This weekend, kids, families, and aquatic-life lovers alike can dive into an ocean-sized shell-abration at the New York Aquarium.
In honor of World Oceans Day, the beloved Coney Island attraction is bringing back its annual Ocean Shell-a-bration, a two-day event packed with marine-themed activities, interactive experiences, and plenty of opportunities to get up close with some of the aquarium’s 4,500-plus residents.
From penguins and sea lions to fascinating spineless sea creatures, the festivities are designed to spark curiosity about the underwater world while encouraging visitors to become future ocean advocates.
This year’s celebration introduces several new experiences, including a Spineless Wonders Keeper Chat focused on incredible marine invertebrates and a hands-on sand dig where guests can uncover natural ocean treasures. Returning favorites include keeper talks, aquatic performances, crafts, themed entertainment, and the always-colorful Ocean Shell-a-bration parade.
Whether your little one dreams of becoming a marine biologist, your family is looking for a fun weekend outing, or you simply never pass up an opportunity to watch a penguin waddle by, this ocean-inspired celebration offers plenty of reasons to make waves this weekend.
Know before you go
- 📅 Dates: June 6–7, 2026
- ⏰ Time: 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m. each day
- 📍 Location: New York Aquarium, 602 Surf Ave., Brooklyn
- 🎟️ Admission: All Ocean Shell-a-bration activities are included with regular aquarium admission
- 🐠 Meet the animals: Explore exhibits featuring more than 4,500 aquatic animals, including penguins, seals, sea lions, sharks, and more
- 🪼 New this year: Learn about marine invertebrates during the Spineless Wonders Keeper Chat and uncover ocean artifacts at the Natural Treasures sand dig
- 🎨 Family activities: Enjoy themed face painting, crafts, a community mural, sensory bubble shows, Ocean Jeopardy, and trivia
- 🎭 Live entertainment: Catch Aquatheater and Wildlife Theater performances throughout the day
- 🐧 Keeper chats: Hear directly from aquarium experts about the care and conservation of seals, sea lions, penguins, and other marine animals
