50 Things to Do Before Memorial Day: See the Fish (and More!) at Long Island Aquarium
Memorial Day weekend draws ever closer, and while we at Dan’s Papers can’t wait, we also know there are many things we have to squeeze in during the next few weeks on the East End, lest we lose our chance with all that summer brings. We know that if we don’t get out and do these now, we’ll have to wait until after Labor Day before we try again…and so will you!
We continue our countdown of things to do before Memorial Day weekend on the East End with #16: Go See the Fish (and more!) at Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center
Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center (formerly Atlantis Marine World) in Riverhead is expanding into exciting new territories that do not quite fit the “aqua-“ moniker. That is, the new space houses more than just sea creatures. Aside from the changes, Long Island Aquarium has retained what made Atlantis great: the Lost Continent-decor, the tanks of rare and exotic fish, the sea lion shows and the submarine simulator.
In the Lost City of Atlantis, one can visit with hammerhead sharks, piranhas, an electric eel—apparently not a “true eel”—and an array of “anemonefish”—also known as clownfish and, more popularly, “Nemo.” Outside, the exhibits range from penguins to Japanese snow monkeys, even including a sleepy river otter. Additionally, the Sea Lion Coliseum directly behind the main hall features shows with Java the sea lion and his trainers at regular interviews. We won’t spoil any of his tricks, but we will say that Java is as athletic as sea lions come.
But every aquarium has all that! One thing that makes the Long Island Aquarium unique is the attention paid to its surroundings. The aquarium is situated on the shore of the Peconic River, a perfect opportunity to teach kids and adults about the local wildlife. To that end, admission to the aquarium includes a visit to the Interactive Salt Marsh outside, and a peek at some local wildlife within its walls. Also available are educational tours of the Peconic on the Atlantis Explorer— a “floating classroom”— which will be available on weekends from noon to 2 p.m.
And, under the same admission price, Long Island Aquarium offers an interactive stroll through the Butterfly Garden, a $1 chance to feed the birds in the Amazon Aviary and a peek at some of the coolest bugs you’ll ever see in the canopy of the Butterfly Garden.
All in all, the Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center offers a fun and educational break from the norm—and you’ll learn something amazing about your surroundings!
Come back tomorrow for 50 Things to Do Before Memorial Day in the Hamptons #15.