Explore Brooklyn: Aquarium
Trip Tips
- Children 3 and up will get the most out of it, particularly the interactive displays. Toddlers will enjoy looking at the fish and other animals.
- June and July are the busiest. Get there before noon on summer weekends to avoid the biggest crowds. "Off months" in fall and winter are less crowded.
- Go first thing in the morning.
- Call ahead to find out feeding and demonstration times.
Suggestions for your adventure
- sun block
- a book to share on the trip
- snacks (goldfish crackers or Swedish fish)
- water and/or juice box
- The thrifty may want to bring brown bag lunch to save time and money.
- Seaside Café at the aquarium does have highchairs and a variety of foods.
- There are eating possibilities on the boardwalk or other food establishments in Coney Island (Nathan's, etc.).
Eat a good breakfast! While you eat, talk about what you will be doing that day. Ask your child what he or she thinks they might see at the Aquarium.
Get there by opening time. For very young children, do not try to see all the exhibits-only what interests them. For older children, you can do more exhibits and they will also have fun with some of the interactive stations.
1st hour - Visit the exhibits. If with an older child, do the ones with the interactive stations first. The child will be too tired to concentrate on them if you save them for the end. Then go to the various "pools"-sea lions, seals, etc.
Take a break. Drink some juice and have a snack, either brought with you or purchased there.
2nd hour - Hit the big exhibits: Sharks, whales, and "alien stingers." Then get on line for the Aquatheater show, if you are planning to go. It can be a long wait in line, so if your little one is getting tired, you can skip this or save it for another trip when it will be the primary focus of the trip.
3rd hour - See the show. If you want a souvenir, go to the gift shops. Exit the aquarium and go up to the boardwalk to eat your brown bag lunch, or eat lunch at the Seaside Café or another eatery.
By now it should be at least noon or 1 o'clock (opening times vary) and your child will probably be ready to go home for a much-needed nap after an exciting day learning about sea life!
Necessities and getting around…
Baby changing stations are available in both the men's and women's rooms.The Aquarium is stroller friendly. Check out the map with ramp information (PDF).