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48 reviews for The New York Aquarium
This business is a Yelp Sponsor
10/9/2008
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10/4/2008
One of The New York Aquarium's Favorite Reviews What's This?
I had a fantastic time at the New York Aquarium last summer. I was there a little over an hour, but I could've spent twice as much time. The animals are fascinating and very easy to see.
You New Yorkers don't know how luck you are! I grew up loving Detroit's aquarium on Belle Isle, which was a little more than a single corridor with a few tanks on each side...and they shut it down to pay for the Mayor's Escalade. :(
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I was tempted to give this place two stars just because there were so many mothers with strollers and screaming little children, but i didn't think it'd be fair to take it out on the actual facility.
This place was pretty nice! We spent 3 hours at this place! There several of different displays and tanks. They didn't have any hard reefs, but there is plenty to see. I especially liked the jellyfish section.
It is great for little kids, but the kids will be kids. You will hear alot of screaming, crying, and see them run around.
They only have 3 showings for the Aquatheatre and we (along with several other people) could not find the entrance, so when everyone started to go in through the exit section-- they claimed that the show was closed and no one else was allowed entrance.
That made me mad because we paid to get in and this show was included in the price.
The Shallow Seas 4-D showing was decent, but i didn't think it was worth the money. But again, i was slightly irritated from all the little kids. They were screaming and crying the whole time since you're put in this dark room and you get sprayed with water and air to simulate being in the water with the animals.
I say go early to avoid the families and kids. It gets pretty crowded.
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I did not find the New York Aquarium to be all that spectacular. I think the biggest highlight is the tropical tank that is situated near the entrance, but every exhibit that followed was met with complete disappointment, minus the sea lion show at the Aquatheater, which had some entertaining moments. The conservation hall had a dreadful smell that permeated throughout...a culmination of locker room stench and awful body odor, as did the building housing the Pacific walrus exhibit, though you can add the fowl odor of piss, along with some roofing leaks. I expected more from the shark tank exhibit, which was far from grand (though the Loggerhead sea turtles were pretty cool), not to mention the tank appeared a bit dirty. It would also be nice if kids kept their filthy, grimy paws off the glass, so please, parents, be mindful and courteous.
To say the least, this aquarium needs a major overhaul and more exhibits to justify the expense. For $17 per adult, it takes less than an hour to see every lackluster exhibit. Simply put, I expected a lot more.
What this aquarium needs is a mammoth tank much like the spectacular one at the New England Aquarium in Boston.
Two stars for the conservation and education efforts.
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I went to the NY Aquarium with my girl a few weeks ago and had a pleasant time.
The people who work there are pretty nice and are eager to walk over and talk to you about the animals.
It gets pretty crowded after lunchtime so i would advise you to get there early. And Id have to agree with most of the other yelpers here in that you can get through everything in under 2 hours.
But hey get the all day parking and take a stroll along coney island boardwalk and beach.
You get what you pay for! The on-site parking is $25, which includes the price of one adult admission ($13). Children under 3 are free and $7 over 3. You do have the option of "supersizing" your general admission ticket, to include the total experience, which is a 4D movie on Planet Earth and lasts about 10 minutes, which was not bad considering it was only 4 bones more, but a total experience? In the eyes of the beholder.
I have seen much nicer aquariums through the years, but must say for under $20 admission, it was a decent time and a good getaway for my daughters. I definitely could see how this place would get old though after a few visits as it isn't very large and I got the feeling this aquarium hasn't changed over that much through the years. In fact, we covered this aquarium's exhibits in under two hours. Hmmm... now what to do with the rest of the day?
As with anything, if you eat in the park, you will pay a hefty price for mediocre junk at best.
I would definitely come back again, but probably with a year or so break in between vists.
Poor depressed looking animals... Smelled a lot like pee in the indoor, underwater section. The older tanks seemed to have algae which lent a green tint to the water and animals within. The "4D" experience was pretty disappointing except that the guys running it were hilarious and kept pranking on us with the various "4D" tools at their disposal (water mist, a rib-poker, etc).
I love aquariums but the NY Aquarium is getting worse. There aren't too many things to see here anymore as compared to when I use to come here as a child 15 years ago. I suppose they are just running out of funds or something but I really wish that they would improve the NY Aquarium.
It's sad to see how this place is ending up =*(
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I love sea lions and walruses as much as the next guy, but this tiny dingy aquarium has not stood up to the test of time. The beluga whales are long gone, and so is my $13.
There was one hilarious part in one of the interactive exhibits where you can try to guess what kind of jellyfish a picture is, and when you lift it it says things like "FUGHEDABOUDIT" and "ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I'M A GARBAGE BAG"
Only in Brooklyn folks.
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Oh, stop comparing NYA to other aquariums! It is, in its own right, unique and appropriate in the kitschy Coney Island setting. My exboyfriend from Arizona isn't anything like my ex from Long Island, but they are still men I loved and paid admission to (Wait, what? Nevermind. I don't know what that meant).
I'm a firm believer in, "the experience is what you make it," and this certainly applies to the NYA. I make the experience into a 6 year old flashback each time I've gone. It's a blast to be kids again here! Pose on top of the giant plastic walrus, make faces at the eels, clap and cheer on the performing sea lions, push your way up to the glass, awe in wonder at the jellyfish and seahorses up close and personal... I spend 20 minutes alone just staring at the first tank past the admission entrance.
Sure, the Aquarium could use updating, a fresh coat of paint and a power washing, but couldn't all of Coney Island? You go to Brooklyn because you're not expecting glitz and glam. You go because you want to actually SEE aquatic life and get a Nathan's chili dog on your way out so here you can!
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I [sort of] like this place. I'm a huge fan of marine animals and well, the NY Aq is the only place that I will find such an enormous collection of marine animals.
I used to work here, in the guest services/admission. You aren't supposed to come in, leave, and then go back but we don't really care as long as the higher-ups aren't around :X
The only problem is that it is rather expensive. You can literally take your time through all the exhibits and still leave in under 2 hours.
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The New York Aquarium is a cool place to visit while at Coney Island. However, I would not go out of my way to make a full-blown visit due to the long commute and the exhibits, which are decent but on the lackluster side.
The good thing about the Aquarium is that it doesn't require an all-day visitation. Thus, you could stop by before or after being on the boardwalk. I finished looking around in about an hour and a half, admiring the sea horses, the walruses, and other marine organisms.
But this is where the issues come in: they try to make a more interactive place with hands-on technology across the tanks, but they're ignored by the kids (precisely the population that they're targeting). They have a nice selection of marine animals, but they don't present the information in a visually pleasing manner. The way the exhibits are organized are too chaotic in the floor plan. Thus, you'll be meandering this way and that, not knowing how they connect unless you read and walk and manage not to trample on a toddler simultaneously. They do not say what events are canceled for the day when you enter-- you need to really inquire a staff member. It is part common sense (A penguin feeding at 3:20 pm when it's practically 80 degrees? Please.), but it would be nice if they kept visitors informed with a notice.
I'm glad I paid $5 for my dad and me from the 3 to 5:30 pm pay-what-you-wish Fridays. It's not worth the $13 price tag, but it is worth visiting at least once, especially for the kids.
Maybe it's because I had never been to an aquarium before, but I love this place.
A family of walruses (walri?), a playful octopus, and a trippy jellyfish display, that's all I want out of life.
"Great for picking up strangers."
(kiiiidding.)
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A serviceable Aquarium that makes for a fine complement for a Coney Island visit but is not strong enough to stand on its own like its sister establishment; The Bronx Zoo. You could see everything there in an hour to 45 minutes which may be a little off-putting consider the upscale aquarium price that comes attached.
Spend some time on the pier, have a hot dog at Nathan's and glance over the spot where Astro Land used to reside, the trip won't be a waste but you'd probably forget about the Aquarium on the way back.
After having been to aquariums in Chicago and New Orleans, this one was pretty...meh. Granted, it has the potential for three stars, because I came during the winter and probably half the place was closed for renovations and such. I was really excited about seeing the "alien" creatures exhibit (jellyfish etc) but it was closed the day of my visit.
There are some pretty cool tanks with really beautiful fish, and seeing seahorses up close is kind of awesome. The shark tank was kind of a let down and there was one shark that was just lying at the bottom of the tank...which made me worried about its health. The turtles in the shark tank were pretty entertaining to watch though.
This isn't a bad place to come with kids but if you've been to other, bigger aquariums, don't expect much.
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After going to some fantastic aquariums in such cities as San Diego, Chicago and Baltimore, I have to say that Brooklyn needs an upgrade.
Yes it is a nice place to bring kids, but seriously this old aquarium needs a fresh coat of paint. It looks so grimy and run down.
That is pretty sad since I grew up going here for class trips. Maybe with all the money pouring into this area soon, with the "new Coney Island" project, this aquarium will get the much needed face lift that it deserves.
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Totally free every Friday after 3PM at which time you can catch a show too but closes 5:30 though. nice location, lots to see n' plenty of affordable parking outside.
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I went here during a Bank of America "museums on us" weekend, and I still thought this aquarium was pretty mediocre. All the tanks are pretty small and dirty, and there isn't a variety of organisms. They also often do this annoying thing where the tank glass is curved and everything looks warped. When I looked through it, I got really dizzy and my eyes lost focus.
The main problem with this aquarium is that everything is generally unimpressive, especially when you compare it to some of the other great aquaria that aren't too far from New York (i.e. Boston & Baltimore). I didn't mind it that much, since I got in free...but if I were to have paid the whopping $13 admission, I would have been seriously disappointed.
Like most things in NYC, this place needs a good pressure washing and a paint job.
I've been to several aquariums around the country (baltimore, texas, georgia) and this one just looks tired and sad compared to anywhere else I've been.
The enclosures were really small and it was kind of sad to see the sharks swimming around in such a small space.
It was dead there during the week and my 17 month old daughter had a lot of fun running around, but that was about the only positive thing.
I'm glad I didn't pay $13 to go in here (I have a pass to go to all the zoos and it includes the aqaurium) or I would have been REALLY disappointed.
+++++++
edit 2/27/09
I went back there today (again, I have the pass that lets me go to all the zoos and aquarium in NYC). It still sucks. It was 50 degress which was like a warm front but with the wind coming in off the water, it felt like 40.
One thing that I truly do not understand is why in the hell they built it so that half of it is outside. This is NY! It gets cold! I think they would have more people if they had built it enclosed (like Baltimore, Atlanta, Chattanooga...pretty much every aquarium I've ever been to or seen pictures of). Of course it's deserted in winter!! Who wants to freeze their ass off walking in the shark display (which is not enclosed) or walking across the plaza to the other displays? dumb and really poor planning.
And again, I feel sorry for the animals because their habitats are so small.
I still think it's kind of grimy, but really, isn't everything at Coney Island grimy?
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I love very much this place!
Aquariums are spectaculars! Especially I loved expostion ALLIENS. It's so magnificent illumination! Wow!
I maded awesome photos of each exposition!
I felt very good ambience and I passed wonderful time there!
There was a very beautiful show with seals and walrus, very nice!
I will happy come back again and pass all day there!
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I feel kind of bad giving an aquarium a 3. For one thing, what do I know? I hardly consume fish exhibits as frequently or with as much scrutiny as I do food. And for another, come on dude, it's an aquarium. Just give it five stars and move along.
I dug the jelly fish and the rotating otter was undeniably a crowd pleaser. The walruses were as large as walruses should be.
I guess it ended with a bit of an, "is that all?" I also ended with an, "aren't kids the most annoying things imaginable? Wouldn't it be great to toss them into the tank of sha..." Nevermind.
And what do I know about tanks of sharks, anyway? There were too many kids in that area to see them.
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Some months ago, I went to the Aquarium for the first time in twenty or so years, and I was part impressed and part disappointed. I also did happen to go at a bad time though, as they shut down a wing of the Aquarium for renovation.
I was impressed by the number and size of exhibits, as the map didn't make the Aquarium look very big. The disappointing part was that a lot of the exhibits just seems to be contain the same animals. I mean, there must've been about ten seahorse tanks and another ten jellyfish tanks.
And if you happen to be aquarist, you'll notice that a lot of the fish are the same ones you see in pet stores and keep at home. They even have algae and snail infestations, just like us!
BTW, don't bother with the 3D ride. Use the money on hot dogs instead. Or just one hot dog. Singular. Nathan's is expensive.
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I think I am incapable of giving anything less than 5 stars to an aquarium, particularly one wherein I have drank concealed liquor while sitting cross legged in a dark dingy room on a rainy day gazing into a jellyfish tank with someone i loved. Jellyfish call up all kinds of existential questions for me. I think they are dreams in physical form that wander away while you are sleeping. Haha, no, I really don't. But I want to. There is a lot about marine biology that the average person doesn't understand. Marine biologists, the good kind, are like astronauts except that they somehow retain the ability to love in this world after being lost in the still, strange ecstasy of another.
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Took my baby sis there last Friday and she loved it! I have no complaints.
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- not as large as I would've liked it to be
- the touching tank was closed during my visit (one of my favorite parts about visiting any aquarium)
- the gift shop was unimpressive
- enjoyed the live seal show
- got some nice pictures out of it
- also convenient for some after aquarium beach frolicking
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One of the highlights of my trip to NY was watching school kids FLIP THE EFF OUT when the walruses push off of the glass with their big ol' tubby tummies.
It was hilarious.
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The highlight of my FIRST trip to New York Aquarium was watching a walrus lick his 3 foot long .... schlong in front of a window full of amazed children.
If Walrus masturbation isn't quite up your alley - you could always opt to watch the dolphin show, see the belugas, buy a dolphin cup for $7 full of a refreshing beverage, or observe some native Long Island fish.
It can get very crowded in the summer, so arrive early for the shows and demonstrations to get a good view!
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i thought the aquarium was one of the coolest places i could go to on my school trips when i was younger. sad to say, but, having been to other ones in recent years (like ocean park in hong kong), i didn't realize how small the whole place was. it took about 2 hours to make my way through the whole place on memorial day. i still had fun watching the sea lion show -- i love watching them react and play for the audience.
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Its not as nice or interesting as I remember it being when I was a kid and I visited this Aquarium. Its overpriced, crowded, and for the most part pretty dirty. If I was a fish I think I'd like my tank to be cleaned every now and then. On the other hand the tanks are still probably cleaner than the Hudson, but still, its an Aquarium, it should be spotless...a kind-of fish resort. They do have a nice variety of exhibits though, but definitely still not worth the price of admission.
If I'm going to venture out to Coney Island, I'd much rather just take a walk on the boardwalk, its much cheaper...and believe it or not...cleaner.
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i am generally a sucker for anything that involves critters, so it was safe to assume that i would love the new york aquarium to some extent even if i was a tad bit skeptical about an aquarium in coney island.
i visited for the second time recently, and it really is a great place to take any kids you're stuck babysitting or entertaining or just a good spot to while away a hooky day (it's awesome on the week days when the place is virtually empty).
adorbz sea lion show, amazing walruses (and a walrus baby!), really nifty jelly fish area. . .and there are usually outdoor touch pools.
good time!
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I go to this aquarium every year. There's always something new to see and I'm a sucker for the seal show. So talented :o).
The exhibits are very informative and you're guaranteed to leave there having learned something new.
The gift shop is decent. I always buy some stuffed sea creature for my niece and nephew every time I go.
Make sure you go on a nice day in the summer...its a little crowded but I wouldn't hang around coney island in the winter. After you can take a walk along the boardwalk or go see the freak show! There's lots to do.
I'll always be a tourist in my own backyard.
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For an older aquarium located on a boardwalk, the New York Aquarium is better than one would expect. They offer a large outdoor arena with live sea lion shows similar to what you would find at SeaWorld. The aquarium also has both indoor and outdoor exhibits with a wide number of sea animals on display. However, I have been to several more extravagant aquariums, such as the one in Baltimore, which have nicer layouts and a more modern feel.
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It doesn't hold a candle to the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, but it's not a bad day trip. Go for the sharks, stay for the jellyfish.
They're effing hypnotic.
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not just a great place to take kids, you'll have fun too. of course you can't compare this place to seaworld but for new york city it is a treat to have a access to a place like this.
the walrus and seals are so entertaining and clever. very cool to see sharks up close. absolutely love the sea turtles, they are such graceful animals given all that cumbersome armor they wear. jellyfish exhibit is great, so many types of jellyfish and they each propel themselves differently, so neat to observe.
if you're driving come on a weekday otherwise you'll be stuck in huge traffic on neptune ave.
This is a cute little aquarium that is fun to visit. It does not compare in any way to some of the nationally-known aquariums like the Monterey Bay Aquarium, but it is still an entertaining way to spend an afternoon. I highly recommend going a little later (like around 4pm) to avoid the crowds of pushing, grabbing children.
The highlights are definitely the sea lions, walruses, fur seals and otters. Willie the Otter is super cute.
The aquarium is so small that it is easy to see the entire thing in an hour. They also have a live sea lion show although we did not check it out, as well as some 3-D "Ride" that costs extra. Admission is $12 for adults.
I am an aquarium junkie...I love them! I was super excited to see the New York Aquarium, but honestly I wasn't expecting much. However, I was pleasantly suprised!! While I was sad to see animals in such small cages (which always makes me sad :( ) I was impressed at the exhibits. It was a very enjoyable addition to the afternoon, and I would definitely recommend it for a midday visit!
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My mother was born and raised in Coney Island in its heyday, when it was a major destination for its miles of pristine beach, Steeplechase Park, and Nathan's famous hot dogs. The neighborhood is on the rebound after a decades-long decline, during which it crumbled into a crime-ridden slum that resembled a war zone. One of its major attractions remains this surprisingly good aquarium, home to hundreds of sea creatures. Taking center stage are Atlantic bottle-nosed dolphins and California sea lions that perform daily during summer in the Aquatheater. Also in the spotlight are Pacific octopuses, sharks, and a sea horse exhibit. Penguins, sea otters, and a variety of seals live in the Sea Cliffs exhibit, a re-creation of a Pacific coastal habitat. But eveyone's favorites appear to be the beautiful white Beluga whales. There are hands-on exhibits for kids of all ages, an indoor oceanview cafeteria, and an outdoor snack bar with picnic tables. Although open in the winter, Coney Island is desolate and frigid then, so this is best enjoyed as a warm weather excursion. Although the subway ride from midtown Manhattan takes about an hour, it's worth the trip; afterwards, you can stroll the boardwalk in the salty ocean breeze, enjoy the rides, and treat yourself to cotton candy. Just don't leave town without a stop at Nathan's.
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I really cannot complain about this aquarium. Is it dirty and in need of a facelift? Yes. But it is what it is. I have been to the Osaka Aquarium in Japan and that was painfully clean. I just wanted a day trip near my home and this was a first time visit, would I go back meh probably not unless someone else was paying.
I have really fond memories coming here as a child. I must admit I haven't been here in awhile because the last couple of times I was disappointed in the condition of the aquarium but it's still worth the trip especially if you are in the Coney Island. Even to this day I still haven't found one I liked as much but I haven't been to sea world yet.
I enjoyed my time at the aquarium, loved the sea otters and the seals. It wasn't a long time that I spent there but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Fun especially when you're bored and looking for something to do. Although it did take me a hour to get there so make sure you take something to do on the train.. otherwise it's a longgggggg ride there.
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coney island is full of surprises. the new york aquarium is like finding a twenty dollar bill in your winter coat the first time you wear it. i'd highly recommend going on friday after 3 because the admission is 'donate whatever you want', which could mean free, but in my case meant i paid a quarter to get in. a great place for kids, or just people who like to look at walruses, octopi, and penguins. extra points for a kick ass sea lion show. give it a shot.
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