Thank you for your interest in coming to the Aquarium of Niagara.
We’ve compiled some useful information to help you make the most of your visit.
Hours of Operation:
The Aquarium is open daily from 9am to 5pm except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Our last admission is a half-hour before closing.
Purchase tickets online:
To help ensure social distancing, the Aquarium is using a timed ticketing system. We recommend purchasing your tickets online for a specific time slot ahead of your visit to ensure your spot. We cannot guarantee that we will have the capacity to take walkups.
Skip the line:
Become an Aquarium member before you come. Aquarium members don’t need to make reservations, and they enter via the back entrance. It’s a great way to start your visit sooner than patrons waiting in line.
Peak hours:
Our busiest hours are from 11am to 3:30pm. If you would prefer to visit the Aquarium with fewer people, try visiting outside these hours. We also tend to welcome fewer guests on weekdays than on weekends.
Photography:
Avoid using a flash to capture better images of our exhibits and animals. If you choose to use a flash, position your camera at an angle to the glass to minimize glare. NOTE: Flash photography prohibited at the octopus exhibit.
Take two trips:
Consider visiting the exhibits twice during your visit:
- Round 1: Kids are excited and want to see everything quickly; let them lead the way.
- Round 2: Go back to the exhibits that caught your group’s attention during round 1. Spend time there watching the animals observing their behaviors, colors, size, etc. Check out the exhibit design and read the interpretive signage.
Add-on an animal interaction experience:
We offer several interactive programs for visitors who want to take their Aquarium experience to the next level. All of the programs include one-on-one time with our trainers, aquarists, or animal keepers and the opportunity to connect with our animals in a unique way. You can learn more about our animal interaction programs and sign up for one here.
Check out our staff picks:
We asked our staff to share their favorite spots to spend a few minutes with the animals. Check out what they had to say here.
Know Before You Go
Check out some of the policies and visitor amenities you may need during your visit.
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Please do not visit the Aquarium if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
Per NYS guidance, guests are not required to wear masks. The Aquarium encourages all guests to wear masks while indoors.
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Parking at the Aquarium of Niagara is handled by Premium Parking. You can pay ahead of your visit by clicking here or text P5101 to “504504.” There are also pay stations on site.
Cars: $5
RVs/Busses/Campers: $20
Parking is FREE for Aquarium members (use the exclusive promo code send via email)
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The accessible entrance is located at the rear of the Aquarium. Follow the path to the right of the building when approaching from the parking lot. Ring the bell to be welcomed and accompanied to Guest Services. There is an elevator located directly across from the accessible entrance that can be used to access the second floor.
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A limited number of wheelchairs are available for visitor use. Please request a wheelchair upon your arrival at Guest Services. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-serve basis with a photo ID.
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Service animals are welcome in the building. Please note their presence to our admissions staff. Companion animals and those that are considered therapy animals are not permitted in the building.
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Families with strollers can use the accessible entrance located at the rear of the Aquarium. Ring the bell to be welcomed and accompanied to Guest Services. There is an elevator located directly across from the accessible entrance that can be used to access the second floor.
Please note: The Aquarium does not currently have a place to store your stroller while you visit.
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Breastfeeding is welcome in the Aquarium. There are currently no private breastfeeding or lactation areas available.
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There are child changing tables located in both the men and women’s restrooms.
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Sensory headphones are available by request at our admissions desk.
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The Aquarium does not currently offer coat or bag storage.
