The Coney Island aquarium turns into Ascarium, with pumpkin sculptures, a new Sea of Illusions experience and costume parades through the afternoon. It stacks magic shows, bubble performers, face painting and a scavenger hunt past piranhas, wolf eels and spider crabs on top of the regular exhibits, at no extra cost over admission. If your kids have a costume ready, this is the October outing built around wearing it.
What to expect
Expect a full day of rotating programming: sea lion shows in the Aquatheater, magic sets and costume parades spaced through the afternoon, and craft and face-painting tables between exhibits. Kids can work the spooky scavenger hunt through the galleries, then burn off energy at the lawn and carnival games.
Good to know
- Take the F or Q train to W 8 St–NY Aquarium; the entrance is steps from the station.
- Buy Aquarium tickets online ahead; festival activities are included with admission or membership.
- Costumes are welcome and the parades are the best photo moment of the day.
- Much of the site is outdoors on the boardwalk, so bring a layer for the ocean wind.
- The Sea of Illusions and pumpkin sculptures run on a slightly longer schedule than the other activities.
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Common questions
Does Ascarium cost extra?
No. The organizer says the Halloween activities are free with an Aquarium ticket or membership.
Is it open on Indigenous Peoples' Day?
Yes. The Aquarium lists Monday, October 12 alongside the October weekends.
What is there beyond the Halloween activities?
The regular exhibits and sea lion shows in the Aquatheater run alongside the magic shows, parades, crafts and games.
