With April school vacation week approaching, Aquarium visitors urged to reserve tickets in advance

Aquarium offering a safe and contactless visitor experience

BOSTON, MASS. (April 8, 2021) – As April school vacation week approaches, families considering a visit to the New England Aquarium are urged to make their plans now with timed ticket slots selling out in advance.

Since reopening to the public in February, the Aquarium has been offering a safe and fun visitor experience for people of all ages. Health and safety measures remain in place, including strictly enforced mask wearing for those over age 5, enhanced cleaning efforts focusing on high-traffic areas, and timed ticketing with building capacity limits. Visitors can choose the day and entry time of their visit when they reserve tickets online. Once inside, there is no time limit on enjoying all the Aquarium has to offer.

The Aquarium is home to thousands of aquatic animals, from northern fur seals to African penguins and Myrtle the green sea turtle, who lives in the iconic Giant Ocean Tank, a four-story coral reef. Visitors can also take in a movie showing while at Central Wharf. Starting April 17, the newly-renovated Simons Theatre will be expanding its hours to seven days a week. The Aquarium is prioritizing safety in the theater by keeping capacity below 15% and selling a maximum of 50 tickets per movie showing. Visitors can enjoy films about turtles, great white sharks, and sea lions.

The Aquarium’s location along Boston’s downtown waterfront offers a variety of other activities to inspire and engage visitors. New England Aquarium Whale Watches are underway, with boarding just steps away on Central Wharf. Beginning April 16, visitors can purchase combo tickets for admission to the Aquarium and a whale watching tour. On these whale watches, operated by Boston Harbor City Cruises, trained naturalists educate passengers on how to spot whales, dolphins, sharks, and seabirds in Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary. Also departing from Central Wharf, Duck Tours traverse land and water through the neighborhoods of Boston. Legendary ConDUCKtors put their unique spin on each tour, making for a fun and educational way to explore the city for kids and history buffs alike. Tours leave from in front of the Aquarium eight times a day. During school vacation week, Boston Harbor Now is offering self-guided activities, including story walks and a scavenger hunt through Downtown Boston.

During Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Maine school vacation week April 19-23, the New England Aquarium is open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Hours on Saturdays and Sundays are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For ticket information, visit neaq.org or call 617-973-5206.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Pam Bechtold Snyder – psnyder@neaq.org, 617-686-5068