Ocean Wonders: Sharks!

Ocean Wonders: Sharks! is the flagship exhibit of the New York Aquarium at Coney Island, and for many families, it's the reason they make the trip to Brooklyn. Opened in 2018, this 57,500-square-foot marvel is one of the most ambitious aquarium exhibits in the northeastern United States — and one of the most family-friendly.

The experience centers on a dramatic walk-through tunnel where visitors are completely surrounded by water on three sides and above. Sand tiger sharks, sandbar sharks, and schools of rays drift through the 385,000-gallon tank overhead and at eye level, creating an immersive feeling of actually being beneath the ocean's surface. Children who arrived skeptical of sharks almost always leave desperate to return.

Beyond the tunnel, the exhibit stretches through multiple gallery spaces exploring the ecology of the northeastern Atlantic, from estuaries and tidal flats to the deep offshore canyon. Interactive stations let older children learn about shark anatomy, migration patterns tracked by researchers, and the WCS's conservation work to protect shark populations. Touch stations with replica shark skin samples and teeth provide tactile learning that engages even the youngest visitors.

Live feeding demonstrations occur on a daily schedule and draw crowds — the posted schedule at the exhibit entrance shows today's timing. Staff narrate the feedings to explain shark feeding behavior and dispel common fears, making these among the most educational 15-minute stretches available to families in New York City.

Ocean Wonders is included with general NY Aquarium admission. Wildlife Conservation Society members enter free. The aquarium sits steps from the Coney Island boardwalk, and the exhibit's outdoor viewing area — visible from the boardwalk without purchasing a ticket — provides a free preview of the outdoor shark tanks that often convinces families to buy full admission.