New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium offers an unforgettable underwater adventure right in the heart of Boston's waterfront. Kids will be mesmerized by the four-story Giant Ocean Tank teeming with sea turtles, sharks, and tropical fish, while hands-on touch pools let them get up close with rays and sea stars. With engaging animal presentations, penguin exhibits, and educational programs designed specifically for young learners, this beloved aquarium delivers both entertainment and ocean conservation education.

• ✓Giant Ocean Tank with its four-story Caribbean coral reef ecosystem featuring sea turtles and hundreds of tropical fish
• ✓African penguin colony where kids can watch these playful birds swim and waddle
• ✓Interactive touch tanks with rays, sharks, and sea stars guided by knowledgeable educators
• ✓Jellyfish exhibit with mesmerizing displays of different species in illuminated tanks
• ✓Daily animal presentations and feeding times featuring seals, sea lions, and other marine animals

1. 1.Book tickets online in advance to skip the ticket line and secure your preferred time slot, especially during summer and school vacation weeks.
2. 2.Visit the touch tanks on the lower level early in your visit before they get crowded, allowing kids more one-on-one time with the educators.
3. 3.The IMAX theater next door offers marine-themed films that pair perfectly with your aquarium visit. Combo tickets are available at a discount.
4. 4.Bring a light sweater as the interior can be cool, especially in the penguin area.
5. 5.Download the aquarium's app beforehand for interactive features, feeding schedules, and animal presentations so you don't miss the highlights.

Weekday mornings right at opening (9:00 AM) offer the smallest crowds and most interactive time with educators at touch tanks. Avoid weekends, summer afternoons, and school vacation weeks when the aquarium is most crowded. Winter weekdays are ideal for a more relaxed experience.

Admission is moderately priced with discounts for children under 12. The aquarium is stroller-accessible with elevators, though the spiral ramp around the Giant Ocean Tank can be tight during busy times. A cafe on-site offers kid-friendly snacks and meals, and you're steps away from Faneuil Hall's many dining options.

Open year-round with extended weekend hours. Summer brings larger crowds but also special programming. The aquarium hosts Harbor Seal Day in March and other seasonal events. Holiday weeks can be especially busy, so advanced tickets are essential during these periods.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a 5-minute walk away with diverse food court options perfect for picky eaters. The Barking Crab, located nearby on the waterfront, offers casual seafood dining with a fun, relaxed atmosphere and outdoor seating in warmer months.