New York Aquarium – Plan Your Visit

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.

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.