New Jersey SEA LIFE Aquarium to Open at American Dream on May 4

SEA LIFE, the world’s largest network of aquariums, touched down in East Rutherford, NJ—at American Dream to be exact. The 25,000-square-foot New Jersey SEA LIFE Aquarium has been dubbed City Under the Sea, in a nod to the bustling New York City that lies just across the Hudson River. The aquarium is constantly monitoring the situation with regards to COVID-19 and officially announced its grand opening for May 4.

“It offers a new wave of underwater adventures,” said Julie Estrada, head of public relations of North America for Merlin Entertainments, which owns and operates SEA LIFE as well as many other location-based family entertainment experiences. “What's amazing about [New Jersey SEA LIFE Aquarium] is, it's really designed to be a child's first experience with an aquarium. It's the first time they're seeing these creatures up close and personal and learning about them.”

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Exhibits at New Jersey SEA LIFE Aquarium

New Jersey SEA LIFE Aquarium will feature more than 3,000 different creatures in more than 10 exhibits inspired by New York City’s most memorable moments and experiences, including:
   

Rush Hour of the Oceans

Step on the platform to hear the noises and see the views of sea life during rush hour (much friendlier and cooler than the commute on the subway!). Motion sensors will trigger recordings of fun facts—in local accents—about what you are seeing, such as schools of fish and yellow eels (a nod to taxis).
   

Freshwater

“One of the unique things about all of the SEA LIFE aquariums is, they focus on the freshwater that's near each location,” Estrada said. So here, you’ll see the different animals you’d find in nearby lakes and rivers—giving kids the opportunity to learn about and understand the ecosystem of their area.
   

Tiny Giants Rockpool

Visitors will have the chance to touch some sea life (starfish, urchins, and sea anemones) in Tiny Giants Rockpool, which showcases the “athletes of the ocean—the ones that have to survive with their strength and stamina,” Estrada says. (Do you get the reference to NYC in this area? Hint: Think football.)
   

Jelly 54

In a nod to Studio 54, this area will feature the ocean’s natural dancers: jellyfish. Here, innovative lighting effects will showcase the natural translucent colors of the jellyfish. Plus, music will be playing, so go ahead and dance along!
   

    
Urban Jungle

Gather your courage and walk through the red-bellied piranha tank (“the Wall Street wolves of the river,” Estrada joked), and come face to face with some of the most fearsome freshwater creatures.