Parque Explora is Medellín's interactive science museum, right next to Universidad metro station in the north of the city. It combines a large freshwater and marine aquarium, a vivarium of frogs and reptiles that reopened in 2025, hands-on halls about the mind, time and music, and a dinosaur exhibit, which makes it the city's best rainy-day or family outing.
What it's like
You'll spot Parque Explora from the metro: four giant red boxes on stilts, designed by architect Alejandro Echeverri as part of the city's push in the 2000s to put its best public buildings in the neighborhoods that needed them most. Between and beneath the boxes are open plazas and courtyards, and inside are several floors of exhibits designed to be touched, pushed and played with.
It's busy with school groups on weekdays and families on weekends, and it's one of the most popular attractions in the city for locals as well as visitors.
What to see
- The aquarium. Opened in 2008, it's one of the largest in South America, with around 4,000 animals from 400 species in 23 settings. The freshwater floor recreates the Amazon, Orinoco and Magdalena rivers, with a huge flooded-forest tank where pirarucú, one of the world's largest freshwater fish, swim around a giant tree. Upstairs, marine tanks show Colombia's Caribbean and Pacific reefs, with clownfish, moray eels, jellyfish and lionfish.
- The vivario. The frog and reptile house reopened on September 4, 2025, after a full rebuild focused on animal welfare. It houses species such as the golden poison dart frog, rainbow boas, axolotls and river turtles, many of them rescued from wildlife trafficking.
- Interactive halls. Sala Mente explores how your brain and senses work, Sala Tiempo plays with time, and Sala Música lets you experiment with sound. There's also a children's hall and an open hall for changing exhibitions.
- Dinosaurs. A collection of life-size dinosaur models is a hit with younger kids.
The Planetario de Medellín, a separate attraction nearby, has its own tickets and schedule.
Practical tips
Buy tickets online or at the ticket office; the ticket office closes at 4 pm on weekdays and 5 pm on weekends, so arrive early enough to see everything. Plan at least 3 hours, or a full day with kids. Weekday mornings are crowded with school groups; weekday afternoons are often calmer. Hours change around Semana Santa, the Feria de las Flores and Christmas, so check the website before going.
The Jardín Botánico is right next door and free, so it's easy to combine the two.
Getting there
Take metro Line A to Universidad station. Parque Explora is directly outside the station exit. From El Poblado, it's about 20 minutes by metro.
Frequently asked questions
Is the aquarium included in the Parque Explora ticket?
The aquarium, vivarium and interactive halls are all part of Parque Explora. Check the official site for which combinations each ticket covers, especially if you also want the planetarium.
When is Parque Explora closed?
Every Monday, and on Tuesdays that follow a holiday Monday.
How long do I need?
At least 3 hours. With children, many families stay most of the day.
Is it good for adults without kids?
Yes. The aquarium and vivarium are excellent, and the interactive halls are fun at any age.
What's the nearest metro station?
Universidad on Line A. The museum is right outside the station.
