Get the Most Out of Your Visit to Coney Island

It’s no secret that there is a lot to see and do at the New York Aquarium. It’s a place to feel the ocean breeze, visit hundreds of incredible aquatic animals, and experience fun times for the whole family. But did you know that there is a whole neighborhood’s worth of family adventures waiting for you right outside the Aquarium? Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit to Coney Island. The aquarium might just be the start of a full day’s worth of fun on the Brooklyn boardwalk!

The New York Aquarium

Of course, no Coney Island day trip is complete without a visit to New York Aquarium. NYC’s only aquarium is home to more than 500 species of marine wildlife. Soak up the sun and breathe in the fresh ocean air as you relax outdoors with penguins, sea otters, sea lions and harbor seals.

Ocean Wonders: Sharks!

In the award-winning Ocean Wonders: Sharks exhibit, you’ll encounter the different kinds of sharks, rays, and sea turtles who live in the waters right of the boardwalk. In Spineless, you’ll meet the invertebrates who are essential to the health of our oceans.

PlayQuarium

Check out our bilingual exhibit, PlayQuarium, where kids can use their imaginations to explore our oceans.

Sea Change

Experience Sea Change, where you can enjoy underwater views of our sea lions, harbor seals, penguins, and otters - and learn about the impacts of climate change on wildlife and the habitats we share with them.

Buy Tickets

Insider Tips

Best Aquarium Visit

In our Aquatheater, the bonds our sea lions have with their trainers take center stage. The animals learn behaviors that stimulate their natural instincts and aid in their care. Use our Interactive Map to check daily program times as well as animal feeding, chats and touch pool schedules.

Get Up Close

From April through October, enhance your aquarium visit with a Wild Encounter. Get up-close and personal with some of your favorite animals like penguins, sea lions, and more.

Now let’s explore Coney Island…

Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park

Deno’s Wonder Wheel has been a beloved Coney Island landmark for over 100 years and has been called “the most romantic ride in the world.” Riders enjoy incredible views of the Manhattan skyline and Atlantic Ocean from 150 feet above the Coney Island boardwalk.

For the sports fans…

Brooklyn Cyclones

Home to the New York Mets-affiliated Brooklyn Cyclones, Maimonides Park is steps from the beach and boardwalk. Take in a great game and a great ocean view at the same time.

For the thrill seekers…

Luna Park

Take a short stroll down the boardwalk and you’re at Luna Park, home to the world-famous wooden Cyclone Roller Coaster. Luna Park offers seaside family-friendly attractions and entertainment, shopping and dining on the scenic landmarked boardwalk, thrill rides, and special events.

Is it showtime…?

Coney Island Amphitheater

The 5,000-seat covered open-air Coney Island Amphitheater, the first of its kind in the Tri-State area, hosts a mix of concerts, family shows, sports, comedy, and multicultural events. Check the venue’s schedule in advance to see what live entertainment is in town on the day of your visit.

At the end of the day…

There’s “so much to sea” and do at the New York Aquarium, and so much to see and do on Coney Island! We couldn’t possibly list everything the neighborhood has to offer, but these highlights will ensure an amazing Coney Island adventure for your family.

We hope you have a wonderful time at the New York Aquarium, and exploring an iconic Brooklyn neighborhood.

Reserve your date-specific tickets now!