Welcome to the New York Aquarium — a Coney Island classic on the edge of the Atlantic. From the immersive Ocean Wonders: Sharks! pavilion to kid-favorite touch spaces and sea lion shows, it packs a full day’s worth of marine discovery into Brooklyn’s boardwalk.

New York Aquarium exterior The aquarium sits steps from the Coney Island Boardwalk.

At-a-Glance

Where: Surf Ave & Boardwalk, Coney Island, Brooklyn
Average visit: 2.5–4 hours (longer if you catch shows)
Best for: Families, ocean lovers, and anyone pairing with the beach
Top highlights: Sharks pavilion, Sea Cliffs, jellies, sea lion show

Note: Timed-entry tickets smooth arrivals and help crowd flow. See Ticketing for details.

Why Go (In 30 Seconds)

Ocean-scale exhibits without leaving NYC.
Signature pavilion — Ocean Wonders: Sharks! — with wraparound views and tunnels.
Outdoor Sea Cliffs deliver open-air energy and close encounters.
Easy pairings with the boardwalk, beach, and Coney Island treats.

Tickets and Entry

Tip: Popular midday slots go fast on weekends and holidays. Book earlier windows for a calmer start.

Buy timed tickets online to lock your entry window and reduce wait times.
Consider flexible entry add-ons if your plans might shift.
Watch for occasional discounts (NYC residents, off-peak, or seasonal promos).

Visitor Type	Best Bet	Why
First-timer	Timed-entry, morning	Lower crowds, smoother pacing
Family with stroller	Timed-entry + flexible buffer	Easier transitions, nap windows
Photographer	Late afternoon weekday	Fewer reflections, moodier light

Hours and Best Time to Visit

Weekdays outside school holidays are the quietest.
Mornings offer the best crowd-to-exhibit ratio; arrive at opening if possible.
On hot summer afternoons, indoor pavilions become a cool retreat.

Crowd hack: If you arrive late, invert the route — start indoors (jellies/spineless), then circle back to Sharks during the last hour.

Map and Orientation

Aquarium map Get your bearings: main entrance, Sharks pavilion, Sea Cliffs, and the Aquatheater.

Suggested flow:

Ocean Wonders: Sharks! (beat the later rush)
Sea Cliffs (outdoor marine mammals)
Spineless and jellies
Sea lion show (Aquatheater)
Kid time at hands-on areas and photo stops on the boardwalk

Pro move: Each loop ends near restrooms/snacks to reset energy.

What to See — Highlights

Ocean Wonders: Sharks! — Massive tanks, reef walk-throughs, and predator spotlights.
Sea Cliffs — Otters, seals, and sea lions with Atlantic breezes.
Jellies — Hypnotic displays that are a photographer’s dream.
Touch zones and interpretive exhibits — Great for curious kids.

Photographer’s corner: Wear dark tops to reduce glass reflections and stand slightly off-axis.

Family Itineraries

Half-Day (3 Hours)

0:00–0:45 — Sharks pavilion
0:45–1:15 — Snack and rest
1:15–2:00 — Sea Cliffs
2:00–2:30 — Sea lion show
2:30–3:00 — Jellies + gift shop wrap-up

Full Day (5–6 Hours)

Add PlayQuarium or extra Sharks pass, boardwalk break, and bonus Sea Cliffs stop.

Accessibility

Wheelchair-friendly routes and indoor seating are available in many areas.
Ask staff for the most accessible paths to the Aquatheater and outdoor zones.
Sensory tips: quieter mornings, bring headphones if sensitive to show audio.

Calm zones: Dim jellies galleries and smaller side windows often provide quieter moments.

Nearby Pairings

Boardwalk strolls, Coney Island amusements, and beach time round out the day.
Off-season: enjoy wide boardwalk views and fewer crowds.

Rain plan: Start indoors, then watch weather windows for Sea Cliffs.

What to Pack

Light layers (coastal breeze)
Water + compact snacks
Lens cloth and power bank
Small towel for post-splash camera care

Bottom Line

Book ahead, arrive early, and anchor your day around Sharks, Sea Cliffs, and the sea lion show. The boardwalk location makes it a uniquely Brooklyn ocean day.

New York Aquarium Guide - Tickets, Hours, Map, Best Time to Visit