New York Tickets New York Aquarium Plan Your Visit

New York Aquarium - Plan Your Visit

Below you'll find hours, transit, facilities and the house rules worth knowing before you go. The aquarium sits right on the Coney Island boardwalk, so it's easy to fold into a beach day.

Essential Visitor Info

Timings
Address & Directions
Facilities
Accessibility

Doors open at 10 AM daily. The aquarium closes at 5 PM until October 31, 2026, and at 4:30 PM from November 1 through March 2027. Last entry is one hour before closing.

Most visits take 2 to 2.5 hours. The Timings page has the full schedule.

Good to Know Before Visiting the New York Aquarium

Bags and containers may be inspected at the entrance.

Beach umbrellas, coolers and wagons can't come inside, so leave the beach gear in the car.

Shirts and shoes are required everywhere in the park.

Scooters, skateboards, bicycles and balloons aren't allowed past the gates.

Leave radios and speakers at home, and save ball games for the beach.

Personal photos are fine. Tripods are restricted in several exhibits, and commercial shoots need permission from WCS.

Please don't feed the animals or toss anything into exhibits, and stay on the public paths.

New York Aquarium - Additional Info

Dining
Souvenir Store

Seaside Café: The main place to eat, on the Aquarium Plaza. The menu covers salads, sandwiches, burgers, chicken fingers and oven-fired pizza, along with boardwalk fries and homemade chips. There's seating indoors and out, and it's open from 10 AM until the park closes.

As part of the aquarium's push to cut single-use plastic, food comes without plastic straws, cups or bags.

Oceanview Bites: This rooftop space on Ocean Wonders: Sharks! overlooks the beach and boardwalk, but it's only open for private events.

New York Aquarium - Nearby Attractions

Luna Park: A short walk down the boardwalk, with thrill rides, family rides and games.

The Cyclone: Coney Island's wooden roller coaster, running since 1927 and now a New York City landmark.

Deno's Wonder Wheel: This 150-foot wheel has been turning for more than a century. From the top you can see the ocean and the Manhattan skyline.

Coney Island Museum: A small museum on the neighborhood's amusement-park history.

Nathan's Famous: The original hot dog stand, and the site of the hot dog eating contest every July 4th.

Coney Island Amphitheater: A 5,000-seat open-air venue on the boardwalk that hosts concerts and family shows.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting New York Aquarium

Is the aquarium wheelchair accessible?

Yes, every building and exhibit. Free loaner wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Is there support for visitors with sensory sensitivities?

Sensory bags with headphones and fidget tools can be borrowed for free from Admissions staff in the entrance lobby.

Can I bring a stroller?

Yes, but you'll need to park it outside indoor exhibits and the Aquatheater.

Are there lockers?

No, there are no lockers on site, so bring only what you're happy to carry.

Is there a place to nurse or pump?

Yes. The Lactation Station is between Spineless and PlayQuarium, and gift shop staff can unlock it.

Where can I eat at the aquarium?

The Seaside Café on the Aquarium Plaza serves food from 10 AM until closing.

Where can I buy souvenirs?

At the Oceanic Shop or the Shore Shop, both open until the park closes.

Can I leave and come back later?

No. Tickets are single entry, so plan your day before you go in.