Visiting the New England Aquarium with Kids
- Lori S.
- Dec 28, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 11
Affiliate Disclosure:
This post may contain affiliate links. If you book through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tours and experiences I genuinely believe are helpful for visitors to Boston.
If you’re planning a trip to Boston with kids—or just love marine life and ocean experiences—the New England Aquarium is one of the city’s most unforgettable attractions. It’s a place where curiosity meets wonder, with something for every age group to enjoy. Here’s everything you need to know about making the most of your visit.
Getting There
Located right on Boston’s waterfront at 1 Central Wharf, the aquarium sits in the heart of the city’s downtown harbor area.
By public transit: The closest subway stop is the Aquarium station on the MBTA Blue Line, just a short walk away.
By car: There are several nearby parking garages, including the Harbor Garage right next to the aquarium. Validation discounts may be available for visitors.
On foot: If you’re exploring downtown Boston or the Harborwalk, it’s easy to stroll over to Central Wharf.
Best Time to Visit
The aquarium is open daily, typically from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00–6:00 p.m. (weekend hours often extend to 6:00 p.m.).
Here’s how to choose the ideal time:
Early morning on weekdays is perfect for quieter galleries and more relaxed viewing.
Summer and school vacation periods bring larger crowds, so book timed entry tickets online in advance to guarantee your slot.
Consider going just after opening or mid-afternoon for smaller crowds and a more peaceful experience.
Why It’s Great for Families
This is more than just an aquarium—it’s a full day of discovery for kids and adults alike:
Interactive experiences: Touch tanks and engaging exhibits let kids get up close with rays, small sharks, and other marine animals.
Penguins and seals: The penguin area and marine mammal centers are huge crowd-pleasers, especially for younger visitors.
Learning opportunities: Daily presentations and animal feedings add an educational layer that doesn’t feel like a classroom.
The Giant Ocean Tank — Heart of the Aquarium
One of the most iconic parts of the aquarium is the Giant Ocean Tank, a four-story cylindrical exhibit simulating a Caribbean reef teeming with life.
360° viewing: Wander around the spiral walkway and see tropical fish, sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, and colorful reef dwellers from nearly every angle.
Feeding times: Staff and aquarists often gather to feed fish and other animals as part of scheduled demos—an exciting moment for kids and adults alike (check the daily schedule at the information desk when you arrive).
Whale Watching Adventures
No visit is complete without taking the adventure out to sea. The New England Aquarium Whale Watch operates seasonal whale-watching trips from Central Wharf.
Season & duration: These cruises run from spring through fall and typically last 3–4 hours.
Naturalist-led tours: Onboard experts help you spot and learn about humpbacks, minkes, pilot whales, and other marine life in the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.
Fun for all ages: Kids love the thrill of spotting whales in the wild, and naturalists onboard make the experience educational too.
Tips: Arrive early to check in, dress in layers (it can get windy on deck), and bring a camera—this is one adventure you’ll want to remember!
Final Tips for Your Visit
Plan ahead: Book your tickets online—weekends and holidays sell out fast.
Combine experiences: You can buy combo tickets that include the aquarium and whale watch for added value.
Explore the waterfront: There are plenty of dining and sightseeing options right around the aquarium, making it easy to turn your visit into a full-day outing.
Whether you’re local or visiting Boston for the first time, the New England Aquarium offers an unforgettable mix of hands-on learning, breathtaking exhibits, and real-world ocean adventure that families will talk about for years.
