New England Aquarium: Boston

Official Website:	New England Aquarium: Boston
Location:	Central Wharf, Boston, MA
Phone:	617-973-5200
Hours:	Hours Vary see below
Ages:	Toddlers, Kids, Teens, Adults
In/Outdoor:	Indoor, Outdoor
Cost:	$$$ see below
Category:	Zoos & Aquariums

Other Ideas: Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory; Southwick's Zoo; Butterfly Garden at Museum of Science; Capron Park & Zoo; Butterfly Landing at Franklin Park Zoo

The New England Aquarium in Boston is located right on Boston's scenic waterfront. Colorful & educational exhibits feature more than 8,000 aquatic creatures, including the playful penguin pool.

Aquarium Transformation in Progress

The Aquarium is open and in the midst of a renovation that will renew its main building to the core. Many of our largest animals have taken over the penguin exhibit while the Giant Ocean Tank is under construction.

But don’t worry—the little blue penguins are safe and sound in a temporary exhibit with even closer viewing access.

Around the corner, the New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center is supercharged with fur seals and sea lions at play, and cownose rays are gliding within your reach at The Trust Family Foundation Shark and Ray Touch Tank.

There are more than 800 different marine animal species on exhibit during construction. Don’t miss your chance to see the Aquarium being transformed before your eyes. See a schedule of the Aquarium's daily presentations & shows.

You also won't want to miss the new Trust Family Foundation Shark and Ray Touch Tank which features sharks and rays in a 25,000-gallon tank surrounded by shallow edges and viewing windows, allowing visitors to experience a close encounter with these animals.

This beautiful space replicates a large mangrove area. The rays glide around the tank where visitors have the opportunity to reach right in and touch these graceful creatures. Whether you choose to actually touch the rays or just watch - this exhibit is very enjoyable and adds a whole new interactive dimension to the Aquarium.

Family Programs
The Boston Aquarium offers age-appropriate classes and programs for children of every age.
See a complete list of Family Programs at the New England Aquarium.
See what's happening today at the New England Aquarium.

Learn more about Birthday Parties at the New England Aquarium in Boston

Simons IMAX Theatre
New England Aquarium features the Simons IMAX Theatre to showcase animals and habitats too big, too rare or too dangerous to be seen in the Boston Aquarium. The theatre features IMAX and IMAX 3D film technology, 12 000 watts of digital sound and New England's largest screen. Call for show times: 1-866-815-IMAX (4629). See what's playing at the Simons IMAX Theatre.

Whale Watching
The Aquarium also runs a Whale Watch in Boston Harbor from April through October. Their high-speed catamaran takes participants to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary - the only whale feeding sanctuary in the United States! The whale watch also features onboard naturalists, guaranteed sighting, and a full galley.

Trips last approximately 3-4 hours. Reservations are highly recommended. Call 617-973-5206 or visit www.neaq.org for more information.

Be sure to check with your local library for museum passes to visit the New England Aquarium & more!

Message from Management of New England Aquarium: Boston:

See a schedule of the Aquarium's daily presentations & shows.

You also won't want to miss the new Trust Family Foundation Shark and Ray Touch Tank which features sharks and rays in a 25,000-gallon tank...

Hours

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Summer Hours (July 1- Labor Day)
Monday - Thursday: 9:00am to 6:00pm
Friday - Saturday to 9:00am to 7:00pm
Sunday & Labor Day: 9:00am to 6:00pm

Winter Hours (After Labor Day to June 30
Mon.-Fri. 9:00am-5:00pm
Weekends and most Holidays 9:00am-6:00pm.
Ticket sales end one hour before the Aquarium closes each day.

Cost

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Adult: $22.95
Senior/College: $20.95
Child (3-11): $15.95
Children under age 3: Free
Aquarium Members: Free
See prices for tickets that include Simons IMAX Theatre and/or Whale Watches
Discount Passes:
Discount passes to the New England Aquarium, as well as many other Boston Museums and attractions, can be found at your local library.

Location

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Central Wharf, Boston, MA map

From the South
I-93 Northbound.
Take Exit 23 in the new below-ground section of I-93, marked 'Gov't Center. North End, Aquarium, Quincy Market, The ramp joins surface streets at North St. Follow the sign to Aquarium, to the left. This loops around 180° and puts you on Atlantic Ave. The Aquarium is three blocks up on the left.

From the west
Take the Mass Turnpike to I-93 North. Take Exit 23 off I-93, marked 'Gov't Center. North End, Aquarium, Quincy Market, The ramp joins surface streets at North St. Follow the sign to Aquarium, to the left. This loops around 180° and puts you on Atlantic Ave. The Aquarium is three blocks up on the left.

From the north
I-93 Southbound. Take Exit 24A Government Center (not Airport 24B). Take the right fork, then stay left. At the traffic light, turn onto Atlantic Avenue. Follow Atlantic Ave. 3 lights to the intersection with Milk Street. Go left on Milk Street and the Aquarium is straight ahead.

From Cambridge
Take Memorial Drive North to the intersection of 28 (McGrath-O'Brien Hwy) and go right, past the Museum of Science. When you come to the intersection of Storrow Drive, go straight across the intersection into the tunnel for 93 South. Take Exit 24A Government Center (not Airport 24B). Take the right fork, then stay left (there is a sign indicating Aquarium) to Atlantic Avenue. Follow Atlantic Ave. to its intersection with Milk Street. Go left on Milk Street and the Aquarium is straight ahead.

Tips

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Free Movie!The Aquarium wants to thank you for visiting during construction. Visitors who buy full-priced admissioin to see the Aquarium will get a coupon for a free IMAX 3D movie ticket.
Parking can be costly - the parking garage affiliated with the Aquarium that is on the pricey side. Look around for alternative garages in the area or try to find nearby street parking. (Street parking may include a short walk).
It seems to work best to visit the Aquarium when it first opens or later in the afternoon, rather than mid-day when it can be crowded and when the sea animals are a bit sluggish.
The New England Aquarium is wheelchair accessible and stroller friendly.

Facebook Comments

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Recent Reviews

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great penguins!

We love to visit the aquarium-- starting with the harbor seals out in front (which you can watch for free-- especially great at feeding/training time), and on in to see all the penguins! The veterinarian shows are my son's favorites and we all love the touch tank on the top floor. The cafe is surprisingly good.

The Staff - Especially Janine

I was at the aquariam recently and was terrifically iimpressed with the staff - i am pregnant and was low on energy and a lovely blond woman (named Janne, i think) helped me out, gave me her own water bottle and showed incredible concern for my well-being. The fish were great, too!