PlayQuarium - New York Aquarium

Description

Young children can explore a kelp forest, coral reef, and the sandy shore - and transform themselves into sharks, sardines, or whales in this bilingual exhibit! They’ll also get hands-on with marine animals at the Touch Pool.

Interactive Map

Get directions, attraction status and more when you are at the park.

Launch Map

Schedule

Year-round.

View touch pool schedule

Accessibility

Low Light
Touch Exhibit
Wheelchair Accessible

Kids, Animals, and Science

In PlayQuarium, you’ll learn how animals communicate underwater, and explore a life-sized kelp forest. Then play the role of a scientist and search for bioluminescent fish in a submarine. Children will feel connected to the ocean across the boardwalk, and learn about the ecosystem thriving beneath the surface.

PlayQuarium is our first fully bilingual exhibit, in English and Spanish. PlayQuarium is wheelchair accessible, and features plenty of tactile elements. It’s the perfect place for children and families to connect with our oceans.

Touch Pool

The Touch Pool is the place to meet local marine invertebrates including crabs, marine snails, and sea urchins. Our staff members will help you learn more about these amazing animals.

View Schedule

Purple Sea Urchin

Purple sea urchins inhabit the eastern edge of the Pacific Ocean from Mexico to British Columbia. Their spines spear food and protect them from predators.

Horseshoe Crab

Despite their name, these marine arthropods are more closely related to spiders and scorpions than to true crabs or crustaceans.

Hermit Crab

Hermit crabs carry their homes on their backs. When it outgrows this protective shell, the crab may select one of a different color. Red-legged hermit crabs originate in the Caribbean and Western Atlantic reefs.