Summer returns to New England Aquarium with extended hours, waterfront dining, tours

BOSTON, MASS. (June 2026) – The New England Aquarium is kicking off summer with extended hours, a special behind-the-scenes tour, and the return of waterfront dining.

The Aquarium is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Labor Day. Guests arriving at the Aquarium will see a refreshed look to the front lobby following renovations this spring. Tickets can be purchased for timed entry slots online at neaq.org. On weekdays, New England residents receive $5 off standard Aquarium admission or admission and movie combinations.

Highlights of the summer season include:

Tours and experiences

• Guests can join New England Aquarium trainers for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour featuring California sea lions and Atlantic harbor seals. During this paid experience, guests will see where the animals’ food is prepared, learn how and why enrichment toys are created, and enjoy up-close views of some of the animals’ favorite behind-the-scenes spaces. Full details are available on neaq.org.
• The New England Aquarium Whale Watch in partnership with Boston Harbor City Cruises sails daily to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, a rich feeding ground for whales, dolphins, sea birds, and other marine Stellwagen is home to many species of large whales, including humpbacks, finbacks, and minkes. Aquarium naturalists onboard share knowledge, answer questions, and explain the fascinating behaviors of these truly magnificent mammals. Passengers can receive $3 off New England Aquarium standard price tickets by presenting a whale watch ticket at the Aquarium’s Box Office. To see the schedule and learn more, visit the Boston Harbor City Cruises website.
• Boston Duck Tours, the city’s most popular sightseeing tour, depart hourly from Central Wharf right in front of the Aquarium. Duck Tours guests receive $3 off New England Aquarium standard price tickets at the Aquarium’s Box Office.

New films in Simons Theatre

• The Aquarium’s Simons Theatre offers daily showings of three 45-minute documentary films: Ocean Dreams, Sea Otters: A Wild Family Adventure, and Penguins: A Love Story. The newest film, Ocean Dreams, takes viewers on a journey through the ocean’s most remarkable habitats and the stories unfolding within them.
• Tickets and show times are available at all Aquarium ticketing locations by calling 617-973-5206 or by visiting org.

Dining options at the Aquarium

• Dockside Beer Garden – Steps away from the most expansive views of Boston Harbor and now operating seven days a week, Dockside Beer Garden on Central Wharf features a refreshed menu of starters, sandwiches, and salads, from New England clam chowder to IPA-battered fish tacos and a burrata and watermelon salad. The full bar offers local craft beers, a variety of wines, fresh-made cocktails, and hard seltzers. Summer hours are 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
• Central Snack Bar – The food truck-style outpost on Central Wharf Plaza has reopened for the season with menu items including hot dogs, nachos, and lemonade. Central Snack Bar operates seven days a week from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Harbor View Café – Located on the second floor of the Aquarium, the café offers daily specials and a menu of sandwiches, pizza, grilled items, soups, and salads. With a casual counter-service setting and floor-to-ceiling windows offering spectacular views of Boston Harbor, the Harbor View Café is a convenient option for guests looking for a quick bite to eat. Summer hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
• Ben & Jerry’s – The Central Wharf Plaza kiosk returns to serve up scoops of beloved Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavors. Hours of operation are 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily through Labor Day.

Daily presentations and interactive programs

• Aquarium guests can enjoy daily presentations with the penguins, sea lions, and Giant Ocean Tank residents, including Myrtle the green sea turtle. Full schedule available here.
• Join an educator along the exhibit path for an up-close experience with one of the Aquarium’s animal ambassadors. Learn more about the secret world of jellies, local turtle species, or axolotls during animal encounters happening daily at 10:45 a.m. and 3:15 p.m.
• Guests can also stop by an interactive educational space on the third floor called the Exploration Station, which offers both guided and self-led themed activities. Families can engage with sensory activities, pretend to be an Aquarium veterinarian, and spend some down time reading books.

MEDIA CONTACT: Pam Bechtold Snyder—psnyder@neaq.org