The only aquarium most of us have been to in the past six months is likely featured in animated movies available on Disney+ {or an at-home screening of Finding Nemo for full oceanic effect}. As life here in Hudson County begins to reopen, we can transform trips from our TV back to reality. Dory and all her fish friends are waiting for us to come back to aquariums all over Northern New Jersey and New York. If you’re ready to branch out and explore what’s under the sea check out this roundup of aquariums in NJ and NY.
SeaQuest Woodbridge {101 Woodbridge Center Drive, Woodbridge Township, NJ}
{Photo credit: @seaquestwoodbridge}
Guests get the opportunity to interact with the vast species available at SeaQuest in a petting zoo-like setting. Children are encouraged to connect with the animals and learn about their ecosystems through hands-on activities and hand-feedings for sharks, stingrays, birds, and other exotic animals. Enjoy walk-in aviaries, watch alligator feedings, and even snorkel with reef sharks, stingrays and hundreds of tropical fish.
Sea Turtle Recovery at Turtle Back Zoo {560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ}
{Photo credit: @seaturtlerecovery}
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo partnered with the non-profit Sea Turtle Recovery to help care for sick and injured sea turtles. This partnership has been an ongoing success and has shown how organizations can work together to save threatened and endangered species. Observe these sea giants as they are fed, nurtured, and given special care at the Turtle Back Zoo.
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Adventure Aquarium {1 Aquarium Loop, Camden, NJ}
{Photo credit: @adventureaquarium}
Come explore one-of-a-kind exhibits and over 15,000 aquatic animals, including the largest collection of sharks on the East Coast. Discover the underwater world like never before, just minutes from downtown Philadelphia on the Camden Waterfront.
New York Aquarium {2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY}
{Photo credit: @nyaquarium}
Many ocean species spend time along rocky shores including penguins, sea otters, and seals. At the New York Aquarium, you can see them for yourself. Children can transform into a humpback whale or shark in the imagination PlayQuarium and the entire family will be entertained during the Aquatheater interactive show featuring trained sea lions.
See More: Drive-Through + Drive-In Activities for Families in New Jersey
SeaPort Aquarium {3400 Boardwalk at Oak Avenue, Wildwood, NJ}
{Photo credit: @seaportaquariumnj}
Enjoy a fun educational day at the SeaPort aquarium. Visit this family-friendly boardwalk aquarium as an addition to a day at the beach. Check out hundreds of fish and sharks on display, get those little fingers wet in the touch pool, and watch the marmoset monkeys play.
Let us know if you plan to enjoy a summer day at the aquarium!
