A downtown waterfront aquarium built around a four-story Giant Ocean Tank you spiral up around. Great with kids. Adult tickets run about $33 with timed entry, so book online ahead; weekends sell out. New England residents get $5 off.
Key facts
| Hours | Summer (late May-early Sep): Mon-Thu & Sun 9am-6pm, Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 9am-6pm Rest of year: weekdays 9am-5pm, weekends 9am-6pm Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas |
|---|---|
| Price | $$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Aquarium (Blue Line) |
| Time needed | 2-3 hours |
| Best time to go | Weekday morning right at opening |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.1/10- Value6.5
- iconic7.0
- Freshness9.2
- excellence7.5
- Crowd level5.5
- Authenticity7.0
- Accessibility8.5
Frequently asked questions
- How much are New England Aquarium tickets?
- Adults are about $33, seniors around $30, kids 3-11 about $24, and under 3 free. New England residents get $5 off. Entry is timed, so buy online in advance, especially on weekends and school holidays when slots sell out.
- Is it good for toddlers?
- Very. The ramps make it stroller-friendly, the tanks are at kid height in places, and the penguins and touch tanks hold little attention spans. Go right at opening before it gets loud and crowded.
- Is the IMAX or whale watch worth adding?
- The whale watch (seasonal, spring-fall) leaving from the aquarium is genuinely great if the weather's good and you have half a day, it heads to Stellwagen Bank. The IMAX is a nice add-on for younger kids on a rainy day.
- How long do you need there?
- Plan on 2 to 3 hours. It's a mid-sized aquarium, not a full-day one, so it pairs well with the adjacent Long Wharf, the Greenway, and the North End for lunch afterward.
- What are the must-see exhibits?
- The four-story Giant Ocean Tank with sea turtles and sharks is the centerpiece, plus the penguin colony at its base and the outdoor seals out front (free to watch). The touch tanks are a hit with kids.
- Where do I park?
- Parking downtown is pricey; the Aquarium Blue Line stop is right there, so take the T. If you must drive, the Harbor Garage next door is convenient but expensive. Look for ticket-plus-parking deals.
- When is it least crowded?
- Weekday mornings right at opening, and avoid school-vacation weeks and rainy weekends when everyone crams in. Book the earliest timed slot to have the Giant Ocean Tank ramp mostly to yourself.
- Can you see the seals for free?
- Yes, the harbor seal exhibit is in an outdoor tank on the plaza in front of the entrance, so you can watch them without a ticket. It's a fun free peek before you decide to go in.
Nearby in Ask Boston
- Christopher Columbus Waterfront ParkPark0.27 km · 3 min walk
- Caffe VittoriaCafé0.63 km · 8 min walk
- Modern PastryCafé0.64 km · 8 min walk
- Neptune OysterRestaurant0.71 km · 9 min walk
- Rose Kennedy GreenwayAttraction0.72 km · 9 min walk
Where to stay near New England Aquarium
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