Kids get a new hands-on experience with a newly opened touch tank at the New York Aquarium. The outdoor tank, which features local habitats, is filled with smooth periwinkles, moon snails, blue mussels, dog and channeled whelk, sand shrimp, hermit and horseshoe crabs, northern sea robin, northern pipefish, mummichogs, Atlantic seahorses and sheepshead minnows. The new tank recreates Jamaica Bay, with its sandy bottom and natural rocks; only the sea grass, where creatures can hide, is artificial. The diversity of the local marine life may surprise you, and you and your kids can learn to identify sea creatures (what’s a whelk, anyway?). The old tank, the site of the aquarium’s new restaurant, was limited to horseshoe crabs and sea stars. The new touch tank is near the beluga whale pools; two of the belugas, Natasha and Maris, just returned to Brooklyn after a breeding loan to the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut. This month, the aquarium will also open its new restaurant. And on Friday nights in July, you can hear live music, starting at 7pm; if your kids can stay up late, enjoy a great view of the Coney Island fireworks. The aquarium also hosts its annual 1950s “Sea Life Sock Hop” on July 10, 11, 24 and 25, featuring live music, storytelling and face painting. The New York Aquarium was just the recipient of a $10,000 “Project Creek” grant from the EPA; aquarium instructors will be working with students at John Dewey High School in Brooklyn next year. Students will study marine biology and wetland ecology, both at the aquarium and on local field trips. Info: Where: West 8th Street and Surf Avenue in Coney Island When: Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-7pm. Note: The outdoor touch tank is not open throughout the aquarium’s operating hours. How much: $11 adults; $7 children ages 2-12 years old; free, children under 2. For more info: (718) 265-FISH; www.nyaquarium.com
