Adventure Aquarium

We finally made it to the Adventure Aquarium. We visited on a weekday morning and as expected during that time, crowds were minimal. After going through a bag check area, your tickets are scanned. There are bathrooms and a locker area in case you want to store items...this is helpful, particularly during the colder months when you are carrying around heavy coats. You head upstairs where there are a few food areas selling the the typical snacks you'd expect, popcorn, pretzels, drinks...there was also a "grill" area but it didn't seem to be open on our late morning weekday visit. The aquarium itself is lovely with some great exhibits throughout. Wide variety of fish as expected but also some other unexpected sea creatures such as a variety of eels and jellyfish and a giant pacific octopus. The large central tank that contains various sharks, stingrays, sea turtles and other sea animals was great...and viewable from multiple sides. There are touch tanks containing smaller stingrays, smaller sharks and some reefs. There is also the "Shark Bridge" which is a cool concept. The Hippo tank is massive and offers some great up close views of them. Overall, I would expect to stay 2-3 hours, depending on how many exhibits you want to read and see. A quicker view-only walkthrough can be done in about an hour. Admission prices are about $34-$42 for adults and $29-$36 for children depending on the day...weekends are more expensive than on weekdays. I think that is a bit high for what you get...prices of about $25-$30 may be more appropriate. Be sure to check for discounts...we saved about 15% by getting tickets through AAA. Parking was $10 but there was a $5 credit when paying using the kiosk inside the aquarium. All staff encountered were great...except the parking lot attendant, who wasn't.

This is by far one of the best aquariums in NJ! Beautifully designed and easy to spend 3+ hours looking around. We've been here a few times and each time is just as amazing as the last. There are multiple touch tanks including sharks, stingrays, and starfish. Penguins, sharks, jellyfish, so many fish, frogs, and hippos! They have it all. The upstairs kids area is all new and has a bunch of glowing areas under black lights as well as an area where kids can color their own fish and see it come to life on a projector. The only downside is the price. It's very expensive for a family but there are sometimes deals like buy an adult ticket get a free child ticket as well as membership if you are close. Parking is $10 in the lot across the street. Lunch is a tad expensive and the 2 fill cups they are very serious about. The cups have sensors as well as security maning the drink station.

Bought 2 admission tickets as a last minute plan for the same day, arrived at 1230, admission for 1pm, no wait or line, and nobody gave us a hard time. No staff issues. Only thing is I wish people would've gotten their kids so we weren't bumping into them constantly. Other than that everything was good for a first timer here as two 24 y/o. The area wasn't bad and the aquarium overall was a good experience. Went through all the exhibits & no complaints

My partner and I have went here together on three separate occasions, twice during special events. Once was the Animal Crossing event, and most recently, the Fintastic Pumpkin Glow one! Took a lot of great pictures, the decor was super fun all throughout the place. The aquarium is well kept with knowledgeable and passionate people who keep it alive. It gets busy, super busy. It is best to reserve before you go, regardless of what time of the week. The ticket lines can be long. Their kids area, Kaleidoscope Cove, has been completely revamped. It is stunning, lots of color and ways to keep busy hands.. busy! We spotted a sensory friendly booth as well and with how hectic things can be, I am very glad to see there is some designated space. Food is overpriced, admittedly, but we learned this trip around that the best way to go is to pack your own lunch and snacks. There is a water refill station so bringing a bottle could be helpful. Overall, incredible visit every time and beautiful to see all the different critters.

Overall a great place. This place is very kid friendly. Food options are meh, but who cares, I came from the fishies! You can also touch the sting rays too, but I mostly came from the shark tunnel. It do recommend buying the ticket beforehand so you dont stand in the cold. Its next to the river making it more cold when theres wind.