New England Aquarium (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is New England Aquarium?
What makes it 95% Kids-Friendly: Children up to 12 can touch rays, watch penguin feedings, and join interactive science stations, all in a stroller-friendly, supervised setting with clear safety rails and staff talks.
Positives:
- All-inclusive exhibits: General admission covers four floors of exhibits plus daily presentations and touch tanks.
- Free outdoor viewing: You can watch harbor seals and sea lions on the Harborwalk without tickets.
- Interactive learning: Kids learn from hands-on areas and keeper talks included in the ticket price.
Challenges:
- Crowded peak hours: The Giant Ocean Tank and touch tank fill up around midday, causing lines.
- Stroller navigation: Some exhibit walkways narrow; bring a carrier for tighter spaces.
- Film length: The 35-minute 3D movie may lose the attention of younger children.
What is New England Aquarium?
- A public aquarium on Boston’s Central Wharf waterfront
- Home to a 200,000-gallon Giant Ocean Tank encircled by a multilevel spiral walkway
- Houses thousands of marine animals, including sea turtles, sharks, penguins, seals, and sea lions
What is so special about New England Aquarium for with kids?
- Touch rays and small sharks in a safe tank
- Watch penguin feedings up close
- Explore a hands-on gallery built for kids
- Enjoy free seal and sea lion demos outdoors
- Add a family-friendly 3D nature film
Recommended visit duration: 3-5 hours
Why 3-5 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A visit lasting 3-5 hours allows families to see main exhibits, watch feedings, and enjoy a film without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in New England Aquarium
Shark & Ray Touch Tank:
Children can gently touch cownose rays and small sharks under staff supervision.
Tip: Arrive early to avoid the midday crowd at the touch tank.
Penguin Colony Viewing & Feeding:
Watch African and southern rockhopper penguins waddle and dive.
Tip: Check the daily feeding schedule and arrive 10 minutes early for the keeper talk.
Exploration Station:
Hands-on gallery with art projects, sensory panels, and a reading nook.
Tip: Rotate through stations to keep siblings engaged and avoid waits.
Marine Mammal Center Presentations:
See harbor seals and sea lions during free feeding demonstrations.
Tip: Sit at the front glass in the outdoor center for an unobstructed view.
Simons Theatre 3D Film (Optional):
Family-friendly nature documentaries on a five-story screen.
Tip: Book the Aquarium + Movie combo online to save and check film ratings for age-appropriateness.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to New England Aquarium
- Buy tickets online: Reserve Aquarium + Movie bundles in advance to skip the ticket line.
- Use Harborwalk entry: Catch free marine mammal viewings before your timed ticket window.
- Pack compact snacks: Small snacks and water bottles keep kids fueled without long café lines.
Reviews of New England Aquarium
JCH
This aquarium was small, overpriced, overbooked, crowded, bunch of kids running around, screaming and crying, women with huge strollers blocking the paths, having to wait forever to see certain exhibitions. The penguins and seal exhibit were closed so we got a $5 discount?? It was honestly a glorified fish tank. And the experience was akin to being stuck on a plane with screaming kids. And, this ...
Ashley Gray
We stayed up in Boston for a weekend and finally made the stop at the New England Aquarium..def totally worth doing at least once if you’re local(ish). The giant ocean tank is unreal… you can stand there forever and just watch everything swim around. And the penguin area? Hands down the family favorite. It’s a solid way to spend a few hours- not a whole-day thing, but perfect for kids (and adults...
Eva B
This is a really fun and big aquarium to visit with family and friends. It takes about 2-3 hours to see everything this place has to offer depending on how fast you go around. There are a lot of creatures and things to see with the main focus being on the huge african penguin exhibit and the huge cylinder tank. It is very fun to look at the penguins during mealtime because thats when the staff are...
yuliet Mendoza Gomez
We had a beautiful experience at the New England Aquarium. Everything was amazing, well organized, and truly enjoyable. I absolutely loved it, and my children loved it even more. The exhibits are beautiful, educational, and engaging for all ages. It’s a wonderful place to visit as a family and create unforgettable memories together. I have nothing but love for this experience. I 100% recommend i...
David Pyle
So I will preface this review by saying I have been to over a hundred zoos and awuariums over the last 6 years. This aquarium is pretty decent. A good variety of different fish, and overall they do have as good a layout as they can with the space they have. Pros: Variety Bright colored exhibits Good signage about animals Cons: Price for size Very tight space inside Bad signage on where to go n...
When is the best time to visit New England Aquarium (Boston, United States)?
During summer and school breaks, lines grow early—visit right at opening or after 3 pm. In fall and winter weekdays, crowds are smaller and wait times drop.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult admission (2 × $34) | USD 68 |
| Child admission (2 × $30) | USD 60 |
| Parking | USD 25 |
| Snacks at café | USD 20 |
| Total Estimated | USD 173 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of New England Aquarium
Address: 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110, USA
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About New England Aquarium
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+1 617-973-5206Explore Popular Things to Do
🇺🇸 United States, with kids
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, with kids
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