New England Aquarium

About

The New England Aquarium sits right on Boston's Central Wharf, placing visitors face-to-face with thousands of marine animals from around the world. It's one of the city's most popular attractions, and for good reason: the centerpiece Giant Ocean Tank rises four stories and holds 200,000 gallons of Caribbean reef habitat, home to sea turtles, sharks, and countless tropical fish.

A spiraling ramp winds around the Giant Ocean Tank from bottom to top, giving everyone a changing perspective as they ascend. Along the way, you'll pass exhibits featuring penguins, sea lions, jellyfish, and marine mammals. The touch tanks let visitors gently handle sea stars, horseshoe crabs, and other tide pool creatures at accessible heights.

The Simons Theatre, connected to the main building, shows large-format films on a six-story screen. It's a great option when you want to rest your feet while still enjoying something spectacular. Outside, the harbor seal exhibit is free to view from the plaza, no ticket required.

For families, the aquarium strikes a nice balance between education and pure wonder. Exhibit signage is clear and engaging for kids, while the animal encounters and feeding presentations add a live element that keeps things exciting. The Science of Sharks exhibit and other rotating displays mean there's often something new even for repeat visitors.

Getting there is straightforward. The MBTA Blue Line's Aquarium Station is just 237 yards from the entrance, and an elevator provides platform access at the station. If you're driving, several parking garages sit within a short distance. The waterfront location also means you can combine your visit with a stroll along the Harborwalk or a meal at one of the nearby restaurants.

Plan for roughly two to three hours to see everything at a comfortable pace. The aquarium can get busy on weekends and school holidays, so weekday mornings tend to be quieter. Check their website for current hours and any special programming before your visit.

Accessibility

The New England Aquarium is open and accessible regardless of physical ability, with approximately 98% of the facility wheelchair accessible. Admission is free for visitors with disabilities, as a small observatory floor is only reachable by stairs.

Wheelchairs are available to borrow for free at the entrance. The main exhibit path, a spiraling ramp around the Giant Ocean Tank, provides a gradual incline that accommodates wheelchairs and mobility devices. Some areas, including the Harbor View Cafe, the Science of Sharks exhibit, and the top of the Giant Ocean Tank, require elevator access, which is available on-site.

The Simons Theatre accommodates up to eight wheelchairs, with elevator access to the top of the theater. Two family and companion restrooms are located on level 2 between the elevator and the Harbor View Cafe. An adult changing table is available on level 1.

The building has one automated doorway at the entrance. Many exhibit tanks extend to floor level or feature eye-level viewing windows, making them visible from a seated position. A QR code for a full aquarium map is available in the lobby.

Public transit access is strong. The MBTA Aquarium Station on the Blue Line is only 237 yards from the entrance, and an elevator provides wheelchair access to the station and platforms.

Contact the aquarium directly for current details on sensory accommodations, service animal policies, assistive listening devices, and any temporary accessibility changes due to construction or exhibit rotations.

More accessible places in Massachusetts

• Museum of Fine Arts Boston (Boston)
• Boston Symphony Hall (Boston)
• Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum (Boston)
• Franklin Park Zoo (Boston)
• Museum of Science (Boston)
• Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (Boston)