My first memory of fish was my pet goldfish when I was five years old and I've been fascinated by aquatic life ever since. Through periodic visits to the New York Aquarium in Brooklyn, I have learned more about our underwater friends.
The New York Aquarium, the only aquarium in New York City, is located in Brooklyn near the Atlantic Ocean, alongside the Coney Island and Brighton Beach free public beaches. The aquarium is also next to Luna Park, the very famous amusement park with its cyclone roller coaster made famous in Woody Allen’s “Annie Hall.” In it, he famously grew up in a house underneath the cyclone.
Did You Know? The New York Aquarium (NYC's only aquarium!) is home to over 500 species of marine wildlife.
During COVID times a few adjustments have been made. Hand sanitizer stations are found everywhere. Masks are required for admission to the park. Consistent with NY City/State and CDC guidance, masks are required indoors (this includes exhibits, restrooms and gift shops) for all guests over the age of 2 years, regardless of vaccination status. Unvaccinated guests over the age of 2 years are also required to wear a mask at all outdoor areas where social distancing can not be maintained. Face coverings remain optional for vaccinated guests in outdoor areas.
My 13-year-old, her friend, and I visited on a lovely Saturday, so it was pretty busy. There was a line to get into the parking lot where you get a ticket and pay on your way out, but it was worth the short wait.
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The first exhibit, “Conservation Hall” showed a variety of fish in large tanks and presented us with conservation solutions in a colorful and fun looking exhibition.
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As we exited Conservation Hall, we were able to enjoy the summer weather while strolling along the Sea Cliffs. There we caught the harbor seals being fed, so we stayed to watch. They did some fun tricks and the crowd loved it. We continued strolling and saw the penguins and the sea otters all hanging out along the rocky shores. Always fun to watch them all.
As we left the seals, we saw a line being formed at the Aquatheater where the California sea lions perform. The line was growing, so we got on fast. The show is both interactive and educational (see my video compilation below).The sea lions were amazing! Such fun!
Upon exiting, we quickly went into the “Ocean Wonders: Sharks!” building, as there was briefly no line. This is a new exhibit so we were looking forward to seeing it. Wow, immediately we were inside a tunnel surrounded more than 115 species (many found in New York waters), including sharks and colorful coral reef. It was amazing to see them swimming above us and around us as if we were right inside with them. There were more sharks to be seen, as well as a great exhibit showing facts about sharks and ways we can save sharks from extinction. There was also a tunnel that kids and adventurous adults could crawl into through a tank of sharks. Of course the kids with me did just that! They are young teens but still love the interactive stuff! This exhibit was their fave!
When we left the sharks exhibit, we went right into the “Spineless” exhibit, the New York Aquarium's newest exhibit. There we saw awesome invertebrates like Pacific octopus, moon jellies, jelly fish, zombie worms, Japanese spider crabs, sea nettle, and more. This exhibit was MY favorite! I could spend all day in there watching these weird underwater creatures. I found them fascinating! Some were so alien looking! This exhibit made me feel like a kid again. I was awestruck!
As we exited, I noticed the ice cream stand and food area. For sure we were going for the Dippin’ Dots today! All 3 of us got our favorite flavors and grabbed a bench to sit to eat and drink some water, which they sold there as well. They had a cafe where you can purchase your lunch too. I saw a big sign for the Playquarium which is coming soon.
When you leave the aquarium you can go to the 4-D Theatre or you can go before entering the aquarium. It is included free with your aquarium ticket purchase. On this day we did not go to it, but I hear it is spectacular! If you love 4-D theatres, I am sure this will be an additional adventure to experience! Please remember that no re-entry is permitted, so you can not go back in to the aquarium after seeing the 4-D movie.
All-in-all we had a great day at the Aquarium! If you are in NYC or Long Island, make plans to take your family! There were people of all ages and the aquarium is wheelchair and baby carriage accessible!
 A cool treat at the end of a fun visit to the New York Aquarium! |
TICKETS: You must reserve tickets in advance or be a member. You have the option to get a WCS Zoos Membership which grants access to 4 parks including the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens and Prospect Park Zoo. NY Aquarium access can be added for an additional fee. Or you can pay for individual tickets online or in person. Age 2 and younger is free. Advance tickets are required (purchase here) for Wednesday afternoons (3pm) reduced admission and are made available at 3:00pm the Monday before. There's a maximum of 4 tickets per order. Call 718-220-5112 if you have any issues.
Find hours, aquarium rates, and parking rates here.
Aquarium Park Hours
JUL 2 — SEPT 6, 2021
Sun-Thurs, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Park closes 6:00 PM
Fri and Sat*, 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Park closes 8:00 PM
*Plus Sunday 7/4/21 and Sunday 9/5/21
SEPT 7 — NOV 6, 2021
Mon-Fri, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Park closes 5:00 PM
Weekends and Holidays*, 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Park closes 5:30 PM
*Plus Monday 10/11/21
NOV 7, 2021 — MAR 2022
Aquarium opens at 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM. Park closes 4:30 PM
Parking lot opens at 9:30 AM
New York Aquarium
602 Surf Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11224
* This publisher has been compensated for this review, but all thoughts are her own.
