Aquariums in the New York Area

Aquariums throughout the New York area (and in Connecticut and New Jersey) are opening once again, with many already open with new safety precautions and adjusted hours. Check out this list of aquariums in the New York area where you’ll encounter the many wonders of the sea, including sharks, sting rays, moon jellies, clown fish, and even beluga whales. If you’re feeling daring, you’ll have to visit the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey to walk across the suspension bridge that hangs over a 21-foot-deep shark tank!

• Aquariums in NYC
• Aquariums on Long Island
• Aquariums in Connecticut
• Aquariums in New Jersey
• Aquarium Live Streams

Click on the links above to view aquariums in your preferred area!

RELATED: Want even more ideas for summer fun? Read the Family Fun Guide today!

Aquariums in NYC

New York Aquarium 

602 Surf Ave., Coney Island
718-265-3474
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Hours: Through July 1: Daily, 10am-6pm (last entry at 5pm). July 2-Sept. 6: Sunday-Thursday, 10am-6pm (last entry at 5pm), Friday-Saturday, 10am-8pm (last entry at 7pm)
Admission: Monday-Thursday: $26.95; $24.95 seniors ages 65 and older; $22.95 children ages 3-12; free for children ages 2 and younger. Friday-Sunday: $29.95; $26.95 seniors ages 65 and older; $24.95 children ages 3-12; free for children ages 2 and younger. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.

The New York Aquarium, part of the Wildlife Conservation Society, is home to 350 marine species and 18 sharks and ray species on 14 acres on Coney Island.

Aquariums on Long Island

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium 

1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor
516-692-6768
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Hours: Daily, 10am-5pm; June-August: open till 6pm Saturday-Sunday. Fishing by reservation only; visit website for more information.
Admission: $7; $6 seniors ages 65 and older; $5 children ages 3-12; free for children ages 2 and younger and members

This nonprofit center is dedicated to educating visitors about the freshwater ecosystems of New York. It has the largest living collection of New York state freshwater reptiles, fish, and amphibians. Tour two aquarium buildings and eight outdoor ponds, or feed the hungry trout.

Long Island Aquarium 

431 E. Main St., Riverhead
631-208-9200 x426
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Hours: Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm. Beginning July 1: daily, 10am-5pm
Admission: $39.99; $29.99 seniors ages 62 and older; $27.99 children ages 3-12; free for children ages 2 and younger. 

Features one of the largest all-living coral reef displays in this hemisphere, a 120,000-gallon shark tank, year-round sea lion shows, numerous touch tanks, butterflies from all over the world, and more than 100 exhibits and interactive experiences, including Shark Dive, Penguin Encounter, Pirate Snorkel, and Shark Keeper. Plus, for an extra fee, you can board the Atlantis Explorer for a 2-hour cruise. 

Aquariums in Connecticut

Maritime Aquarium

10 N. Water St., Norwalk
203-852-0700
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Hours: Daily, 10am-5pm; Members-only hours: Monday, 10-11am
Admission: $28.95; $24.95 seniors ages 65 and older; $19.95 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. Guests are highly encouraged to purchase tickets in advance online.

The Maritime Aquarium is a landmark in Connecticut and home to nearly 75 live exhibits featuring more than 2,700 marine animals of 300 species including jellyfish, sharks, tortoises, quail, porcupines, and sea bass. For an extra fee, you can see a movie in the aquarium’s 4-D theater or board the Marine Life Encounter Cruise.

Mystic Aquarium 

55 Coogan Blvd., Mystic
860-572-5955
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Hours: Daily, 9am-6pm
Admission: $22.99-40.99; $28.74-$35.74 seniors; $24.49-$30.49 children ages 3-13; free for children age 2 and younger; see website for details. All guests must reserve tickets in advance online.

Mystic Aquarium is home to thousands of species of marine mammals, fish, invertebrates, and reptiles. Exhibits include beluga whales, sea lions, seals, sharks, penguins, octopi, clownfish, seahorses, sting rays, and jellyfish.