Skip to main content
Adventure Aquarium aquarium in Princeton, NJ
Photo: Ben Morris
View of Adventure Aquarium in Princeton, NJ
Photo: Kacie Weir
View of Adventure Aquarium in Princeton, NJ
Photo: Mary Findley

Adventure Aquarium

4.6(19,044 reviews)$$Aquarium
🕑 3-4 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers are mesmerized by the colorful fish and gentle touch pools, while elementary-aged kids love the shark exhibits and educational programs. Teens interested in marine biology will appreciate the conservation messaging and behind-the-scenes content.

About

Adventure Aquarium brings families face-to-face with over 8,500 marine animals including sharks, sea turtles, hippos, and penguins. Kids will be thrilled by the interactive touch pools where they can feel stingrays and sharks, plus the walkthrough shark tunnel that puts you right in the underwater action. With engaging exhibits designed for hands-on learning and daily animal encounters, it's an immersive ocean adventure that keeps children entertained while sparking curiosity about marine life.

Highlights

  • Shark Bridge,a suspended V-shaped rope bridge over the shark tank where you can walk above swimming sharks
  • Touch-a-Shark exhibit where kids can safely pet small sharks and stingrays
  • Hippo Haven featuring Button and Genny, the resident Nile hippos
  • Shark Tunnel providing 360-degree views of sharks swimming overhead and around you
  • Little Blue Beach penguin colony with African penguins you can observe up close

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Arrive right when doors open on weekdays to avoid school groups and have the touch pools mostly to yourself
  2. 2.Book tickets online in advance for significant savings and to skip the ticket counter lines
  3. 3.Don't miss the hippo feeding times and penguin encounters,check the daily schedule upon arrival and plan your route accordingly
  4. 4.Parking is available in the adjacent lot but can be pricey; consider using public transit from Philadelphia (just across the river) for a fun addition to your day
  5. 5.Bring a change of clothes for younger kids who get enthusiastic at the touch pools,they will get wet!

Best Time to Visit

Visit on weekday mornings (Monday-Thursday) right at opening to avoid weekend crowds and school field trips that typically arrive mid-morning. Weekends from 9:30-11:00 AM offer the most active animal behavior before afternoon lulls. Winter months (January-February) see fewer visitors, making for a more relaxed experience.

What to Know

General admission starts around $35 for adults and $25 for children (check website for current pricing and combo packages). On-site parking is available for a fee, and the aquarium has a café with kid-friendly options like chicken tenders and pizza. The venue is fully accessible with stroller-friendly pathways throughout.

Seasonal Notes

Open year-round with extended hours on weekends. Special holiday events include Trick-or-Treat weekends in October and festive activities during December. Summer months (June-August) are busiest with camps and vacation crowds. The indoor facility makes it an ideal rainy day or hot summer escape.

Nearby Eats

The Camden Waterfront offers multiple family options including Chickie's & Pete's (famous for crab fries that kids love) and several casual spots at the nearby BB&T Pavilion area. For more variety, cross the Ben Franklin Bridge to Philadelphia's Penn's Landing, just 5 minutes away, where you'll find plenty of kid-friendly restaurants.

More Activities Near Princeton

Museum

The Lewis Science Center at Princeton University

$

The Lewis Science Center at Princeton University offers hands-on science experiences that make complex topics accessible and exciting for young learners. Kids can explore interactive physics demonstrations, biological specimens, and catch captivating planetarium shows that bring the cosmos to life, all within the inspiring setting of one of America's premier universities.

Park

Johnson Park School

Johnson Park School is an active elementary school in Princeton, not a public park despite some confusion in listings. While the grounds aren't open for general public recreation during school hours, the school occasionally hosts community events and after-school programs that families may attend. This is a neighborhood school serving local students with typical elementary school facilities.

Museum

Art Museum

Free

The Princeton University Art Museum offers an enriching cultural experience for families with free admission and engaging art programs designed specifically for young visitors. Kids can explore world-renowned collections spanning ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces through interactive family guides, hands-on activities, and special weekend programs that make art accessible and fun for all ages.

Bowling

Brunswick Bowling

$

Brunswick Bowling in Princeton offers classic family fun with kid-friendly features that make bowling accessible for all ages. With bumper lanes to keep balls out of the gutters, an exciting arcade area, and on-site food options, it's a one-stop destination for family game nights that combines active play with entertainment.