Photo by Gina Massaro

Free with Admission Animal Experiences at the Long Island Aquarium

Critter Cart

Don’t miss this small grass covered cart, where all kinds of critters come out to play in warm weather. Be prepared to spot a snake, a turtle, or sometimes even a bug, like a cockroach. A staff member is always there to answer questions and help guide you through how to properly handle the animal.

Ray Bay

One of the coolest features of the Long Island Aquarium is located right when you walk in. A favorite among kids and adults alike is the Ray Bay, where you can pet cownose rays, southern stingrays, and Atlantic stingrays. Get there early, before they’ve eaten their allotted food for the day, and you’ll have a chance to feed the rays some little fish for a small additional fee.

Touch Tank

Your kiddo will be thrilled to find that everything in the Touch Tank is, in fact, touchable! While you can’t pick the animals up, staff members are always happy to safely do so for you, showing you the underside of a whelk or a horseshoe crab. You’ll also have a chance to pet spider crabs, urchins, scallops, and more.

Photo by Gina Massaro

Salt Marsh

Unlike the touch tank, you’re free to handle the animals in the salt marsh as long as you don’t lift them above the surface of the water. For this experience, just slip off your shoes and walk gingerly though the marsh, where you’ll encounter horseshoe crabs, whelks, and spider crabs. Note that participants must be 42.5 inches or taller and out of diapers.

Paid Animal Encounters at the Long Island Aquarium

Bug Encounter

Creepy crawler lovers won’t want to miss this affordable and informative extra experience! With a Bug Encounter reservation, kids ages 4 and up can get close to, and even hold, some of nature’s most amazing insects, like Giant Beetles, Leaf Insects, Orchid Mantises, and more. If you need to calm anyone’s nerves, remind them that none of these friendly bugs bite or sting.

Coati Connection

Get up close to a pair of energetic Coatis–fuzzy mammals that are closely related to racoons. Watch the adorable duo play with their favorite toys and forage for food, while you learn about their habitat, behaviors, and diet. Participants must be at least 10, able to follow directions, and able to sit still for at least 20 minutes. Those ages 12 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult. Coati Connection pricing and reservations.

Penguin Selfie

Say “cheese” alongside one of the aquarium’s African Penguins! This adorable experience allows guests of all ages to take a contact-free photo right next to a fun feathered friend. Kids under 5 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Note that some safety precautions may apply.

Penguin Encounter

More in-depth than the Penguin Selfie, this Penguin Encounter gives you a 30-minute behind-the-scenes look at how the penguins are fed and cared for. Cameras are allowed, so you’re actually able to take as many pictures as you’d like. Note that reservations need to be made at least 72 hours in advance.

Painting with Pinnipeds

In this playful experience, you’ll have the chance to collaborate on a custom sea lion painting. Pick your paint colors, hold up the canvas, and watch in awe as a California sea lion paints a masterpiece right in front of you. The best part is you’ll have a custom keepsake to take home with you.

Pirate Snorkel

Adventure Set out on a snorkeling treasure hunt in this highly-interactive underwater adventure. Get an up-close look at different species of fish from all around the world while trying to find the missing pieces of Poseidon’s map. Kids of any age can participate, but they must be out of diapers and accompanied by an adult if under 7. Bring your own bathing suits and snorkel gear or purchase new wetsuits and gear at the aquarium.

Sea Lion Selfie

Smile and pose for the camera with one of the stars of the Sea Lion Show alongside two of your friends or family members. Even babies can get in on the photo fun, making for a memorable keepsake. Children under 7 just have to be accompanied by an adult. Availability is limited, so sign up in advance if possible.

Sea Lion Encounter

The all-access Sea Lion Encounter lets participants help set up for the Sea Lion Show and secures you front row seats to the main event. After the show, attend a special training session where you can feed the sea lions, and even get a sea lion kiss. Professional photos are taken throughout and can later be purchased.

Shark Dive

If you dare, dive into the depths of the lost city of Atlantis and come face-to-face with some of the most feared animals on the planet: sharks. From inside a cage, watch in awe as these predators swim right by you, alongside an array of fish you won’t find together anywhere else in the world. Divers must be 12 or older, and anyone 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Shark Dive reservations must be made at least 72 hours in advance. Participants receive a souvenir beach towel, a souvenir shark tooth, and a photo of their dive.

With all of these animal encounters waiting for you, visit the Long Island Aquarium website to plan your next visit and reserve your tickets and experiences now! Also, note that Long Island Aquarium members receive free unlimited admission, as well as discounts on paid attractions.

Unless noted, photos courtesy of the Long Island Aquarium