Good: This is a very cute escape from the city, with very entertaining exhibits. Any age would love seeing this. It's a great family get-together thing to do. There are different things to see, and not just fish: they had a snake, turtle, sea otter, and ducks. You can touch a sting ray. And they allow you to take pictures inside.

Here's what's bad: You can see this whole place in an hour, because they don't have much to see. The parking was about $8. The entrance fee is about $14 - VERYYYY pricey. I don't care if it costs a lot to get fish to Colorado. I went to the largest freshwater aquarium in Chattanooga, TN (12 stories high, not just a couple like Ocean Journey, and its very inland, so they have to pay more to get the fish there). It took us 10 minutes to find Ocean Journey from downtown because only one road leads to it. And it's under the bridge, so you can't see it or turn to it from a main road coming east. And on top of all of that, right now it's under construction, so there's no where to eat or buy gifts. So, for me, it was pretty bad. Hopefully in 2006 they'll fix everything up a bit and realize that it shouldn't be that much money. And if it is, they better put more exhibits!! That place looked four stories high and only had about 50 exhibits! Come on!!

Ocean Journey isn't a huge aquarium, and instead of having tank after tank of fish and other sea life, it concentrates on two main exhibits: The Colorado River Journey and Indonesian River Journey. As you follow these two rivers from mountaintop to the sea, the corresponding surroundings and animal/marine life change accordingly. An excellent guidebook is provided to identify the wildlife and to provide interesting environmental information.

In the Indonesian River exhibit, everybody's favorite part is the Sumatran tiger exhibit. There is probably no other zoo/aquarium in the world where you can get such a close up look at these beautiful animals. A fine mist is pumped out throughout the exhibit to give you the feeling of being in the jungle.

The Colorado exhibit is less interesting, mostly due to the fact that trout and bass are not nearly as fascinating as the exotic Indonesian wildlife, but it is still well done. The flash flood exhibit is a highlight as the skies darken, lightning flashes, and a torrent of water heads at you (safely behind a thick pane of glass!).

There are also some small tanks outside of the river journeys that contain various fish, eels, and octopus. A touch tank full of sea rays is also a popular spot.

The first floor has an excellent and quite large otter exhibit which features both above and below water viewing. There are also a couple of VERY energetic otters in the Colorado River exhibit. Also on the first floor is a very large gift shop. There are some tables and chairs with free coffee available for the grownups while the kids check out all the souvenirs, which I thought was a nice touch. There is also a cafeteria featuring the standard zoo/aquarium fare with typical prices. Soda refills are free so we bought a souvenir cup for $3 and refilled it several times.

Outside is the Aquapod simulator which costs an additional $4 to ride. It's one of those shake you around type rides that you either love or hate. We didn't partake but we saw both laughing and crying kids emerge, so know your child's feelings on such things before you plunk down more money.

There is also a signed nature trail outside the aquarium that runs alongside the railroad tracks.

This is an excellent half day activity and with in and out privileges (just get your hand stamped), this could easily be combined with a trip to Six Flags.

Our out-of-town guests are always amazed at the depth of experiences in Ocean Journey. Our grandchildren love the realistic outdoor settings, the beautiful fish, and the opportunities to "touch and feel" many exhibits.

The multi-story exhibits take you on extraordinary journeys where water and land meet in Colorado and in other places of the world. In addition to viewing many types and species of fish, you'll see waterfalls cascading from many feet above you. You'll see live tigers in a jungle-like setting. You'll see and hear birds in the giant trees.

Having lived in Colorado for most of my life, I especially enjoy the Colorado River Journey. I like standing at the imaginary Continental Divide and progesssing further downstream to see different species of fish and wildlife. While following a 1,500 mile make-believe journey down the Colorado River, I find the air growing warmer and the river becoming tamed.

One of the most awesome exhibits is the mock flash flood. My grandchildren asked to see this again and again. We stand on the little wooden bridge while lighting flashes and thunder roars. The annoucements about an approaching flash flood come over the loud speaker. We wait in dim light, and then suddenly water rushes from above, quickly and violently filling the mock canyon and gently spraying water on us as we watch safely from the bridge.

The children especially like watching the sea otters swim in their cove lagoon. They also are thrilled to watch giant sharks swim underneath us by looking through large glass portholes in the floor.

Earlier Ocean Journey had a special exhibit on sharks. Now guests can enjoy an Outback Adventure in an adjoining tent at no additional cost. Hundreds of tame Australian birds live freely here in a "downunder" environment. When you purchase a stick with bird food on the end, you can have these friendly birds land on your stick and view them at an arm's length.

Plan to spend at least an hour or two viewing the many exhibits. I've gone many times and I see things every time that I missed on earlier journeys.

It's open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Christmas. Admission prices: Adults 18 and up - $14.95; seniors 65 and up - $12.95; children ages 4-12 are $6.95, and children 3 and under are free.

For more information, visit www.oceanjourney.com or call 888-561-4450.