Boston Aquarium
| Hours: | Hours Vary see below |
| Ages: | Toddlers, Kids, Teens, Adults |
| In/Outdoor: | Indoor, Outdoor |
| Cost: | $$$ see below |
| Category: | Zoos & Aquariums |
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. Central Tank
Enjoy 360-degree views around a spectacular, four-story Caribbean coral reef teeming with hundreds of animals and more than 120 different species. The colorful Caribbean coral reef is home to small sharks, sea turtles, eels, and hundreds of tropical fishes of all sizes.
Shark & Ray Touch Tank
The Trust Family Foundation Shark and Ray Touch Tank 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.
Seals & Sea Lion Habitat
The seals and sea lions are always at play. Watch California sea lions dart through the water and limber Northern fur seals frolic in this beautiful open-air exhibit space, and find out about the challenges marine mammals face in the wild! Learn more about the exhibit.
Science of Sharks
Dive deep into the Science of Sharks with the newest exhibit at the New England Aquarium. Get up close to some small but mighty shark species from around the world. Hands-on activities illuminate the remarkable adaptations that give them an edge in the water, while the shark and ray touch tank lets you see and feel! these adaptations in action.
Shark science comes alive with inspiring videos featuring our researchers and their efforts to help sharks, and dazzling underwater footage featuring National Geographic photographer Brian Skerry transports
you to stunning shark habitats.
Plus, this springs free evening Aquarium Lecture Series is chock full of vibrant discussions about sharks and their place in our blue planet! The New England Aquarium is the place to find out why these magnificent ocean predators are even more incredibly cool than you thought.
Timed Ticketing
Grab your timed ticket online and don't miss your chance to see the Aquarium transformed before your eyes. The corkscrew ramp allows you to take your time and view the animals through the glass - as well as to see the reef from the top.
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: 617-973-5200. 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!
Other attraction that are between 7-15 minutes away include Quincy Market, Old North Church, Boston Children's Museum, The Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum, The USS Constitution, Boston Public Garden,The Boston State House, The Museum of Fine Arts, and Fenway Park.
Find lots more ideas on fun things to do with the family in Boston.
Looking for more ideas about things to do in Boston with kids. We've got you covered - here's our sure-fire list of fun places to take kids while you are in Boston.
If animals are your thing ,be sure to check out our guide to Boston Zoos and Aquariums! You can find many options both in Boston and within a short drive.
| HOURS | ↑ top |
View Aquarium Hours
Summer Hours
Jul 1 Aug 31
Sunday Saturday
9:00 am 6:00 pm
Fall / Winter Hours
Sep 1 Jun 30
Monday Friday
9:00 am 5:00 pm
Saturday Sunday
9:00 am 6:00 pm
Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Open at noon on New Year's Day.
| COST | ↑ top |
View Ticket Prices
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.
| WEBSITE | ↑ top |
| LOCATION | ↑ top |
Central Wharf, Boston, MA map
Phone: 617-973-5200
| REVIEWS BY STUDENTS | ↑ top |
giant ocean, Grade 2 Student
I saw a whale it looked like a baby.IT was so cute! My trip was Awesome| RELATED LINKS | ↑ top |
- Profiles
- Localities
Info changes frequently. We cannot warrant it. Verify with Boston Aquarium before making the trek. If you find an error, please report it...