The Top 6 Aquariums Near Rockland County for Families

Aquariums in the Rockland County area are once again accepting young visitors eager to experience undersea wonders. Watch as your kids first press up close to tanks with undersea inhabitants from clown fish to beluga whales and more. For those with a real sense of adventure, in Camden, NJ, there’s even a suspension bridge over a 21-foot-deep shark tank for those who are courageous enough to attempt the crossing. Check out these top aquariums near Rockland County to find your next under-the-sea adventure!

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Click on your preferred region below to jump to those aquariums:

• NYC
• New Jersey
• Connecticut

Aquariums in New York

New York Aquarium 

602 Surf Ave., Coney Island
718-265-3474
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Hours: Through July 1: Daily, 10am-6pm (last entry at 5pm). July 2-Sept. 6: Sunday-Thursday, 10am-6pm (last entry at 5pm), Friday-Saturday, 10am-8pm (last entry at 7pm)
Admission: Monday-Thursday: $26.95; $24.95 seniors ages 65 and older; $22.95 children ages 3-12; free for children ages 2 and younger. Friday-Sunday: $29.95; $26.95 seniors ages 65 and older; $24.95 children ages 3-12; free for children ages 2 and younger. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.
Distance from Nyack: Approximately a 1-hour, 30-minute drive

The New York Aquarium, part of the Wildlife Conservation Society, is home to 350 marine species and 18 sharks and ray species on 14 acres on Coney Island.

Aquariums in New Jersey

Jenkinson’s Aquarium

300 Ocean Ave., Point Pleasant Beach
732-892-0600
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Hours: Daily, 10am-10pm
Admission: $15; $10 seniors ages 65 and older; $9 children ages 3-12; free for children ages 2 and younger
Distance from Nyack: Approximately a 1-hour, 45-minute drive

The aquarium’s exhibits give visitors the opportunity to get up close to animals from all over the world, including African penguins, harbor seals, local sea life, turtles, parrots, and sharks. For an extra fee, visitors can also participate in animal encounters to meet penguins and sloths. 

Adventure Aquarium

1 Riverside Drive, Camden
844-474-3474
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Hours: Daily, 9am-5pm (last entry at 2:30pm Monday-Friday; last entry at 3:30pm Saturday-Sunday)
Admission: $31.99-$34.99; $29.99-$32.99 seniors ages 65 and older; $21.99 children ages 2-12. Reservations required.
Distance from Nyack: Approximately a 2-hour drive

Attractions include Caribbean Currents, Creature Feature, Hippo Haven, the KidZone, Little Blue Beach, Ocean Realm, Penguin Park, Piranha Falls, Sea Turtle Cove, Shark Realm, Stingray Beach Club, Gill’s Grotto, and Touch A Shark. You can even walk just inches above the 21-foot deep Shark Realm exhibit on a V-shaped rope suspension bridge.