Children in costume receive free admission 

The Wildlife Conservation Society’s New York Aquarium will celebrate Halloween with the annual Ascarium festivities during the last three weekends of October from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

This Halloween, it’s a swash-buckling pirate adventure with nautical- and pirate-themed activities planned for aquarium-goers of all ages. Visitors will have the opportunity to journey through a haunted sea-fari adventure, experience spooky pirate tales, enjoy sea shanty musical performances and gypsy dancers. All of these activities and more are among the activities that will make Ascarium: A Pirate’s Adventure the destination for a safe, fun Halloween this season.

Ascarium activities include:

• Haunted Sea-fari –Located in the aquarium’s Explore the Shore exhibit, visitors will step into the sunken ship of Captain Paul Looter and learn of his adventures. Guests will leave with an understanding of how important it is to protect marine habitats, the animals that live here, and fragile seashores. (Each Ascarium day, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) 

• Go in Character – 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 general admission ticket. 

Spooky Storytelling – In “Pirate Tales,” storytellers will use audience suggestions to develop a fun-filled pirating tale that talks about pirate life, the high seas and marine life. Located in the Pavilion Tent (October 20 and 21, 11 a.m., 1 and 3pm.)

Astounding Pirate Feats – Join Pirate “Mad” Dudley McMudd as he creates a chilling sea shanty. Located in the Plaza October 13, 14 , 27, 28. 12:00 p.m, 2:00pm, and 4:00pm

• Terrifying Tunes – Performances by The Brigands, a four-piece band that performs nautical music, will take place on all Ascarium weekends. The dance group, the Dancing Pirate Gypsies, will perform during all shows and independently several times a day. Located in the Pavilion Tent. (11:30 a.m., 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.)

• Spine-tingling Shows – “Pirate School,” a one-man family vaudeville show created and performed by local physical comedian David Engel will delight audiences and tell folks how they can take action to protect our waters. Located in the Pavilion Tent. (October 13, 14, 27, 28, 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.)

• Creatures of The Creepy Deep Workshop – Join an interactive exploration of the vampire squid, goblin shark and other bizarre creatures of the deep. Ocean View Room. (11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

• Ghoulish Games – Various pirate-themed games will be available for visitors in the Ocean View Room. (All weekends, 11:30 to 4:30 p.m.)

• Arts and Crafts – Kids will be able to create their own pirate ship hanging collage. Located under the Pavilion Tent. (Each Ascarium day, 11:30am -4:30 pm:.)

• Trick-or-Treat – Children are invited to stop by Ocean View Room and Seaside Pavilion to participate in safe trick-or-treating fun. (Each Ascarium day, 11:30 a.m. to :30 p.m.)
  

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 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.

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