Belle Isle Aquarium to celebrate 120th anniversary with free family activity day

The nation’s oldest aquarium is celebrating a major milestone anniversary in Detroit this weekend, with fun for all ages.

The Belle Isle Aquarium, designed by George D. Mason and Albert Kahn, opened on Aug. 18, 1904. This Sunday, on its 120th anniversary, the Belle Isle Conservancy will partner with the City of Detroit’s Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship to host a Family Day at the aquarium from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Festivities include an outdoor aquatic science station, coloring books, crafts, story time, a live DJ, a bounce house, free food and drink and food trucks.

“We are so appreciative of the City of Detroit and ACE in lifting up such a beloved cultural institution,” said Belle Isle Conservancy CEO Meagan Elliott. “The Belle Isle Conservancy is proud to operate this space free of charge for everyone to enjoy. Come out and celebrate with us.”

More:Belle Isle aquarium offers free admission every Thursday in August

When the aquarium opened in 1904, it was the third-largest aquarium in the world, with salt water being shipped directly from the ocean. Today, Belle Isle Aquarium welcomes thousands of annual visitors with free admission.

“Detroit has so many unique institutions and attractions that have been viewed as the best in the country. Detroit ACE is honored to lift up another one – the Belle Isle Aquarium,” said Rochelle Riley, director of Arts and Culture for the city.