Long Island Aquarium
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Long Island Aquarium

4.4
·6k reviews·Riverhead, United States

Dive into a world of marine wonders at the Long Island Aquarium, featuring captivating exhibits, interactive experiences, and engaging shows.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Long Island Aquarium

Long Island Aquarium

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Dive into a world of marine wonders at the Long Island Aquarium, featuring captivating exhibits, interactive experiences, and engaging shows.

4.4
(6k reviews)

"A fabulous place to go with tons of activities to fill the day!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Library Coupon Hunt

Check your local library for discount coupons to save on admission!

🎂 Birthday Freebie

Visit within a week of your birthday for free admission!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 5,640 reviews

Type

Aquarium

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sea Lion Show

Sea Lion Show

Watch intelligent sea lions perform tricks and interact with trainers in a lively and entertaining show.

Butterfly Garden

Butterfly Garden

Wander through a lush habitat filled with hundreds of colorful butterflies fluttering all around you.

Shark & Ray Exhibits

Shark & Ray Exhibits

Marvel at majestic sharks and graceful stingrays in impressive, well-maintained tanks.

Interactive Boat Ride

Interactive Boat Ride

Embark on a unique boat tour that often includes hands-on learning about local marine life.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Save

Long Island Aquarium tickets can add up, especially for families. Check your local library for coupons or look for birthday specials if your visit aligns. Consider weekdays to avoid peak crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience.

Plan Your Day Around Shows

Don't miss the engaging sea lion shows and the immersive boat ride! These are often highlighted as must-dos. Check the daily schedule upon arrival to plan your visit around these popular attractions.

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Mornings
Why
Animals are more active
Crowd
Medium
When
During shows
Why
Engaging entertainment
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍Long Island Aquarium located in Riverhead, New York Huge aquarium with an inside and outside section that has something for everyone. The outdoor seal show in the colleseum and the butterfly exhibit were top 2 🦋 #longisland #ny #aquarium #longislandnewyork #riverhead #longislandaquarium #travel #foodie
@emilyexploringeverywhere
9.2K likes • 162.3K views

🎟️ Library Coupon Hunt

Check your local library for discount coupons to save on admission! Reddit

🎂 Birthday Freebie

Visit within a week of your birthday for free admission! Reddit

Fly Away with the Butterflies at @longislandaquarium 🦋 Follow to #DiscoverLongIsland 🌊 #butterfly #longislandaquarium #butterflyhouse #longislandnewyork #whereyoubelong #longislandny #discoverli #aquarium #thingstodoonlongisland #traveltok #traveltiktok #travelwithme #travellife #longislandlife #butterflytiktok #butterflyreel #butterflies #butterflies🦋 #butterflyeffect
@longislandnewyork
10.2K likes • 126.4K views
i love anything with animals so this was so cute and fun!! i love visiting here every few months! @Long Island Aquarium #aquarium #longisland #fish #zoo #animals #longislandny #travel
@sarabaradara
155 likes • 4K views

🚢 Don't Miss the Boat Ride

The interactive boat ride is a highlight, offering hands-on learning. Reddit

🚗 Shuttle Service Available

A shuttle runs from the parking lot to the main entrance. Reddit

a look inside the long island aquarium 🤭 #longisland #longislandaquarium #newyork #thingstodoinny #kidfriendly
@veraberra
5.5K likes • 181.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Library Coupon Hunt

Check your local library for discount coupons to save on admission! Reddit

🎂 Birthday Freebie

Visit within a week of your birthday for free admission! Reddit

🚢 Don't Miss the Boat Ride

The interactive boat ride is a highlight, offering hands-on learning. Reddit

🚗 Shuttle Service Available

A shuttle runs from the parking lot to the main entrance. Reddit

💰 Consider Admission Costs

Some find admission pricey compared to other attractions. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Long Island Aquarium for its diverse marine life, engaging shows like the sea lion performance, and the enchanting Butterfly Garden. The interactive boat ride is a standout experience for families. However, some find the admission price high and note that certain animal habitats could be improved.

"A fabulous place to go. We have been going here over 25 years since they opened. . Make sure to catch the sea lion show and beautiful butterfly exhibit!
We finally got to do the boat ride which was so amazing The boat gets beached at a beach historical habitat. On the way back it was hands on learning from our wonderful guide ( I think his name was Lincoln) . who lets you touch all the creatures found in the waters there. Very informative and good for kids and families .
FYI. It’s about 1 and 1/2 hours. Bathroom on board.
Shout out also to the captain of the boat.
Some libraries have discount tickets."

Nancy Lynn

"I’ve been coming to the Long Island Aquarium with my family for as long as I can remember. It’s always been a great spot for a fun day out, especially for families with young kids.

There’s a wide variety of sea animals and exhibits to explore. Some of the highlights for us include the butterfly exhibit, shark tank, feeding the sting rays, the octopus, and the sea lion show. When they’re visible, the sea otters are also a favorite.

That said, there are a few areas that could use improvement. Admission is definitely on the expensive side, and the food court is a bit overpriced for what you get. The touch tank could use more interactive elements, and the outdoor marsh area feels like it’s missing something, it could benefit from a few more engaging features.

Still, it’s always a nice time when we go. The staff are friendly, and the experience is consistently enjoyable. A solid destination for a family outing on Long Island."

James Wood

"Excellent aquarium! So much to see and wonderful! The butterfly place is really cool. They have tons of cool fish and setup very nicely. Been there
Any times and will go back again."

AJ Jacobs

What People Like

Sea lion shows
Butterfly Garden
Interactive boat ride

What People Dislike

High admission cost
Habitat improvements needed

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Long Island Aquarium is located at 431 E Main St, Riverhead, NY 11901. It's accessible by car via I-495 (Long Island Expressway). Public transportation options are limited, but some bus routes may serve the Riverhead area. Parking is available on-site. TikTok

Yes, there is ample parking available at the Long Island Aquarium. A shuttle service operates from the parking lot to the main entrance, which can be convenient. Reddit

From NYC and western Long Island, take the I-495 E (Long Island Expressway) to Exit 71. Follow NY-202 E/Old Country Road and then turn right onto NY-105 S/East Main Street. The aquarium will be on your left. TikTok

Yes, there are several hotels located near the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead, making it convenient for an overnight stay. Popular options include hotels along the main roads in Riverhead. Reddit

Public transportation to the Long Island Aquarium is limited. While buses serve Riverhead, direct routes to the aquarium may not be available. It's best to check local transit schedules or consider driving. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You can purchase Long Island Aquarium tickets online through their official website, or at the ticket counter upon arrival. Keep an eye out for potential discounts. TikTok

Yes, discounts for the Long Island Aquarium are often available. Check your local library for coupons, look for birthday specials, or search for online deals. Reddit

The Long Island Aquarium hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check their official website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit. Reddit

Ticket prices for the Long Island Aquarium can be around $50 per person, though this may vary. It's advisable to check their website for current pricing and any available discount options. Reddit

Yes, discount tickets for the Riverhead Aquarium are sometimes available through local libraries or special promotions. It's worth exploring these options to save on admission. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Highlights include the vibrant Butterfly Garden, the impressive shark and ray tanks, and the engaging sea lion shows. The interactive boat ride is also a popular experience. Reddit

Absolutely! The Long Island Aquarium is very family-friendly, with interactive exhibits, animal encounters, and shows that children of all ages will enjoy. Reddit

Beyond viewing exhibits, you can enjoy sea lion shows, an interactive boat ride, feeding stingrays, and exploring the butterfly conservatory. Some exhibits offer hands-on learning opportunities. Reddit

Yes, there are touch tank experiences where you can interact with certain marine creatures, like stingrays. The boat ride also offers hands-on learning with marine life. Reddit

A typical visit to the Long Island Aquarium can take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours, depending on your pace and whether you catch all the shows and activities. The boat ride itself is about 1.5 hours. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The food court at the Long Island Aquarium is generally considered affordable, offering a decent value for families. Reddit

The aquarium typically offers standard family-friendly fare at its food court, such as burgers, sandwiches, and snacks. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to check the aquarium's policy on outside food. Many attractions prefer visitors to dine at their onsite facilities. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots of colorful fish in the tanks, the vibrant butterflies, playful sea lions, and the scenic boat ride. The shark and ray exhibits also make for dramatic photos. Instagram

Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the Long Island Aquarium for personal use. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the animals. Instagram

Try to minimize reflections on the glass by getting close or shooting at an angle. Use a higher ISO in darker exhibits and be patient to capture animals in interesting poses. Instagram

The Butterfly Garden offers a unique backdrop, and the large viewing windows of the shark and ray tanks provide excellent photo opportunities. The outdoor areas also offer scenic views. Instagram

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