New York Aquarium, NYC: Tickets and Info
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New York Aquarium
Highlights
Discover diverse underwater creatures including penguins, sharks, and sea lions.
Enjoy entertaining sea lion performances at the Aquatheater.
Explore interactive zones like the Playquarium where kids can learn through play.
Access all animal exhibitions and feeding demonstrations including touch pools.
Watch 4-D Theater and Aquatheater shows, subject to availability.
Good to Know Before Visiting the New York Aquarium
All visitors must reserve date-specific, timed-entry tickets online in advance as on-site ticket sales are not available.
You should arrive within the 15-minute window indicated on your ticket to ensure entry and help manage site capacity.
The New York Aquarium is a tobacco-free facility, which includes the prohibition of all electronic cigarettes and vaping devices.
Re-entry is not permitted, so ensure you have all necessary belongings with you before entering the gates.
The Aquatheater schedule for sea lion demonstrations varies daily and is subject to weather conditions or animal health requirements.
Professional photography equipment, including tripods and commercial setups, is not allowed without prior written authorization.
While the aquarium remains open during rain, some outdoor exhibits or the Aquatheater may close temporarily during severe weather or lightning.
All bags are subject to inspection by security personnel upon entry to ensure the safety of visitors and the animal collection.
Outside food is permitted but must be consumed only in the designated picnic areas located near the boardwalk.
Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times while on the aquarium grounds.
Essential Visitor Info
- Timings
- Address & Directions
- Facilities
- Accessibility
The New York Aquarium is open 365 days a year, though hours fluctuate seasonally. Planning your arrival is essential, as all guests are required to reserve a date-specific, timed-entry ticket in advance.
The following schedule reflects the standard operating hours for 2026.
Winter (November 1 – April 1): 10 AM to 4:30 PM (Last entry at 3:30 PM)
Spring (April 2 – May 22): 10 AM to 5 PM (Last entry at 4 PM)
Summer (May 23 – September 7): 10 AM to 6 PM (Last entry at 5 PM)
Autumn (September 8 – October 31): 10 AM to 5 PM (Last entry at 4 PM)
Recommended Duration
A standard visit typically lasts between 2 and 2.5 hours.
If you intend to view a sea lion demonstration at the Aquatheater or spend extra time at the interactive PlayQuarium exhibits, you should budget approximately 3 to 4 hours for your experience.
The New York Aquarium is located at 602 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11224. Situated on the Coney Island boardwalk, the facility is accessible via several modes of public and private transportation.
Traveling by Subway: The New York City Subway system provides the most direct access to the aquarium.
F or Q Train: Take either line to the West 8th Street–New York Aquarium station in Brooklyn. From the station, follow the signs to the pedestrian bridge that leads directly to the aquarium entrance.
N or D Train: Take either line to the Coney Island–Stillwell Avenue station. This station is fully accessible. After exiting, walk approximately two blocks east along Surf Avenue to reach the aquarium.
Traveling by Bus: Several Brooklyn bus lines serve the Coney Island area and stop within walking distance of the facility.
B36: Take the B36 to the intersection of Surf Avenue and West 8th Street.
B68: Take the B68 to Neptune Avenue and West 8th Street, then walk south toward Surf Avenue.
Additional Routes: The B1, B64, B74, and B82 lines also stop in the vicinity of the Stillwell Avenue terminal.
Traveling by Car: The aquarium is easily accessible from the Belt Parkway. Use the address 602 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11224 for GPS navigation.
From Manhattan: Take the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel (I-478) to the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (I-278 West). Take Exit 22 for the Belt Parkway East. Exit at Exit 7 (Ocean Parkway) and turn right onto Ocean Parkway toward Surf Avenue.
From Long Island and Queens: Take the Belt Parkway West to Exit 7B (Ocean Parkway). Turn left onto Ocean Parkway and proceed to Surf Avenue.
From New Jersey and Staten Island: Take the Staten Island Expressway (I-278 East) across the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge to the Belt Parkway East. Take Exit 7S (Ocean Parkway South) to Surf Avenue.
The New York Aquarium provides essential amenities to ensure visitor comfort throughout the grounds.
Restrooms are located at the main entrance, inside the Ocean Wonders: Sharks! building, and near the Aquatheater.
Dedicated nursing stations are available for parents, and diaper-changing tables are installed in all public restrooms.
For those with young children, strollers are permitted in most areas, though they must be parked in designated zones before entering the Aquatheater for shows.
First Aid services are staffed during all operating hours to assist with minor injuries or medical concerns.
To maintain a safe environment, the facility provides complimentary Wi-Fi in select areas, though signal strength may vary near the larger tank installations.
Manual lockers are not currently available on-site, so visitors are encouraged to carry only what they need for their tour of the exhibits.
The New York Aquarium is fully committed to providing an accessible experience for all guests and is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
All exhibit buildings, the Aquatheater, and dining areas are wheelchair accessible. The main entrance and the pedestrian bridge from the West 8th Street subway station are equipped with ramps or elevators to facilitate entry.
Wheelchair Rentals: A limited number of manual wheelchairs are available for rent at the entrance on a first-come, first-served basis. A valid photo ID is required as a deposit.
Elevators: All multi-level exhibits, including the rooftop observation deck of Ocean Wonders: Sharks!, are serviced by elevators.
Theater Seating: The Aquatheater provides designated seating areas for guests using wheelchairs, along with companion seating to ensure groups can remain together during performances.
Sensory Support: The aquarium has partnered with KultureCity to improve its ability to assist guests with sensory sensitivities. Sensory bags containing noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, and verbal cue cards are available for checkout at the Guest Relations booth.
Quiet Zones: Specific areas throughout the park are designated as “Quiet Zones” where noise levels are kept to a minimum for those needing a break from sensory stimulation.
Service Animals: Trained service animals, as defined by the ADA, are welcome. They must remain on a leash or harness at all times. Service animals may be restricted from certain interactive areas for the safety of both the visitors and the resident wildlife.
About the New York Aquarium
The New York Aquarium first opened its doors in 1896 at Castle Clinton in Battery Park before relocating to its current 14-acre site in Coney Island in 1957. As a pillar of the Wildlife Conservation Society, the institution serves as a vital center for marine research and global conservation efforts. Following a significant transformation after Hurricane Sandy, the facility now features state-of-the-art installations like the 500,000-gallon Ocean Wonders: Sharks! exhibit, which highlights the diverse aquatic life found in New York’s local waters.
Beyond its role as a premier tourist destination, the aquarium operates the New York Seascape program, a local conservation initiative dedicated to protecting threatened species such as sand tiger sharks and alewife herring. Educational outreach is integrated into every exhibit, from the bilingual interactive displays of the PlayQuarium to the high-energy demonstrations at the Aquatheater. By blending historical significance with modern science, the aquarium continues its mission to inspire visitors to value and protect the world’s oceans through direct engagement with marine life.
Parent Organization: Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
Opening Date at Current Location: June 6, 1957
Total Area: 14 acres
Number of Species: Approximately 500
Total Animal Population: Over 10,000
Why Visit the New York Aquarium?
Encounter Diverse Marine Wildlife
The aquarium is home to hundreds of aquatic species, ranging from harbor seals and sea otters to sand tiger sharks. Visitors can observe these animals in habitats designed to replicate their natural environments, providing a comprehensive look at global marine biodiversity.
Experience Ocean Wonders: Sharks!
This expansive exhibit features a 500,000-gallon tank that brings visitors face-to-face with several shark species and stingrays. The walkway through the exhibit offers views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the predators of the deep on the other.
Attend Interactive Aquatheater Performances
The Aquatheater showcases the intelligence and agility of California sea lions through daily demonstrations. These sessions highlight the bond between the animals and their trainers while educating the audience on wildlife conservation efforts.
Explore the PlayQuarium
Designed for younger visitors, this bilingual exhibit focuses on the local ecosystems of the Hudson River and New York Harbor. It features touch tanks and interactive displays that encourage children to engage directly with aquatic life in a hands-on setting.
Visit a Historic Coney Island Landmark
As the oldest continually operating aquarium in the United States, the facility offers a unique blend of historical significance and modern marine science. Its location on the Coney Island boardwalk allows guests to pair an educational visit with the classic New York seaside experience.
New York Aquarium – Additional Info
- Dining
- Souvenir Store
Visitors have several options for on-site dining, primarily centered around the Shorefront Parkway.
The main cafeteria serves a selection of classic fare, including burgers, fries, salads, and sandwiches, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available upon request.
For a more casual experience, seasonal snack bars located along the boardwalk side of the park offer quick refreshments such as pretzels, ice cream, and cold beverages.
To promote sustainability, the aquarium has eliminated single-use plastic straws and stirrers in all dining locations.
Guests are permitted to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages into the aquarium, provided they are consumed in designated outdoor picnic areas.
Please note that glass containers and charcoal grills are strictly prohibited on the premises for safety reasons.
The main gift shop is located near the aquarium exit and offers a wide variety of marine-themed merchandise.
Inventory includes plush animals representing the species found in the exhibits, educational books, sustainable apparel, and unique home decor.
Many of the items sold are sourced from environmentally responsible vendors, aligning with the facility’s mission of ocean conservation.
In addition to the primary retail location, smaller kiosks are often open seasonally near the Aquatheater and Ocean Wonders: Sharks!
These outlets provide quick access to essentials like sunscreen, hats, and reusable water bottles.
All proceeds from retail sales directly support the Wildlife Conservation Society’s global efforts to save wildlife and wild places.
Interesting Facts about the New York Aquarium
The New York Aquarium is the oldest continually operating aquarium in the United States, originally opening at Battery Park in 1896.
The facility moved to its current 14-acre home on the Coney Island boardwalk on June 6, 1957.
The Ocean Wonders: Sharks! exhibit features a massive 500,000-gallon tank that houses over 115 different marine species.
Visitors can view 18 distinct species of sharks and rays within the award-winning Ocean Wonders building.
The aquarium is managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society, which also operates the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and Prospect Park Zoo.
A 332-foot-long concrete sculpture titled Symphony of the Sea adorns the boardwalk exterior and depicts the evolution of marine life.
The facility’s Shimmer Wall is made of 33,000 individual aluminum flappers that move with the wind to mimic the appearance of ocean waves.
During Hurricane Sandy in 2012, dedicated staff stayed on-site around the clock to save 90 percent of the animal collection from record-breaking floodwaters.
The aquarium was the first facility in the world to successfully document the birth of a beluga whale in captivity in 1972.
The original Bathysphere, a deep-sea submersible used for historic dives in the 1930s, is preserved and on display for the public.
The New York Seascape program is based at the aquarium and focuses on protecting the 25 species of sharks and rays that live in local New York waters.
The PlayQuarium exhibit features a bilingual Discovery Pool where guests can touch local species like horseshoe crabs and sea stars.
The aquarium’s design includes a rooftop observation deck that offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Coney Island beach.
Before moving to Brooklyn, the aquarium was located in Castle Clinton, which previously served as a fort and an immigrant processing center.
The facility is home to a giant Pacific octopus, a highly intelligent invertebrate found in the Spineless exhibit.
New York Aquarium – Highlights in Pictures
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