1 / 3New England Aquarium
📍 Downtown, MA
New England Aquarium on Central Wharf houses African penguins, California sea lions, green sea turtles, cownose rays, and thousands of aquatic species across multi-level exhibits. The Giant Ocean Tank rises four stories at the building's center.
Walking through the exhibits great for young and old. We especially enjoyed the 4 story aquarium walk.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with children ages 2 and up. Toddlers engage immediately with the penguin colony and touch tanks; older kids and teens are drawn to the Giant Ocean Tank's scale and the sea lion presentations. Buy tickets online in advance — holiday and vacation week visits without pre-booking risk being turned away.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →27,828 Google reviews
justin bodey
“Walking through the exhibits great for young and old. We especially enjoyed the 4 story aquarium walk.”
Julie Burke
“Had a great time at the Aquarium with my family, and especially my 2 1/2 yr old granddaughter. Recommend buying tix ahead. It was a pretty crowded holiday weekend-would suggest going when it’s less crowded. It’s a Boston must see with little kids!”
Norman Fletes
“It wasn't very small and when we tried to go the first time it was closed in the middle of the week”
Reviews from Google
Overview
New England Aquarium anchors Boston's Central Wharf with a four-story Giant Ocean Tank at its core, surrounded by tiered viewing ramps packed with tropical fish, sharks, and sea turtles. African penguin colony, California sea lion shows, touch tank with rays, and Myrtle the green sea turtle — a resident since 1970 — are among the must-see highlights. The facility also operates a dedicated ocean research arm.
