Nature can be incredibly fascinating, and learning about animals and their habitats makes for an engaging family activity. In New Jersey, two standout destinations offer unforgettable wildlife experiences: Woodbridge Aquarium and Wildlife and Adventure Aquarium. While both provide exciting educational opportunities, Woodbridge Aquarium takes the “Voyage to the Sea” experience a step further with hands-on animal encounters and immersive environments.
Woodbridge Aquarium and Wildlife
Woodbridge Aquarium and Wildlife is the ultimate land-and-sea adventure, offering some of the most unique and interactive experiences of any New Jersey aquarium. Visitors of all ages can touch, feel, and feed animals from ecosystems around the globe, making it one of the most family-friendly attractions in the state.
During your visit, you’ll journey through vibrant environments like the Amazon Rainforest, the Caribbean, the Mayan Jungle, and Pirate Island. Get up close with sharks, snakes, turtles, birds, and lizards—and yes, even flying squirrels. Meet Marina the Mermaid and don’t miss the chance to celebrate your child’s birthday party in this unforgettable setting.
Interactive Experiences at Woodbridge Aquarium
What truly sets Woodbridge Aquarium and Wildlife apart is its wide variety of one-on-one animal encounters. These small-group sessions allow guests to engage with animals directly—feeding them snacks and learning about conservation along the way. It’s both educational and fun, all in a highly personal setting.
Featured Activities Include:
- Asian Otter Interaction – Learn about otter species and their habitats, then participate in a Q&A on protecting them in the wild as you feed them up close.
- Fishy Kisses – Dip your feet into a tank filled with fish that gently remove dead skin cells, offering a unique and relaxing experience.
- Flying Squirrels – Watch these fascinating creatures glide through the air, feed them mid-flight, and grab a photo if you're quick enough.
- Snorkeling with Stingrays – Jump into the water with stingrays, tropical fish, and gentle sharks for an unforgettable encounter.
From reptiles of the Egyptian Desert to the playful birds of Parakeet Paradise, Woodbridge Aquarium lets you travel the world without leaving New Jersey. Feed iguanas at Iguana Nirvana with the help of animal care specialists who explain their rainforest origins, and maybe even hold a snake along the way.
More than just fun, Woodbridge Aquarium is also deeply focused on education and conservation. Guests leave with a better understanding of the planet’s ecosystems and how they can help protect endangered species. It’s a place where families can bond, learn, and explore together—all while creating lifelong memories.
Adventure Aquarium – Camden Waterfront
Just across the river from Philadelphia, Adventure Aquarium is home to over 8,500 aquatic species and features the largest collection of sharks on the East Coast. From penguins and turtles to stingrays and sea stars, there's plenty to explore across their well-designed exhibits.
Special Highlights Include:
- Creature Feature – A touch pool filled with marine life from the Pacific Northwest, including colorful sea stars, anemones, snails, and sea cucumbers.
- Sea Turtle Cove – Discover endangered sea turtles and get to know the aquarium’s resident loggerhead and green sea turtles through interactive exhibits.
- Little Blue Beach – Watch the world’s smallest penguins play, swim, and interact with one another in a beach-inspired setting.
- The Grotto – Located in the KidZone, this hands-on space features invertebrates like fire shrimp, scarlet cleaner shrimp, and horseshoe crabs.
While Adventure Aquarium is more exhibit-focused and less hands-on than Woodbridge Aquarium, it still offers impressive viewing experiences for ocean lovers of all ages.
What’s the Best Aquarium in New Jersey?
Both aquariums offer exciting opportunities to explore animal life, but Woodbridge Aquarium and Wildlife shines when it comes to interactivity and immersive fun. Every corner of the facility is designed to let you not just see the animals, but actually engage with them—feeding, petting, and learning through direct contact.
Adventure Aquarium does offer larger exhibits and rare animals like hippos and penguins, but the overall experience is more observational. It also tends to be more expensive and requires parking fees. Tickets start at $18.99 and must be purchased in advance due to timed entry. In contrast, Woodbridge Aquarium offers flexible walk-in access, free parking, and tickets under $20. That makes it both more spontaneous and more affordable for families.
The Bottom Line
New Jersey is full of incredible family attractions, but when it comes to animal interactions, Woodbridge Aquarium and Wildlife offers a one-of-a-kind adventure. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, school trip, or a weekend outing, it’s an experience your family won’t soon forget.