Aquarium of Niagara
Discover marine and freshwater life at this charming aquarium, featuring rescued seals, penguins, and interactive exhibits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Aquarium of Niagara
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover marine and freshwater life at this charming aquarium, featuring rescued seals, penguins, and interactive exhibits.
"A well-kept facility with friendly staff and beautiful exhibits, perfect for family fun."
🎯 Check Show Schedules
Plan your visit around the sea lion and penguin feeding times for the best experience!
🚗 Convenient On-Site Parking
Parking is available for a small fee, making your arrival hassle-free.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sea Lion & Seal Shows
Main Building
Watch rescued sea lions and seals perform tricks and interact with trainers. A crowd-pleaser for all ages!
Penguin Feeding
Penguin Exhibit
Observe adorable penguins during their feeding time. Educational and entertaining for the whole family.
Touch Tanks
Main Building & Great Lakes 360
Get hands-on with stingrays and sturgeons. A memorable interactive experience for kids and adults alike.
Jellyfish Exhibits
Main Building
Mesmerizing displays of various jellyfish species, offering a tranquil and visually stunning experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Shows
Parking and Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Show Schedules
Plan your visit around the sea lion and penguin feeding times for the best experience! +1
🚗 Convenient On-Site Parking
Parking is available for a small fee, making your arrival hassle-free.
✋ Interactive Touch Tanks
Don't miss the chance to touch stingrays and sturgeons!
👶 Stroller/Wagon Advice
Smaller strollers or carriers are easier due to some manual doors.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Show Schedules
Plan your visit around the sea lion and penguin feeding times for the best experience! +1
🚗 Convenient On-Site Parking
Parking is available for a small fee, making your arrival hassle-free.
✋ Interactive Touch Tanks
Don't miss the chance to touch stingrays and sturgeons!
👶 Stroller/Wagon Advice
Smaller strollers or carriers are easier due to some manual doors.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time by purchasing admission and special encounters in advance.
🐧 Meet Rescued Animals
See rescued seals and sea lions, including Stryker who lost a flipper.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Aquarium of Niagara to be a clean and friendly local attraction, particularly enjoyable for families. While some note its smaller size compared to larger aquariums, the engaging animal shows, interactive touch tanks, and rescued animal exhibits are consistently praised. It's considered a worthwhile stop for a few hours, especially for those with children or looking for an activity near Niagara Falls.
"Had a great time in this local aquarium. It's about two hours between both building if you stop and enjoy the exhibits. The penguin feeding time and sea- lion show were great. They have two touch tanks, one in the main building and one in thier local fish and wildlife building. You can see seals before you enter. Parking is extra cost but convenient.
I liked the starter theme around the jellies. It was a very nice layout and fun to chat with the keepers who help enrich the animals lives and share these neat creatures with the next generation."
nightsky03
"My 13 year old daughter has been obsessed with seals. I did a Google search for where we could do a seal encounter and came across the Niagara Falls Aquarium, which is about three hours away from us. It was extremely affordable for admission into the aquarium plus for the seal encounter was affordable as well. We bought admission, seal encounter and parking in advance online, very simple and user friendly. I had a question regarding the seal encounter before booking and they responded to my email almost immediately.
The aquarium itself is small, but very nice and all the exhibits were very clean. The gift shop was also affordable. All staff members we encountered were very friendly and helpful. The seal encounter was fun and something my daughter will always remember. She was in her glory with the seals.we fed them fish, touched them and had them doing tricks. I would highly recommend this aquarium. Be sure to plan your day around the presentations they offer, the sea lion presentation is incredible."
Ashley Loomis
"My kids and I had such a great time at the Aquarium of Niagara this morning! Well kept facility, friendly staff, and beautiful exhibits. Awesome seal and sea lion exhibit and presentations, loved to see the penguins, and my kids and I really enjoyed touching the backs of stingrays and touching the playful, massive sturgeons! Very short walk to the Great Lakes 360 building was worth it. We will absolutely be returning!
FYI to moms going with young ones- leave the wagons at home. Small strollers/wearable carriers preferred due to mostly manual doors. We brought our Baby Trend wagon and unfortunately the bathroom doors were narrow and not automatic. (Bathrooms were spotless though I will add!) The rear entrance to the Aquarium is handicap accessible but is also not automatic. Inside the aquarium is completely wagon/stroller friendly though and does have elevators if you’re like me and brought a wagon anyway. Great Lakes 360 doors are automatic and navigation is very wagon friendly, although we did not use the bathroom in that building so can’t speak to the doors on those.
After visiting, we went down the road to rainforest cafe and then the falls nearby. Looking forward to doing it again soon!"
Gloria Hoffmann
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Aquarium of Niagara is located in Niagara Falls, New York. It's a short walk from many hotels on Third Street. On-site parking is available for a small fee.
Yes, there is convenient on-site parking available for visitors, though it comes with an additional fee.
Absolutely! The aquarium is very close to the falls and many hotels, making it an easy walk.
Information on public transport options can vary. It's best to check local transit schedules for routes serving Niagara Falls, NY.
The Aquarium of Niagara is about a 30-40 minute drive from Buffalo, NY. You can also consider ride-sharing services.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary. It's recommended to check the official Aquarium of Niagara website for the most current pricing and to purchase tickets in advance. Special encounters may have separate fees.
Yes, purchasing tickets and booking special encounters online in advance is highly recommended for a smooth experience.
Discounts may be available through AAA or other affiliations. It's advisable to check the aquarium's website or inquire directly about any available promotions or coupons.
Operating hours can change seasonally. Always check the official Aquarium of Niagara website for the most up-to-date hours of operation before your visit.
The aquarium likely offers group rates for schools and other organizations. Contact their admissions or group sales department for details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of marine life including penguins, rescued seals and sea lions, sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, seahorses, and Great Lakes species.
Yes, the aquarium features popular sea lion shows and penguin feeding presentations throughout the day. Check the daily schedule upon arrival. +1
Yes, there are touch tanks where you can interact with stingrays and sturgeons. You might also have opportunities for animal encounters.
It's a fantastic place for kids! They offer interactive exhibits, animal shows, and touch tanks that children love. +1
A typical visit can take about 1.5 to 2 hours, especially if you plan to see the shows and explore both buildings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The aquarium may have a small cafe or snack bar. For a wider selection, consider dining at nearby restaurants in Niagara Falls, NY.
Outside food and beverages are typically not permitted inside. It's best to check the aquarium's specific policy.
Yes, there are several dining options in the vicinity of the aquarium and Niagara Falls, ranging from casual to sit-down restaurants.
If available, expect typical aquarium fare like snacks, drinks, and light meals.
Many visitors enjoy dining at the Rainforest Cafe after their visit, which is located nearby.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the animals.
Definitely! The colorful jellyfish, playful penguins, and engaging sea lion shows offer great photo opportunities. +1
The jellyfish exhibits, penguin enclosure, and the sea lion shows are particularly photogenic. +1
Video recording for personal use is usually permitted, but check for any specific restrictions.
Weekday mornings often offer better lighting and fewer crowds, which can lead to clearer photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💑 Couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Meet the Rescued Residents
These rescued animals not only provide unique viewing opportunities but also serve as ambassadors for their species. The staff often share insights into their care and rehabilitation, making the experience both educational and emotionally resonant. Seeing these animals thrive offers a powerful message about the impact of human activity on marine ecosystems and the vital role of aquariums in conservation.
+1Interactive Experiences for All Ages
For an even more immersive experience, consider booking a seal encounter. These encounters provide an opportunity to get up close with the seals, feed them, and even see them perform tricks. It's an unforgettable activity, especially for children obsessed with marine mammals.
Remember to plan your day around the daily presentations, such as the sea lion shows and penguin feedings. These are not only entertaining but also highly educational, offering insights into animal behavior and care. Arriving a bit early for these popular events is recommended to secure a good viewing spot.
Exploring the Great Lakes 360 Exhibit
This exhibit offers a chance to see native fish and learn about the environmental challenges facing these vital waterways. It complements the marine exhibits by offering a broader understanding of aquatic biodiversity. The exhibit is designed to be engaging and informative, highlighting the importance of freshwater conservation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit