BROOKLYN, N.Y. — June 10, 2025 — The sharks are taking center stage at the New York Aquarium this summer during Shark Party, a brand new, multi-week, family-friendly event featuring educational presentations, live entertainment, and hands-on activities dedicated to these remarkable ocean dwellers. Partygoers get to spend the day with 5,000 incredible marine animals and celebrate what makes sharks remarkable.

The celebration runs daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., July 4 through July 14, concluding on Shark & Ray Awareness Day. It is included with Aquarium admission and is free for WCS members.

“Shark Party is an exciting new celebration that invites guests to discover the fascinating truth behind these often misunderstood marine animals,” said Leigh Clayton, Director of The New York Aquarium. “We’ll have lots of events and activities, and of course, real sharks that will keep guests of all ages engaged. Our goal is for visitors to leave with wonderful memories and a newfound respect for sharks — from those right here in New York waters to species from around the globe — and their vital role in keeping our oceans healthy and balanced.”

Sharks are key players in marine ecosystems, helping maintain the delicate balance of ocean food webs. Many shark species face challenges from habitat loss and human activities, making education and awareness efforts like Shark Party essential for their conservation.

Throughout the event, visitors can enjoy a variety of special activities designed for all ages, including:

  • Meet the experts: Hear from keepers at Canyon’s Edge in the Ocean Wonders: Sharks! exhibit about the care and conservation of these magnificent predators
  • Catch the show: Watch “Sharks All Over the World” at Wildlife Theater at 2:15 p.m. and 4 p.m., plus “The Zany Adventures of Super Shark” at 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
  • Become a paleontologist: Dig for shark fossils and take home an authentic shark tooth souvenir
  • Face painting: Get a shark or ocean-themed face painting
  • Get creative: Decorate your own shark headband to wear at the Shark Party, contribute to a community mural, and color your own fish and watch it swim in a digital ocean
  • Spot marine friends: Look for roaming costumed characters throughout the plaza
  • Dance with MC Hammerhead: Move to shark-inspired beats at 12:30 p.m. and 2:45 p.m.

Visitors can also enjoy daily animal experiences, including sea lion shows at the Aquatheater (11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 5 p.m.), penguin chats (10:15 a.m. and 4 p.m.), and seal and sea lion feedings (11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.).

WCS members enjoy free entry but should secure their timed tickets in advance. Membership includes year-round admission to all five WCS parks (Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium) while supporting wildlife conservation efforts worldwide. View membership options.

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