free, and the experience is tailored for young kids, with plenty of visual and tactile activities.
How long should I plan for my visit?
Most visitors spend around 2-4 hours exploring the aquarium and enjoying shows, making it suitable for a half-day outing.
Is this experience suitable for adults without children?
While the focus is on children, adults who enjoy marine life and lively environments will still find it interesting, especially with shows and interactive features.
Final Thoughts

For families seeking a fun, affordable, and educational way to spend a day in Hanoi, the VinKE and Vinpearl Aquarium experience offers excellent value. It’s a lively blend of career discovery and marine adventure, making it perfect for curious kids eager to explore future possibilities while marveling at colorful aquatic life. The activities are well-organized, and the shows add a touch of entertainment that keeps children engaged from start to finish.
This experience is best suited for families with children in the 100-140 cm height range, who enjoy interactive exhibits and are looking for a relaxed yet stimulating outing. It’s a wonderful way to introduce children to careers and nature without venturing far from the city center, all while keeping costs reasonable.
If you want a day filled with smiles, discovery, and a splash of the ocean, the VinKE and Vinpearl Aquarium at Hanoi’s Times City will not disappoint. Just remember to plan your visit around showtimes and bring along a sense of curiosity—your kids will thank you for it.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Tickets in Hanoi
More Tour Reviews in Hanoi
- HANOI: HALF-DAY VISIT TRAIN STREET & STREET FOOD
- Discover the Beauty of Cao Bang in 5 Days, 4 Nights
- Luxury Ha Long Bay Escape: Day Trip with a 5-Star Cruise
- Hanoi City Half Day – The City Contains Cultural Beauty
- From Hanoi: 3-Day Sapa Trekking with Limousine Transfer
- From Hanoi/Cat Ba: Lan Ha Bay Day Trip with Cruise and Lunch
More Hanoi experiences we've covered
- Discover the Beauty of Cao Bang in 5 Days, 4 Nights
- Luxury Ha Long Bay Escape: Day Trip with a 5-Star Cruise
- Hanoi City Half Day – The City Contains Cultural Beauty
- From Hanoi: 3-Day Sapa Trekking with Limousine Transfer
- From Hanoi/Cat Ba: Lan Ha Bay Day Trip with Cruise and Lunch
- Hanoi Lá spa Massage 38 : 4-Hands- body Massage 60 minutes
- Pu Luong Offbeat Trekking Tour 2 days 1 night with Limousine
- From Hanoi: Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Small Group Tour
- Hanoi: Old Quarter Walking Tour with Private Lunch
- Hoa Lu, Mua Cave and Trang An Small-Group Boat Tour
- From Hanoi: 3-Day Ha Giang Loop Motorbike Tour
- From Hanoi: Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay Cruise Day Trip
