SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS
OCTOBER 10—31, 11am—4pm
INCLUDING MONDAY, OCTOBER 12
SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS
OCTOBER 10—31, 11am—4pm
INCLUDING MONDAY, OCTOBER 12
It’s Halloween, New York Aquarium Style!
You’re invited to Ascarium, our family-friendly fall festival, on October 10-12, 17-18, 24-25, and 31! Join us for NEW attractions including the Sea of Illusions and Bubble Play, plus returning favorites: marine-themed magic shows, face painting, Wildlife Theater shows, games, and more. Of course, you’ll also encounter amazing aquatic animals. All the Ascarium fun is included FREE with admission!
Spooktacular Seaside Fun
Newly Expanded
Aquatic Animal Chats & Feedings
Get to know our animals and the keepers who care for them! Learn about enrichment activities, special adaptations, protecting species in the wild, and more.
Check today’s schedule for the latest updates.
|
Activity |
Times |
Location |
|
Penguin Chats |
10:15am, 3:30pm |
Sea Cliffs |
|
Octopus Chat |
11:15am |
Spineless |
|
Sea Lion & Harbor Seal Feedings |
11:30am, 2:30pm |
Sea Cliffs |
|
Divers on View |
11am-12pm |
|
|
Eel Feeding |
2:15pm (Saturdays only) |
Glover's Reef |
New This Year
Sea of Illusions
An immersive new experience transforms the aquarium’s Sea Change exhibit into the Sea of Illusions! Encounter magical seascapes where animals hide, camouflage, change their forms, and more.
10AM — 5PM
New This Year
Pumpkin Sculptures
Take photos to commemorate your visit alongside beautifully hand-crafted, life-sized shark and octopus pumpkin sculptures.
10AM — 5PM
New This Year
Bubble Performances
Enjoy interactive bubble play with a costumed performer.
10AM — 4PM
Halloween Crafts
Decorate your own marine life puppet and bring it to the Costume Parade!
11AM — 4PM
Aquatheater
In our celebration, the bonds our sea lions have with their trainers take center stage.
11AM, 1:30PM, 4PM
Face Painting
Transform into a festive creature or character with free face-painting for children ages 3+!
11AM — 4PM
Magic Shows
Enjoy aquatic-inspired magic, sure to entertain the entire family.
11:30AM, 12:30PM, 2:30PM, 4:30PM
Color Together
Add your personal touches to a huge mural we’re all creating together to celebrate Halloween, the aquarium, and ocean wildlife.
11AM — 4PM
Natural Treasures Dig
Discover shells and spot animals found on New York's beaches in our sand table activity. Learn more about the wildlife that inhabits New York’s waters.
11AM — 4PM
Lawn Games
Enjoy lawn games, including corn hole, Four to Score, and more!
11AM — 4PM
“Strange Things” Station
See some “stranger things” from the ocean depths, and hear unique stories from Aquarium staff about amazing encounters and discoveries.
11AM — 4PM
Mystery Wall Sensory Play with Ocean Life
Reach out and touch the strange and varied textures of animals that live in the sea. Can you identify different kinds of aquatic life through touch alone?
11AM — 4PM
Storytelling
Join our skilled storyteller for not-so-scary stories from the underwater world of sea creatures and more.
11:30AM, 12:30PM, 2PM, and 3PM in the Discovery Room, inside Playquarium
Costume Parade
Delight in amazing costumed entertainment by our performers and aquatic puppets. Join in the fun and make sure you’re showing off your Halloween best!
1PM, 2PM, 3:30PM
Spooky Scavenger Hunt
Learn more about why some creatures aren’t as “spooky” as you might think. Visit piranhas, wolf eels, blood sea stars, spider crabs, and more throughout the aquarium to join this self-guided scavenger hunt!
Wildlife Theater: Augusta’s New Age of Ascarium
Ringleader Augusta C. Lion is auditioning acts for the Carnival of Aquatic Anomalies. Help Augusta determine who o-fish-ally qualifies for a spot in this fun and musical show!
12PM and 3PM
Carnival Games
Learn and play to win a prize.
11AM — 4PM
Get ready for a day full of festive celebrations, magic, amazing marine life, and seasonal family adventures.
Get Tickets
FREE with your Aquarium ticket or Membership
Some activities are weather permitting. For up-to-date program schedule, go to NYAquarium.com/today
Check our Know Before You Go Page for the latest information on our current entry policies and procedures.
Ascarium Sharks After Dark Overnight
Dates: October 3 — 4
Saturday 6:00pm — Sunday 9:00am
Pack your sleeping bag for a spooky night beneath the waves at the New York Aquarium! Explore eerie ocean creatures in Ocean Wonders: Sharks!, enjoy behind-the-scenes tours, a Halloween-themed movie, and meet a live animal during this unforgettable Not So Scary Halloween Party!
