New England Aquarium Tickets

• The main entrance is fully wheelchair accessible with ramps and automatic doors.
• Strollers are allowed but may be restricted in certain narrow exhibit areas.
• The catamarans (Aurora, Asteria, Cetacea) are accessible via ramps to the main deck.
• Service animals are welcome.
• Wheelchair users can access the climate-controlled interior cabin and the open-air deck areas on the Whale Watching tour (bow, stern, and gallery).
• Strollers are allowed on the boat for the Whale Watching tour, making it family-friendly.
• Staff are available to assist with boarding via the gangway or ramp.

• No bags larger than 12″×12″×12″ allowed (except for diaper bags or medical supply carriers).
• Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older for admission.
• No weapons, firearms, knives, explosives, or items posing a hazard are allowed.
• No alcohol, tobacco products, e-cigarettes, food, drink, gum (in exhibit areas), laser pointers, noise-makers, balloons, or selfie sticks are allowed.
• Pets and emotional-support animals are not allowed.
• Personal photography is allowed, but no tripods or flashes in sensitive areas.

• Cloakroom & lockers are available near the entrance for storing coats, bags, and small personal items.
• Restrooms are located on each floor, including accessible restrooms for visitors with disabilities.
• The entire aquarium is wheelchair accessible, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
• Wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge at the guest services desk (subject to availability).
• A quiet reflection room is available upon request at guest services.
• ATMs are located near the entrance.
• Multiple gift shops offer marine-themed souvenirs, books, and apparel.

Here are the dining options at the New England Aquarium, covering everything from quick bites to scenic waterfront meals:

• Harbor View Café: Located inside the aquarium on Level 2, this option offers casual counter service with sandwiches, soups, salads, pizza, and snacks, all with a view of Boston Harbor. You’ll need aquarium admission to visit.
• Central Snack Bar: A seasonal stand on Central Wharf Plaza just outside the aquarium, offering lemonade, pretzels, and grab-and-go items.
• Dockside Beer Garden: Also on the plaza in front of the aquarium, this outdoor beer garden serves local craft beers, wine, cocktails, and light fare, open seasonally.
• Reef Bar (on-site Plaza eatery): An open-air waterfront restaurant on Central Wharf Plaza serving sustainable seafood like oysters, lobster rolls, charcuterie, and cocktails with harbor views.

Aquarium gift shop

Located just off the main lobby, the aquarium gift shop offers a curated selection of items, including books, apparel, eco-friendly toys, plush animals, and souvenirs. All proceeds support the Aquarium’s ocean conservation work, and the shop has committed to eliminating single-use plastics, selling biodegradable goods, recycled material toys, and reusable bags.

Online store

The Aquarium also operates an online store where you can purchase apparel, drinkware, gifts, and souvenirs remotely, even if you haven’t visited recently.

• Most people begin at the base and work upward, but flip the script by heading straight to the top level first for better views and fewer crowds.
• Use them with the Aquarium’s app or website for self-guided audio tours and deeper info, especially useful if you prefer a quieter, personalized visit.
• If the aquarium gets crowded or noisy, step outside to the adjacent Boston Harborwalk. It’s a scenic, calm place to regroup before heading back in.
• The lower level of the Marine Mammal Center is busy; head to the balcony upstairs for unique aerial views of the sea lions’ acrobatics.
• Official parking garages can be pricey or full. Use apps like SpotHero or ParkWhiz to find nearby deals and reserve in advance.