General admission ticket prices at the New England Aquarium

General admission to the New England Aquarium costs $32 for adults, $22 for children ages 3 to 11, and $29 for seniors 65 and older. Children under 3 enter free. These prices are current as of 2024, though the aquarium raises them periodically, so check their website before you visit to confirm the exact cost for your trip.

The ticket you buy at the door is the same price as an advance ticket purchased online. Some visitors assume buying ahead saves money, but the New England Aquarium does not offer a discount for online purchase — the main advantage of buying in advance is skipping the ticket line on a busy day.

Key Takeaways

  • General admission is $32 for adults, $22 for children 3 to 11, and $29 for seniors; children under 3 are free.
  • Buying tickets online does not cost less than buying at the door, but it does let you skip the ticket line.
  • Annual memberships start around $150 for individuals and pay for themselves in five visits if you go regularly.
  • The aquarium is located on the Central Wharf in downtown Boston and is open most days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Parking in the surrounding area is limited and expensive; public transit or the nearby parking garage are more practical options.

When membership makes financial sense

If you plan to visit more than four or five times in a year, an annual membership usually costs less than paying per visit. Individual memberships start around $150, and dual memberships (two adults) run roughly $250 to $280. Family memberships that cover two adults and up to four children cost approximately $350 to $400, depending on the membership level you choose.

Members also receive discounts at the aquarium's gift shop and café, which can add up over the course of a year. The membership page on the aquarium's website shows the exact current prices and what each level includes — benefits vary slightly between tiers.

Special exhibits and combination tickets

The New England Aquarium occasionally runs special exhibits beyond the main galleries — these may have separate fees or be included in general admission depending on what is showing. Before your visit, check the aquarium's events calendar to see if any special exhibits are running and whether they cost extra.

The aquarium does not bundle tickets with nearby attractions like the Museum of Science or the New England Holocaust Memorial. If you plan to visit multiple Boston attractions in one trip, you will need to purchase tickets to each one separately.

Getting there and parking costs

The New England Aquarium sits on the Central Wharf in downtown Boston, at 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110. The closest subway stops are Aquarium Station on the Blue Line and State Street Station on the Orange and Blue Lines — both are a short walk away. If you take the T (Boston's public transit system), you will pay the standard fare, which is $2.75 for a single trip as of 2024.

Parking on the street near the aquarium is metered and fills quickly, especially on weekends. The nearby Boston Harbor Garage charges roughly $20 to $30 for a few hours, depending on how long you stay. Many visitors find public transit more practical and less expensive than driving and parking.

Hours and seasonal changes

The aquarium is typically open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. most days, though hours extend to 6 p.m. during summer months and school vacation weeks. On some evenings, the aquarium stays open until 8 or 9 p.m. for special events. Hours vary by season, so check the website before you go to confirm what time the aquarium closes on the day you plan to visit.

The aquarium is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. It remains open on most other holidays, though hours may be shortened.

What is included in your ticket

Your general admission ticket covers access to all the main galleries, including the Giant Ocean Tank (the aquarium's centerpiece), the penguin colony, the sea turtle hospital, and the jellyfish exhibits. You can spend as much time as you want in each area — there is no time limit on your visit once you enter.

Your ticket does not include the IMAX theater, which shows nature documentaries on a large screen. IMAX tickets cost extra and can be purchased separately or bundled with general admission when you buy your ticket. The gift shop and café are also separate from admission and operate on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Discounts and reduced-price days

The aquarium occasionally offers discounts for groups of 15 or more people, though you typically need to book in advance. Some Boston-area employers and organizations offer discounted tickets to members — check with your workplace or local library to see if they have a partnership with the aquarium.

The aquarium does not have a regular "discount day" like some museums do. If you are looking for ways to reduce the cost, membership is the most reliable option if you plan multiple visits, and public transit is cheaper than parking if you are driving from outside the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own food and drinks into the aquarium?

Outside food and drinks are not permitted in the galleries. The aquarium has a café inside where you can purchase meals and snacks. You are welcome to eat in the outdoor seating area near the entrance if you bring your own food.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance, or can I just show up?

You can buy tickets at the door on the day of your visit. During peak times like summer weekends and school vacations, the ticket line can be long, so buying online ahead of time lets you skip the line. The price is the same either way.

Are there discounts for military members or students?

The aquarium offers discounts for active military members and veterans with valid ID. Student discounts vary — some schools have group rates, but individual student discounts are not standard. Contact the aquarium directly to ask about your specific situation.

What if I want to visit but I am on a tight budget?

Some Boston neighborhoods have community centers or libraries that occasionally offer free or discounted passes to the aquarium. Check with your local library or community center to see if they participate in a pass program. The aquarium's website also lists any current promotions.

How long does a typical visit take?

Most visitors spend two to three hours at the aquarium, though you can move through faster if you are in a hurry or stay longer if you want to watch the animals and read all the information. There is no time limit, so you set your own pace.