Three October Weekends 15-16, 22-23, 29-30
*Children in costume receive free admission

Brooklyn, N.Y. – Sept. 26, 2011 – Frightening fun awaits this Halloween season at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s New York Aquarium as Ascarium weekends return October 15-16, 22-23, and 29-30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Halloween-themed activities are planned for aquarium-goers of all ages. Visitors will get in the spirit of the season as the aquarium will be decorated with corn stalks, hay bales, pumpkins, and all things autumn. A haunted Sea-fari Adventure, spooky storytelling, musical performances, and magic shows are among the activities that will make Ascarium the destination for a safe, fun Halloween this season.

The line-up of Ascarium activities includes:

  • Haunted Sea-fari – Visitors will have the adventure of a lifetime at the Haunted Sea-fari, where they will board a sunken ship and meet the surly Captain Looter and his devilish crew. Located in the aquarium’s Explore the Shore exhibit, visitors will travel deep under the ocean to discover the creepy S.S. Garbagio, a ship that once pursued endangered dolphins. Explorers will enter the haunted Captain’s Quarters, head into the Briny Brig where the devilish crew hangs out, walk the plank, face sharks, and enter the belly of the octopus before they arrive on shore where they can help save the beach and oceans from pollution. Everyone will leave with a better understanding of how to protect marine life, habitats, and our fragile seashore. (Each Ascarium day, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
  • Dress to Impress – Each child in costume (age 12 and under) will receive a free child’s general admission ticket with the purchase of one full-priced adult ticket. Note: Limit two per family; cannot be combined with any other offer.
  • Thrilling Magic Shows – Family-friendly, aquatic-themed magic shows will delight visitors with illusions and magnificent magic tricks. Located in the Seaside Café Tent. (Each Ascarium day, 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.)
  • Spooky Storytelling – Let the terrifying tales be told. Master storyteller LuAnn Adams uses puppetry to bring animal- and Halloween-themed stories to life. Located in Explore the Shore Plaza Tent. (Each Ascarium day, 12, 2 and 4 p.m.)
  • Terrifying Tunes – Animal- and Halloween-themed musical performances will take place on all Ascarium weekends.  Located in the Seafood Café Tent.

Saturday, October 15 – Alastair Moock will mesmerize audiences with his award winning children’s tunes combining folk music and adventurous song writing as he creates goofy lyrics for popular children’s songs. (1:30 and 3:30 p.m.)

Saturdays and Sundays, October 16, 22, 23, 29, 30 – SweetBeatz will keep the place rocking with energetic, original tunes. (1:30 and 3:30 p.m.)

  • Arts and Crafts – Kids will be able to create their own spooky Halloween mask creation representing favorite aquarium animals. Located under the Seaside Café tent. (Each Ascarium day, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
  • Trick-or-Treat – Children are invited to stop by various carts, exhibits, and other locations throughout the aquarium to participate in safe trick-or-treating fun. (Each Ascarium day, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Ascarium is presented by Pepsi.

Contact:   
Barbara Russo - 718-265-3428; brusso@wcs.org
Max Pulsinelli - 718-220-5182; mpulsinelli@wcs.org
Steve Fairchild – 718-220-5189; sfairchild@wcs.org

Wildlife Conservation Society's New York Aquarium opens every day of the year at 10am, and closing times vary seasonally. Admission is $14.95 for adults, $10.95 for children ages 3-12 and $11.95 for senior citizens (65 and older); children under 3 years of age are admitted free. Fridays after 3pm, admission is by suggested donation. The Aquarium is located on Surf Avenue at West 8th Street in Coney Island.  For directions, information on public events and programs, and other Aquarium information, call 718-265-FISH or visit our web site at http://www.nyaquarium.com. Now is the perfect time to visit and show support for the New York Aquarium, Brooklyn's most heavily attended attraction and a beloved part of the City of New York.

The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild places worldwide. We do so through science, global conservation, education and the management of the world’s largest system of urban wildlife parks, led by the flagship Bronx Zoo. Together these activities change attitudes towards nature and help people imagine wildlife and humans living in harmony. WCS is committed to this mission because it is essential to the integrity of life on Earth.

Special Note to the Media: If you would like to guide your readers or viewers to a Web link where they can make donations in support of helping save wildlife and wild places, please direct them to wcs.org.