AQUARIUMS NEW YORK

The New York Aquarium is a Wildlife Conservation Society facility located on the Coney Island waterfront in Brooklyn, New York, dedicated to marine education, conservation, and wildlife science. The aquarium features a rich roster of exhibits and experiences, including shark displays, sea lion presentations, penguin encounters, and sea otter viewing. Wild Encounters programs available from April through October allow guests to get up close with African penguins and California sea lions. The aquarium's scientists are actively engaged in marine conservation research, including initiatives focused on whale and coral protection. Seasonal programming includes Wildlife Theater performances, summer camps, Shark Party events, and a range of educational activities for families and school groups. As one of New York City's most iconic attractions, the New York Aquarium combines entertainment, hands-on learning, and serious conservation science in a spectacular beachside setting.

The Long Island Aquarium, located in Riverhead, New York, is one of the East Coast's most diverse and engaging aquatic attractions, offering more than 100 exhibits and interactive experiences across a sprawling facility. Highlights include one of the largest all-living coral reef displays in the Western Hemisphere, a 120,000-gallon shark tank, year-round sea lion shows, penguin and otter outdoor habitats, and a butterfly conservatory. Touch tanks, Ray Bay stingray interactions, Shark Dive encounters, Snorkel experiences, and Mermaid Swim programs give visitors an extraordinary level of participation. The aquarium is also home to porcupines, owls, and lizards in its outdoor sections, adding a land-animal dimension to its marine focus. Regular additions of new species and experiences ensure that each visit to this Long Island landmark offers something fresh and memorable for families and wildlife enthusiasts.

The Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery and Aquarium is a charming non-profit environmental education center located in Cold Spring Harbor, on Long Island, New York. Founded in 1883 as a state trout hatchery, the facility has been operating as a public educational attraction since 1982 and is home to the largest living collection of freshwater fish, amphibians, snakes, and turtles native to New York State. Two aquarium buildings showcase more than 30 species of freshwater fish — from Long Island brook trout to lake sturgeon, northern pike, American eels, and longnose gar — alongside the impressive New York Amphibia exhibit, the largest collection of native amphibians in the Northeast. Eight outdoor ponds allow visitors to observe and feed hungry trout, while fishing opportunities add a hands-on recreational dimension. The hatchery offers a unique window into freshwater biodiversity and the conservation of New York's native aquatic species.

VIA Aquarium is a vibrant indoor aquarium located inside the VIA-Port Rotterdam Mall in Schenectady, New York, celebrating aquatic biodiversity across 37 exhibits in a 25,000-square-foot space. The aquarium houses over 2,000 species of marine and freshwater creatures, and guests can wander through two immersive tunnel tanks where sharks swim overhead and schools of fish surround them on all sides. Stingray Bay invites visitors to feel the smooth glide of cownose stingrays, with daily hand-feeding sessions offered at scheduled times. Other highlights include a live piranha feeding demonstration, koi encounters, and behind-the-scenes tours. Special overnight sleepover events allow guests to spend the night in front of exhibits, creating unforgettable memories for young visitors. With accessible admission pricing and a wide variety of interactive programs, VIA Aquarium offers a fun and educational aquatic adventure for families throughout the Capital Region.

The Aquarium of Niagara in Niagara Falls, New York, is a nonprofit public aquarium dedicated to education and the conservation of aquatic life, featuring over 30 exhibits and more than 200 aquatic animal species. The main building showcases a diverse range of habitats and species from around the world, including rescued seals and sea lions, Humboldt penguins, jellyfish, and a colorful array of fish. The 2024-opened Great Lakes 360 addition is a living museum with 16 immersive exhibits spotlighting Western New York's native freshwater wildlife, including musk turtles, eastern newts, and a massive lake sturgeon visitors can touch. Daily programming included with general admission features sea lion shows, seal presentations, penguin feedings, and behind-the-scenes experiences. Located near the world-famous Niagara Falls, the aquarium offers an enriching complement to the natural wonders of the region.

The Staten Island Zoo, proudly billed as NYC's Biggest Little Zoo, is an AZA-accredited wildlife attraction located in Staten Island, New York. Operating under the mission to Conserve, Educate, and Inspire, the zoo is home to a diverse collection of animals including ring-tailed lemurs, Amur leopards, bald eagles, rattlesnakes, porcupines, and groundhogs. Family-friendly highlights include the Conservation Carousel, the interactive Kids Korral, and seasonal events such as Rattlemania and Spooktacular. Year-round educational programs, ZooFari summer experiences, and birthday party packages make this a popular destination for school groups and families alike. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to wildlife conservation and environmental education, offering an engaging and accessible experience for visitors of all ages in the heart of New York City's most distinctive borough.

Central Park Zoo is an intimate and celebrated wildlife facility nestled within New York City's iconic Central Park, operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society. Despite its compact size, the zoo packs an impressive array of animal experiences, with residents including snow monkeys, sea lions, brown bears, penguins, and red pandas housed across exhibits such as the Polar Circle and the Tisch Children's Zoo. Daily penguin and sea lion feedings draw enthusiastic crowds, and guided tours and scavenger hunts add an interactive dimension to every visit. As part of the WCS network, the zoo is deeply committed to wildlife conservation and environmental education, inspiring the next generation of conservationists in the heart of Manhattan.

Seneca Park Zoo is a major regional conservation organization and family-friendly attraction located at 2222 St. Paul Street in Rochester, New York, open 362 days a year. The zoo offers interactive animal encounters, guided tours, and educational programs such as ZooCamp, providing up-close experiences with a diverse collection of wildlife. Conservation sits at the heart of the institution, with active global fieldwork in habitats including the Arctic, Borneo, and Madagascar, as well as local initiatives such as lake sturgeon restoration and pollinator habitat work. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and participating in Species Survival Plans, Seneca Park Zoo is committed to connecting communities with wildlife and supporting meaningful conservation efforts worldwide.