The Ocean.
Right Here in Jenks, America.
More than 10,000 animals. 500+ species. The world's largest exhibit of bull sharks. And a mission to educate and inspire conservation of the aquatic world — right on the banks of the Arkansas River in Jenks.
Oklahoma's Only Ocean.
The Oklahoma Aquarium opened its doors on May 28, 2003 — the result of a bold vision by former Jenks Mayor and City Manager Mike Tinker, former City Manager Randy Ewing, P.R. Ramey, and a group of Tulsa philanthropists who believed Jenks deserved a world-class attraction on the Arkansas River. What Tulsa passed on, Jenks built.
Today the 72,000-square-foot facility is home to more than 10,000 animals representing over 500 species — from loggerhead sea turtles and zebra sharks to the humphead wrasse and the remarkable animals of the Extreme Amazon exhibit. Eight distinct exhibit areas take visitors from Oklahoma's own freshwater habitats to the open ocean, from Ozark streams to coral reefs.
The crown jewel is the world-famous bull shark exhibit — the largest of its kind on earth. Visitors walk through a unique tunnel as 20 bull sharks swim not just in front of them, but overhead. The 500,000-gallon tank was documented by Discovery Channel during Shark Week in 2003 and has drawn visitors from across the country ever since.
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, every dollar collected through admission, memberships, and events goes directly to supporting exhibits and educational programs. The Aquarium's mission — "to educate and inspire conservation of our aquatic world through interactive discovery" — drives everything from its school programs to its conservation and research initiatives.
"To educate and inspire conservation of our aquatic world through interactive discovery."
— Oklahoma Aquarium Mission Statement
Where Jenks Kids Meet the Ocean
School Programs
The Oklahoma Aquarium offers curriculum-aligned educational programs for Jenks Public Schools and districts across the region — connecting students to aquatic science, conservation, and the natural world.
Conservation & Research
As a 501(c)(3), the Aquarium actively participates in conservation research and partners with organizations committed to protecting aquatic ecosystems. The Oklahoma Aquarium Foundation supports scholarships for underrepresented students.
JPS Foundation Partner
The Oklahoma Aquarium is a proud partner of the Jenks Public Schools Foundation, supporting the mission to enhance opportunities for students and educators throughout the district.
The Anchor of Jenks — On the Air and On the River
The Oklahoma Aquarium is the institution that put Jenks on the map as a regional destination. Drawing 337,000+ visitors a year to the Arkansas River corridor, it is the anchor around which the Riverwalk, Tulsa Premium Outlets, Camp Pickle, and the entire River District have grown. When Jenks, America tells its story, the Aquarium is in chapter one.
JenksFM is proud to be the radio voice of the community the Aquarium has helped build. From covering Boomfest on the riverfront to promoting STEAM Night and HallowMarine on the Community Calendar, JenksFM and the Oklahoma Aquarium share the same audience — the families, students, and neighbors of Jenks, America. We are grateful for their support of community radio.
All JenksFM UnderwritersVisit Oklahoma's Only Ocean
Open year-round. 10,000 animals. The world's largest bull shark exhibit. Right here at 300 Aquarium Drive in Jenks, America.
300 Aquarium Drive · Jenks, OK 74037 · Open Daily 10 AM · Extended Tuesday Hours to 9 PM · 501(c)(3) Non-Profit