Get ready for an underwater adventure—New York State’s aquariums are full of amazing animals and hands-on fun, from Niagara to Brooklyn. Whether it’s a quick outing or a full day of exploring, New York’s aquariums turn family time into a fun, memorable adventure. All across the state, these spots are packed with colorful fish, curious creatures, and interactive exhibits where kids can learn about the water environments of rivers, lakes, and oceans. Read on for where to go in New York to dive in without getting wet (unless it’s your hands in a touch tank). (featured photo credit: Long Island Aquarium) 

9 New York Aquariums Across The State To Dive Into

New York City Region

New York Aquarium
Founded in 1896, this aquarium focuses on the field research scientists are conducting right off the coast of New York. Exhibits include the newer Donald Zucker and Barbara Hrbek Zucker Ocean Wonders: Sharks!, which features sharks from around the world with a focus on the wildlife, including local rays, turtles, and schools of fish. Kids will want to stop by the Aquatheater for daily interactive shows featuring California Sea Lions. And don’t miss The PlayQuarium, a fun spot for littles to explore a kelp forest and a coral reef and feel sea life, like a horseshoe crab, in the touch tank. 
602 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11224

Long Island

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium
Discover the most extensive living collection of New York State freshwater reptiles, fish, and amphibians at this charming NY aquarium. Little explorers will enjoy touring the two aquarium buildings and eight outdoor ponds. They can even feed the trout or try their exciting “Catch & Keep” fishing experience. Don’t miss special events like the Animal Passport Program and Hatching Turtle Day, where you can learn more about the amazing creatures that call New York State’s natural environment home.
1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724

Long Island Aquarium
If seeing sharks is high on your kids’ list, the Lost City of Atlantis Shark Habitat, a 20,000-gallon, 30-foot-long coral reef exhibit, where Sand Tiger Sharks and Nurse Sharks bear their teeth, swimming by in the mythic water city. Cross the bridge to the Lagoon, which features a miniature panorama of Long Island with the rocky North Shore landscape on one side and the dunes found on the South Shore on the other, where you can spot native fish like Striped Bass and Summer Flounder. Or head to Old World Wonders and see a Fly River Turtle, Giant Clown Knifefish, or the Australian Arowana. And a pro tip: Go on a birthday when visitors can get free admission.
431 East Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901

New York Marine Rescue Center
This center not only rescues, responds, rehabilitates, releases, and conducts research, but also offers programming for all ages. Check out the Behind The Scenes Tour, giving a glimpse into conversation rescue and research, as well as the Cold Stun Sea Turtle lectures, Rescue Center tours, hands-on marine pollution labs, mock strandings, and beach clean-ups. Can’t make it to the center? Visit their website for downloadable kid activities, including a Beach Scavenger Hunt, a Make-Your-Own Sea Turtle Coloring Activity, and a Beach Clean-Up Data Sheet.
467 East Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901

Hudson Valley Region

Mamaroneck’s Marine Education Center
The Long Island Sound comes to life at this education center, where native fish and artifacts are on display in tanks surrounding the exhibit rooms. This free museum has developed programs, projects, and exhibits related to the Village of Mamaroneck’s unique marine environment. Kids will want to head immediately to the large touch tank stocked with animals from the Harbor. Look out for their outreach programs, field trips, and daily programs.
 1 Harbor Island Park, Mamaroneck, NY 10543

Capital- Saratoga Region

Via Aquarium
Located in the Viaport Rotterdam Mall, this aquarium connects people of all ages with the planet’s aquatic ecosystems and reptiles. Explore over 50 exhibits showcasing the wonders of the oceans, rivers, and local freshwater habitats. They also have special events like reptile shows, stingray feedings, an experience to learn about basic care for saltwater and freshwater fish, and even a Behind the Scenes Tour.
93 West Campbell Road, Schenectady, NY 12306

Adirondack Region

The Wild Center
This natural history museum in Tupper Lake celebrates the wildlife and Adirondack environment and features an indoor water exhibit that mimics the waterways you’d find in the Adirondack Park. The aquarium portion is in the Hall of the Adirondacks, where you can watch turtles and playful otters in a living stream while following along the placards to gain a deeper understanding of the animals in the region. But the waterway isn’t the only attraction—make sure to walk over the bridge to see herons and other native animals, and climb the Wild Walk, where kids can visit a four-story twig tree house, swing on bridges, clamber over a spider’s web, or climb to the full-sized bald eagle’s nest.
45 Museum Drive, Upper Lake, NY 12986

Thousand Islands-Seaway

NYS DEC Research Station & Aquarium
This free, seasonal NY aquarium has tanks displaying fish species common to Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. Learn about New York State’s conservation programs in the Great Lakes, and explore five large viewing tanks and several displays on the area’s fisheries. Tours are available, and the aquarium is open from Memorial Day weekend through the end of September.  
541 East Broadway Street, Cape Vincent, NY 13618

Greater Niagara

Aquarium of Niagara
Sharks, seahorses, penguins, and even poison dart frogs are a sight to see at this aquarium in New York. Get up close and personal to feed the sharks, stingrays, or clownfish. Or take the opportunity to have a penguin encounter, a seal encounter, or work with an aquarium trainer for the day. And don’t miss their newly expanded Great Lakes 360, dedicated to the diverse ecosystems of the world’s largest freshwater system. Featuring 16 exhibits, Great Lakes 360 is an immersive experience with hands-on activities and meet-and-greets with Carl the frog and Hank the turtle.
701 Whirlpool Street, Niagara Falls, NJ 14301