Information
Landmark: New York AquariumCity: New York
Country: USA New York
Continent: North America
New York Aquarium, New York, USA New York, North America
Overview
The New York Aquarium, one of the nation’s oldest and most celebrated, draws visitors in with shimmering tanks of jellyfish, hands-on exhibits, and lively programs that teach about marine conservation.On Coney Island in Brooklyn, it hugs the famous Riegelmann Boardwalk, where visitors can watch the Atlantic’s waves roll in while exploring the rich world of ocean life.You’ll find it at 602 Surf Avenue in Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY 11224-opened in 1896 after starting out in Battery Park, Manhattan, where sea breeze rolled in from the harbor.In 1957, it relocated to its present spot to make room for bigger exhibits and the steady hum of more and more visitors.Operator: The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), a nonprofit that protects wildlife and teaches the public about it, runs the site-much like they do with the Bronx Zoo.The aquarium covers about 14 acres along the boardwalk, stretching past benches and the scent of salty air.The aquarium opened to spark curiosity about ocean creatures and teach visitors how to protect them, from coral reefs to giant sea turtles.Over the years, it’s become a thriving hub for visitors and scientists alike, with a sharp focus on sustainability and safeguarding the waters where silver minnows dart between reeds.At the New York Aquarium, you can wander through exhibits teeming with colorful marine life from every corner of the globe, all designed to spark curiosity and teach you about protecting our oceans-don’t miss Ocean Wonders: Sharks!This ranks among the aquarium’s top draws, with shimmering fish gliding past the glass.Inside its enormous 500,000-gallon tank, 18 species of sharks and rays glide through the water, from sleek blacktip reef sharks to striped zebra sharks and broad, shadowy stingrays.The exhibit pulls you straight into the sharks’ world, leading you through glass tunnels where water shimmers overhead, then into hands-on displays that reveal their biology and place in the ocean’s balance.Spineless showcases the astonishing variety of invertebrates-from the graceful drift of moon jellies to the curling arms of octopuses, the bright spokes of sea stars, and the eerie presence of zombie worms.It dives into their remarkable adaptations and vital role in marine ecosystems, inviting visitors to notice and value the small, shimmering ocean dwellers so easily overlooked.Sea Change - this gallery dives into how climate change is reshaping marine habitats and the creatures that call them home, from bleaching coral to vanishing kelp forests.You’ll see California sea lions barking on the rocks, harbor seals gliding through the water, African penguins, and playful river otters-all showing how shifting environmental conditions impact aquatic life.PlayQuarium is a lively, hands-on exhibit where families-especially kids-can reach into shallow tanks to feel the rough shell of a horseshoe crab, the prickly spines of a sea urchin, and other local marine invertebrates while learning about them.It sparks hands-on learning and draws you in with sights, sounds, and textures.At the Aquatheater, the aquarium puts on lively animal shows three times a day, where sea lions clap their flippers, seals balance balls, and other marine creatures show off their smarts.These shows blend fun with learning, bringing animal care to life and sharing clear messages about conservation-like the gentle rustle of leaves in a rescued habitat.Wild Encounters’ seasonal programs let visitors get close to the animals-watch a penguin snatch a fish or see a sea lion follow a trainer’s cue-offering a vivid look at their daily lives and the effort to protect them.At the New York Aquarium, conservation runs deep-they study marine life, help injured species recover, and invite the public to learn through hands-on programs, from watching a rescued sea turtle swim to exploring tide pool exhibits.It partners with marine biologists to safeguard endangered species, rebuild fragile habitats, and tackle pressing threats like oil-slicked waters and a warming climate.They offer guided tours, school trips, summer camps, and hands-on workshops that dive into marine biology, ecology, and sustainability-sometimes with the salty scent of the ocean right outside.The aquarium wants visitors to leave with a sense of responsibility for the ocean, sparked by what they’ve learned and the feel of cool seawater on their hands.Visitor hours shift with the seasons, usually starting at 10:00 a.m. and ending sometime between 4:30 and 6:00, just as the shadows stretch across the path.They usually stop letting people in about an hour before closing, just as the lights start to dim.During peak season, tickets run about $33 for adults, $28 for kids ages 3–12, and $30 for seniors-roughly the price of a couple of ice cream cones by the beach.During the off‑peak season, prices dip a bit, and kids and seniors enjoy extra savings-think a few dollars off each ticket.Kids younger than two get in free-no ticket needed.The aquarium welcomes visitors of all abilities, offering wheelchair access and thoughtful services-like wide ramps and helpful staff-for those with disabilities.To get there, hop on the D, N, or Q train and ride to Coney Island–Stillwell Avenue; from the station, it’s just a few minutes’ walk past the smell of salty air straight to the aquarium entrance.Several bus lines run through the neighborhood, with the B36 and B68 pulling up just a short walk from Surf Avenue.You’ll find parking close by, starting at $18 for up to three hours, with prices climbing the longer you stay.Parking spots can be scarce-sometimes you circle the block twice-so it’s best to take public transit.Because the aquarium sits right on Coney Island, you’re just steps from the beach-a wide stretch of soft sand where lifeguards watch from their chairs all summer, perfect for a swim or a lazy afternoon in the sun.The boardwalk bursts with shops, tempting cafés, and rides at Luna Park, the old amusement park where the scent of popcorn drifts through the air.You’ll find the Cyclone roller coaster rumbling down its track, the splash-filled New York Aquarium Playground right next to the aquarium, and a mix of seasonal events.At the New York Aquarium, visitors of every age can wander past shimmering schools of fish and watch playful sea otters, all while learning powerful lessons about conservation and caring for our oceans.With its ocean-inspired exhibits, hands-on learning programs, and a spot just steps from Coney Island’s boardwalk, it’s a must-see for anyone curious about marine life, wildlife, or simply looking for a family day filled with sea spray and laughter.The aquarium keeps changing, unveiling fresh exhibits and hands-on displays that draw people closer to the ocean-like the shimmer of a jellyfish tank-and fueling efforts to safeguard marine life for the generations still to come.
