New England Aquarium

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Zoos & Aquariums

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

Others to Consider: Franklin Park Zoo - Zoo New England, South Shore Natural Science Center, Mystic Aquarium, The Butterfly Place, Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory

The New England Aquarium is located along Boston's scenic waterfront. Its colorful & educational exhibits feature more than 8000 aquatic creatures, including the playful penguin pool as you enter. Highlights of the New England Aquarium include a 4-story glass ocean tank that houses a coral reef display plus an outstanding variety of fishes, sharks & sea turtles.

After taking a quick visit to the outside tank of seals & penguins, you'll enter the heart of the aquarium to behold a four-story fish tank wrapped by a spiral viewing ramp. The main aquarium is also alive with small sharks, varieties of fish and a huge sea turtle. There are smaller specialized tanks on each landing for more leisurely viewing. For a nice break, check out the Exploration Center on the first floor of the main parking structure - and be sure to check out the water shows!

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 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).

Whale Watching
The Aquarium also runs a Whale Watch 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) 222-6999 or visit www.harborexpress.com.

You can view the New England Aquarium events calendar here. And be sure to check with your local library for discount tickets to the New England Aquarium & more!

Hours

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Summer Hours run until Labor Day
Monday - Thursday: 9:00am to 6:00pm
Friday - Sunday: 9:00am to 7:00pm

Winter Hours
Mon.-Fri. 9:00am-5:00pm;
Weekends and Holidays 9:00am-6:00pm.
Ticket sales end one hour before the Aquarium closes each day.

Cost

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General Admission
Adults - 19.95
Children (3-11) - 11.95
Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more

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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Parking can be costly - there is a 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 out best if you visit the Aquarium when it first opens or later in the afternoon, rather than mid-day when it tends to be most crowded and when the sea animals are a bit sluggish.
The New England Aquarium is wheelchair accessible and stroller friendly.