While in New York City back in September, my children and I made full use of our Wildlife Conservation Society family premium membership by visiting the New York Aquarium. Originally located in Castle Garden in Battery Park in Manhattan in 1896 and having been located on the boardwalk in Coney Island in Brooklyn since 1957, the New York Aquarium is the oldest continually operating aquarium in the United States. The aquarium sits on fourteen acres and houses 266 species of aquatic wildlife.
In addition to free admission with our membership, my kiddos and I also received free parking at the New York Aquarium, which normally costs $24.95 during the summer and $13 the rest of the year. As we walked up to the entrance building, I was surprised to find the aquarium located right next to the Coney Island board walk. (I had looked at a map prior to driving to the facility, but I had failed to notice the broader location.) After checking out all the aquatic animals, my kids and I walked the board walk from the aquarium to the Steeplechase Pier. If you have time after visiting the New York Aquarium, I highly recommend taking a stroll along Coney Island.
The New York Aquarium was badly damaged by Hurricane Sandy in October 2012 and is still under construction to make repairs and build a massive expansive. However, despite the current renovations, I was very impressed by the exhibits and animals. My son particularly enjoyed watching all the fish in the Conservation Hall. My daughter absolutely loved watching the penguins swimming around. My favorite parts were the interactive sea lion show and walrus feeding. I had no idea that walruses could be trained to perform so many behaviors!
My children and I spend a couple of hours at the New York Aquarium. We hope to go back again after the new Ocean Wonders: Sharks! opens. If you are in the New York City area and looking for a fun activity to do with kids, definitely check out the New York Aquarium!
For more information, visit the New York Aquarium website.
Image Credits
Fish at the New York Aquarium 1 © 2015 Heather Johnson
Fish at the New York Aquarium 2 © 2015 Heather Johnson
Fish at the New York Aquarium 3 © 2015 Heather Johnson
Coral Reef at the New York Aquarium © 2015 Heather Johnson
Fish at the New York Aquarium 4 © 2015 Heather Johnson
Fish at the New York Aquarium 5 © 2015 Heather Johnson
Fish at the New York Aquarium 6 © 2015 Heather Johnson
Fish at the New York Aquarium 7 © 2015 Heather Johnson
Sea Otter at the New York Aquarium © 2015 Heather Johnson
Sea Lion Feeding at the New York Aquarium 1 © 2015 Heather Johnson
Sea Lion Feeding at the New York Aquarium 2 © 2015 Heather Johnson
Walrus at the New York Aquarium 1 © 2015 Heather Johnson
Walrus at the New York Aquarium 2 © 2015 Heather Johnson
Coney Island Beach Outside the New York Aquarium © 2015 Heather Johnson