The editor's view
At Times City, families can choose between an underwater mermaid story and watching penguins eat.
One draws attention to performance, the other to animals. Following a child's curiosity gives the visit a focus without turning the whole aquarium into a timetable to complete.
- When
- Runs daily at multiple times; schedules may change, so check the official page on the day of your visit.
- Where
- Vinpearl Aquarium, Vincom Mega Mall Times City, 458 Minh Khai Street, Hanoi
- Tickets & conditions
- Aquarium admission is required; confirm at the desk whether any programme has an extra charge.
Two experiences, two kinds of conversation
The mermaid performance uses the main tank, while penguin feeding takes place in a separate area. Afterwards, ask which details belonged to the performer's story and which were animal behaviour. A detail-minded child might notice swimming, standing or waiting for food; a character-loving child may focus on performing underwater. Neither interest needs to be ranked above the other. Choosing around that difference can make the visit enjoyable for siblings with very different tastes.
Combine times without rushing between areas
Mermaid slots are listed at 10:45, 15:30, 17:00 and 20:00; penguin feeding at 10:00, 15:00 and 19:30, in roughly fifteen-minute sessions. Adjacent times can work if you know the route between areas. Leave room to keep watching afterwards when a child is interested instead of pulling them away for another appointment. If energy allows only one programme, choose the favourite rather than extending the visit into the evening to complete both.
An aquarium ticket is not every nearby attraction
The venue is Vincom Mega Mall Times City, 458 Minh Khai. VinKE is promoted alongside the aquarium, so check which attraction your ticket includes and ask about any activity surcharge. Fish feeding and reptile interaction have their own arrangements; “interaction” is not permission to handle animals freely. Ask staff early about stroller needs or an easy exit from viewing areas. Check the timetable before travelling because individual slots can be adjusted.
A plan that is enough
Reopen the official source for “Daily Programmes – Vinpearl Aquarium Times City” on the day of the visit; check timing, venue and entry terms.
Choose one main moment and one rest point; do not make children complete the whole programme.
Check noise, exits, stroller access and the rain plan before entering a crowded area.
Sources behind this guide
Recurring Antenatal Class – Hanoi French Hospital
Recurring 2026 programme; for sessions after 6 September, confirm the individual date with the hospital on (024) 3577 1100.
Marine Animal Presentation – Lotte World Aquarium Hanoi
Daily at 11:30 and 16:00 under the current schedule; times may change, so check before visiting.