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New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium is a must on your family trip to Boston. Much more than just fish in a tank, the aquarium provides a hands on experience and unique exhibits, such as a chance to go whale watching and touch sting rays, that your kids will love.

Where is the New England Aquarium?

Like many of Boston's main attractions, the New England Aquarium is accessible by public transit, boat, car, or on foot. The Aquarium is located on Central Wharf. Walking is recommended if you are already in the Faneuil Hall area. There are a few nearby parking garages such as the Boston Harbor Garage. Even with validation, parking in this area is at least $20. You can also take the T to the Aquarium stop on the Blue Line. While you are walking around on the wharf outside the aquarium building, be sure to look for the Atlantic Harbor Seals.

When to visit the New Aquarium England

When purchasing tickets for the New England Aquarium, it is important to decide what your family will want to do ahead of time. Tickets can be purchased for the main Aquarium alone, or you can buy combination tickets that include either a half-day whale watching trip or entry into IMAX theater. If you have a Boston CityPASS then you may be able to get discounted admission. The Aquarium is open from 9am-5pm every day with extended hours on weekends, holidays, and during the summer. Because the aquarium is such a popular attraction for families, both visiting and local, arriving early or later in the day is recommended to avoid crowds.

Whale Watching Tours

For a special experience your kids will love, check out the New England Aquarium's Whale Watch. These tours take you on a catamaran about 30 miles from Boston. The tour lasts 3-4 hours, but don't worry, they have a full snack bar on board. The tour guarantees that you will see whales on the tour, and if by chance you don't, they will give you a ticket for another day. Tours run from April until October and it is highly recommended that you purchase your tickets in advance. While on the boat naturalists will help explain and teach you all about the whales you see, and answer any questions you and your family have.

IMAX Theater

Before you visit the New England Aquarium, you may want to check online and see what is playing at the Simons IMAX Theater. You can buy a ticket as part of a combination ticket to the aquarium or you can just take in a movie. The theater shows narrated films about nature and the great blue sea that are good for the whole family.

Special Family Programs

If you decide to visit the New England Aquarium on a Friday, you may want to check out Aqua Kids Family Day. Geared towards younger children, family day provides extra interactive learning experiences at the Curious George Discovery Corner. Check online for Blue Discoveries Family Day which is occurs several times out throughout the year. The aquarium itself offers different shows and presentations every day, but the schedule changes depending on the show.

Conservation in New England

The New England Aquarium is a Boston attraction with a mission. The aquarium aims to educate adults and children alike on the importance of water habitats, as well as to support environmental activism. The aquarium works on conservation efforts in the New England region as well as abroad. For over 40 years, the aquarium's Marine Animal Rescue Team has worked to save, treat, and rehabilitate local marine animals. The team keeps a blog on the New England Aquarium's website which lets you get to know some of the amazing animals they have helped to save. This is a great way to get to know some of the animals you might see on your trip and get your kids excited to go.

What to Eat

Keeping the whole family full and satisfied when visiting the aquarium is an easy task. The Harbor View Cafe is an easy option if you want to eat without leaving the aquarium building. Just outside is The Reef where you can dine alfresco. Only a few steps further offers a selection of restaurants such as Panera Bread and Legal Seafood. If you want to leave the aquarium altogether, venture just a little further for endless food options near Faneuil Hall.

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