You don’t have to head to the ocean to come face-to-face with incredible marine life—South Jersey is home to aquariums that bring underwater worlds to life for visitors of all ages. From massive sharks and playful penguins to colorful tropical fish and fascinating sea turtles, these attractions combine hands-on learning with unforgettable family fun. Best of all, South Jersey aquariums make the perfect year-round adventure, whether you’re planning a rainy-day outing or a weekend trip with the kids. (feature photo credit: NJMOM)

Aquariums To Visit In South Jersey

Adventure Aquarium in Camden
With over 15,000 aquatic animals, including the most extensive collection of sharks and Nile Hippos in the Northeast, many consider Camden the best aquarium in New Jersey. Kids will want to check out the Little Blue Penguins (aka the “cutest penguins ever”) before crossing the largest rope-suspension shark bridge on the planet. Watch for their many special events, including mermaid swims, pumpkin carvings, Santa visits, and more over the year. 
1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103

Atlantic City Aquarium
After a years-long renovation, The Atlantic City Aquarium has reopened, better than ever. See more than 25,000 gallons of water, including “Groman,” a 225-pound Loggerhead Sea Turtle, along with a bunch of unusual species from the Mid-Atlantic. Don’t miss the Unicorn Tang in the Tropical Reef or the Off the Docks exhibit, where you can find Moon Jellies, Lobsters, and Blue Crabs. At the Estuary Exhibit, you’ll get a closer look at Diamondback Turtles. And keep an eye out for six new touch tanks opening soon. 
800 North New Hampshire Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Marine Mammal Stranding Center Sea Life Museum
New Jersey’s only facility for marine mammal rescue has been saving aquatic lives for over 45 years. This haven for marine life has housed and cared for many species, including bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, sea lions, and porpoises. Though it’s not an actual aquarium, the Sea Life Museum is open to the public through its educational visitor center, which has many artifacts and life-size replicas of marine mammals, sea turtles, and fish native to the Jersey shoreline. 
3625 Brigantine Boulevard, Brigantine, NJ 08203

The Wetlands Institute
Visit the aquarium, explore the elevated walkway, enjoy the dock, or hike the salt marsh trail at this Stone Harbor natural conservation area rich with mollusks, turtles, horseshoe crabs, whelk, mud snails, and more. The Institute aims to inspire communities to become stewards of our coastal and wetland ecosystems. Don’t miss the Terrapin Station, the first exhibit in the world dedicated to the life history of the diamondback terrapin. 
1075 Stone Harbor Boulevard, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247

Aquariums To Visit In New Jersey

Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
While Turtleback Zoo is known mainly for its exotic wildlife (hello giraffes!), there’s a small section dedicated to sea life. Visit the indoor penguin exhibit, which resembles the South African coastline. In the World of Water section, you can observe river otters and interact with a stingray in the 1,600-gallon marine life touch tank with Cow-Nosed Stingrays, which your kids can gently touch with their fingers. You can also learn about sea turtle conservation at the Sea Turtle Recovery building. 
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052

Jenkinson’s Aquarium
Steps from the sand, this NJ aquarium is ideal for a beach break or any time you head down to the shore (it’s open year-round). Their marine exhibits educate the public on the importance of wildlife conservation and feature sandbar sharks, nursing sharks, coral reefs, penguins, and seals. Your kids can also check out the hands-on learning experiences with marine professionals—learn about Wally, the two-toed sloth, waddle alongside penguin friends, or take a behind-the-scenes tour and see the inner workings of the aquarium.
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742

Liberty Science Center
We love Liberty Science Center for its IMAX films, Dino Digs, and Touch Tunnel, but did you know this world-class facility also features a year-round exhibit focused on the local Hudson River habitat? Littles can move water and sediments in an authentic replication of the Hudson River, come face-to-face with adorable turtles at child-height tanks, and even don white laboratory coats while conducting ecology experiments. (This exhibit is currently being renovated and will reopen with a new touch tank experience in 2026.)
222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07305

NJ SEA LIFE Aquarium
Discover over 3,000 sea creatures at American Dream, including sharks, rays, jellies, and more. Kids will love walking through an ocean tunnel, exploring interactive educational exhibits, and taking a behind-the-scenes aquarium tour. And see how many NYC landmarks you can spot in the cityscape backdrop in their featured “City Under the Sea” exhibit.
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073

The Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Center
Fun fact: The facility houses NJ’s only state-owned and operated trout hatchery. Up to 700,000 trout are produced annually for stocking public waters at this location. You can take a self-guided hatchery tour from the nursery building and get a peek at the egg room and nursery area. There’s also an observation platform overlooking the raceways and trout-filled pools.
605 Pequest Road, Oxford, NJ 07863