New York Aquarium Announces a Fun New Halloween Experience
If you want to do something different for Halloween, you can spend part of the day looking at sharks, sea lions and other animals. The New York Aquarium is bringing back its Ascarium celebration this October.
The family-friendly event runs on Oct. 10-12, 17-18, 24-25 and 31. Most of the activities take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
You don’t need a separate ticket to experience Ascarium. Everything is included with regular aquarium admission, and members can attend for free.
Visitors can participate in costume parades, face painting, and magic shows again this year. The aquarium is also adding several new things, including an experience called Sea of Illusions.
Sea of Illusions Is New This Year
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According to the Wildlife Conservation Society, Sea of Illusions takes over the aquarium’s Sea Change exhibit. Visitors will walk through five areas: the Bioluminescent Ocean, Dark Abyss, Enchanted Kelp Forest, Color Connection and Shape-Shifter Station.
Each section shows how marine animals can hide, glow, camouflage themselves or change their appearance. Sea of Illusions will remain open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Ascarium dates.
The aquarium is also adding interactive bubble performances and large pumpkin sculptures shaped like a shark and octopus.
Kids Can Wear Their Costumes
Children can come dressed for Halloween and join costume parades with performers and aquatic puppets. The parades are scheduled three times throughout the day.
Free face painting is available for children ages 3 and older. There will also be Halloween crafts, lawn games, carnival games and marine-themed magic shows.
A self-guided scavenger hunt takes visitors around the aquarium to see animals that may look a little spooky. The list includes piranhas, wolf eels, blood sea stars and spider crabs.
Ascarium Is Included With Admission
New York Aquarium tickets currently cost between $29.95 and $32.95 for adults. Tickets for children ages 3 through 12 cost between $25.95 and $27.95, while children 2 and younger can enter for free.
Non-members need to reserve a date-specific ticket before visiting, while members don’t need a reservation for a regular daytime visit.
Some Ascarium activities depend on the weather, and the schedule may change. Check the aquarium’s website before leaving so you know what will be happening that day.
