The aquarium in Coney Island lends free sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones from the Admissions staff in the entrance lobby, names its Headphone Zones, points you to the Plaza benches for a break, and is open 365 days a year.
Sensory supports. Sensory bags, Headphone Zones, open every day.
Hours
Open 365 days a year. Nov 1 2026 to Mar 25 2027: daily 10 am, last entry 3:30 pm, closes 4:30 pm. Mar 26 to May 28 2027: daily 10 am, last entry 4 pm, closes 5 pm.
602 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11224 (Coney Island)
“Sensory bags containing fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones and other resources, are available for checkout (at no cost by leaving an ID) from the Admissions staff at the entrance lobby.” nyaquarium.com (Accessibility)
“Due to the compact layout of the park, we encourage guests to use the variety of benches spread out around the main Plaza as a good area for a break.” nyaquarium.com (Accessibility, Quiet Zones)
“The aquarium is open 365 days a year, and the animals are on exhibit all year round.”
“Due to capacity limitations, all tickets are single entry.”
The aquarium's exhibit table marks these as low light: the 4-D Theater, Conservation Hall, Glover's Reef, Ocean Wonders: Sharks!, Playquarium, Sea Change, Sea Cliffs and Spineless. The family restroom is inside Ocean Wonders: Sharks!, in the last gallery near the exit.
For a personal care assistant ticket, reserve the main guest's ticket first, then email guestrelations@wcs.org with the order number (subject: PCA admission). The aquarium recommends writing at least 7 days ahead, and PCA tickets can't be added after you've bought tickets. WCS members email membership@wcs.org or call 718-220-5112. Other visit-planning questions: guestrelations@wcs.org or 718-220-5103.
For a full-size copy your child can use, open this page at squaredsteps.com, tap Make it yours, then print.
More about New York Aquarium
Louder, in the aquarium's words
Along the Sea Cliffs outdoor exhibits (Headphone Zone) (animal sounds from sea lions and penguins)not stated
The Aquatheater show (Headphone Zone) (outdoor amphitheater with music playing during the sea lion show)not stated
4D Theater (Headphone Zone) (outside the park, in front of the main entrance)not stated
Quieter, in the aquarium's words
Benches around the main Plaza (some may be moved during construction between the Aquatheater and the Plaza)quiet zone
Prices (Off-Peak / Peak): adults 13 and up $29.95 / $32.95, seniors 65 and up $27.95 / $29.95, children 3 to 12 $25.95 / $27.95, children 2 and under free. One 4-D Theater show is included with an aquarium ticket. Admission is free after 3 pm on Wednesdays, all year, with an advance ticket; the Wednesday Afternoon Ticket Store opens Monday at 3 pm, and the 4-D Theater costs extra with that ticket. Same-day tickets are sold online, subject to availability.
Discounts: active US military and veterans get a free ticket and 50% off for up to 3 guests, booked ahead with a promo code; the military member must be there with valid ID, and the group must arrive together. Family members without the military member need an Active Dependent Card. Museum Council passholders get two free tickets, booked ahead with a promo code. The aquarium has no discount for EBT or SNAP cardholders and does not accept the Cool Culture Family Pass.
Refunds: all ticket sales are final, with no refunds, cancellations or rescheduling, and no rain checks for weather or animal visibility.
Getting there: the F or Q train to West 8th Street, or the N or D to Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue and a two-block walk east on Surf Avenue (the aquarium says Stillwell Avenue is accessible on the F, Q, N and D); buses B36 and B68. Parking is by the hour: $18 up to 3 hours, $25 for 3 to 4 hours, $40 over 4 hours, no bus parking, not guaranteed. The aquarium lists the lot as opening at 9:30 am and also as open 10 am to 4 pm; every car must be out by 5 pm. In the busy summer season, cars can only turn left into the lot, heading west on Surf Avenue from Ocean Parkway.
Rules: everyone 17 and under must be with an adult 18 or older. Strollers aren't allowed in the indoor exhibits or the Aquatheater (use the stroller parking areas), and the aquarium suggests leaving strollers at home. No wagons, coolers, beach umbrellas or other beach supplies; no scooters, skateboards, bicycles or balloons; radios and speakers aren't allowed. Bags may be inspected. There are no lockers. A few free wheelchairs are lent first come, first served. Service dogs check in with Admissions.
The sea lion show at the Aquatheater runs all year, weather permitting, generally 2 to 3 times a day in winter; the day's times are on the mobile site and posted in the lobby. The show is about 15 minutes, with music before and during, and you may wait in a line to go in. The 4-D Theater is outside the park in front of the main entrance, with assigned seats; it is very dark, with loud noises, flashing lights and smells.
Holiday Tides, Dec 26 to 31 2026, 11 am to 3 pm, is included with admission or membership: ice-carving demonstrations, wintery songs, stories and puppets with Wildlife Theater, ornament crafts, the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D film and seasonal treats for sale.
Nursing: the Lactation Station is a quiet room indoors between the Spineless and Playquarium exhibits, with a chair and an outlet. It is locked; ask the Gift Shop staff, or call 718-265-2663.
Call
718-220-5103Guest Relations (visit planning, accessibility questions)800-433-4149Reservation Center (online ticket help)
