The aquarium is open 365 days a year, and the animals are on exhibit all year round.
We are located near numerous subway and bus stops. You can take the F or Q train to the West 8th Street station in Coney Island, the B36 to Surf Ave. and West 8th St., or the B68 to Neptune Ave. and West 8th St. Visit our
directions page for further information and driving instructions.
Yes, parking is available at the Aquarium for $13.
Admission on summer Fridays from 4:00–6:00 p.m. and on fall Fridays from 3:00–5:00 p.m. is by pay-what-you-wish donation. Every dollar you give supports our work in caring for animals here in New York and around the world. Recommended donation is $5 per person.
Unfortunately, you cannot exit and re-enter without paying admission again.
Visit our outdoor food court and picnic table seating area, located in front of the Aquarium entry, to enjoy a variety of snacks and beverages. Vending booths also available.
A limited number of free wheelchairs are available for rent on a first come, first served basis.
WCS does not honor reciprocal memberships from other zoos and aquariums. However, by becoming a WCS member, you can enjoy free admission to all four of our New York Zoos in addition to the Aquarium.
Find out more about the benefits of membership! We accept major credit cards at the booth. School checks made payable to the New York Aquarium are also acceptable.
The Aquarium offers year-round discounts to any active duty or reserve members of the U.S. Military when they present a valid military ID at the admissions gate. Discount includes: FREE General Admission ticket and 50% off discount for up to three family members included on the same admissions transaction. Discounted tickets are available at the admissions booths only.
Due to limited capacity, no Group Sales reservations will be accepted until further notice.
Reservations are required for school groups; please contact our reservation line at 718-741-1818. We also ask that you supply adequate chaperones, or a ratio of 1 adult to 10 children. A member of the admissions staff will take care of your group once you arrive at the gate.
All public events are free with Aquarium admission. However, advance registration is required for all our Education programs.
Browse our Education offerings. Commercial photography or filming is prohibited without express permission of WCS Public Relations. The PR department can be reached at
brusso@wcs.org or (718) 265-3428.
. Every year, the New York Aquarium receives many inquiries from people who would like to donate wild animals or exotic pets; however, we are not able to accept them. If you have an animal in need of a new home, please contact local and regional rescue organizations that specialize in caring for unwanted pets, such as the
ASPCA. Plans for a pet should always include care for its entire lifespan. Remember that exotic animals almost never make good pets.