---
title: SEA LIFE New Jersey at American Dream
slug: sea-life-new-jersey-east-rutherford
type: attraction
sub_type: aquariums & sea life shows
source_url: https://www.tripster.com/detail/sea-life-new-jersey-east-rutherford
city: East Rutherford
state: NJ
country: US
address: 1 American Dream Way
geo:
  lat: 40.80914
  lng: -74.06913
cancellation_policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
extracted_at: 2026-06-16T21:05:44.512Z
price_from:
  amount: 35
  currency: USD
  unit: per_adult
availability: InStock
rating:
  value: 3.5
  count: 31
  scale: 5
ticket_options:
  - group: Other Options
    options:
      - name: 1 Day Admission
        price: 32.94
        regular_price: 35
        savings: 2.06
        ticket_types:
          - name: All Ages (2+ yrs)
            min_age: 2
---
## Overview

Explore the wonders of the ocean at SEA LIFE New Jersey, located inside the American Dream mall. Encounter thousands of fascinating sea creatures in over 10 interactive exhibits inspired by nearby New York City’s iconic moments, featuring playful fishified landmarks like the Empire Skate Building, Babbling Brook Bridge, and more—no scuba gear needed!

Experience the city under the sea at SEA LIFE Aquarium, discovering why rock pool creatures are the ‘Athletes of the Shores’, seahorses the ‘Ballet Dancers of the Ocean’, and jellies the ‘Disco DJs the Deep.’ Finish your journey with a walk-through underwater tunnel featuring panoramic views of Manhattan landmarks rising from the seabed amidst schools of tropical fish, sharks, rays, and more!

## What's Included

- Admission to SEA LIFE New Jersey Aquarium with access to 10+ interactive exhibits including the 15-foot-deep Ocean Tunnel.

## What's Not Included

- Outside food or beverages (not allowed inside except for babies or children with allergies).

<!-- tripster:ticket-options:start -->
## Ticket Options

- **1 Day Admission** — $32.94 (regularly $35.00, save $2.06)
  New Jersey SEA LIFE aquarium tickets include access to over 10 exhibits inspired by NYC landmarks and exciting activities. Escape into an underwater tunnel, come face-to-fin with sharks, touch a sticky anemone, and more. Kids under 2 years old enter free!
  - All Ages (2+ yrs)

<!-- tripster:ticket-options:end -->

## Good to Know

- Located on Level 1 of American Dream in Rutherford, NJ.
- Mall parking is free for the first 30 minutes; afterwards, a flat-rate fee for the whole day applies.
- Suitable for all ages; free admission for children under 2 years old.
- Wheelchair and stroller accessible (no rentals available at the aquarium).
- Average visit duration is 1-2 hours, but visitors may stay as long as they like.
- Last entry is 1 hour before closing.
- Only accepts bank cards; cash-to-card machines available on-site at no charge.
- Visits are not guided.
- Re-entry is not allowed.
- After booking a ticket, guests must reserve a date and time to reduce queue times and crowding.
- To ensure capacity limits, there are 30-minute windows between reservation times.
- Guests more than 30 minutes late for their reservation may experience longer wait times.

## Cancellation Policy

Free Changes & Cancellations - See details upon selection.

## FAQs

### Where is SEA LIFE New Jersey?

SEA LIFE New Jersey is located inside American Dream near the Meadowlands Complex in East Rutherford, NJ.

### Where can I park?

SEA LIFE is located closest to Parking Lot A, Level 1 of American Dream. Parking is free for the first 30 minutes and costs a nominal fee for the whole day after.

### What are the SEA LIFE aquarium New Jersey​ hours?

SEA LIFE New Jersey at American Dream operating hours vary per day. Please check the operating hours in the operating calendar during your target date range. The aquarium closes one hour after the last ticket entry time. Hours subject to change due to special events and holidays.

### Are visits guided?

Visits to New Jersey SEA LIFE Aquarium are not guided. The typical visit takes 1-2 hours, but you are welcome to stay for as long as you wish.

### Is re-entry allowed?

No, re-entry is not allowed.

### Can I bring my own food and drink?

Outside food or beverages are not allowed inside unless caring for babies or food allergies in children.

### Is New Jersey SEA LIFE aquarium suitable for visitors with disabilities or wheelchair users?

Yes, the aquarium is fully accessible for visitors with disabilities and wheelchair users. However, they do not provide wheelchair or stroller rentals at the attraction.

### Why do I need to book a date and time for my visit?

After booking your ticket, you will then need to reserve a date and time for your arrival. This helps the aquarium to make your experience more enjoyable by reducing queue times, speeding up your entry into the attraction, and reducing crowding.

### My time is in 7 minutes and there is a short (or no) line, why can't we enter yet?

To ensure guests have the best experience possible, they limit the number of visitors that can be in SEA LIFE at one time. There are 30 minute windows between reservation times to control capacity in the attraction. This creates a better experience for all guests.

### What if we are late for our reserved time?

Guests who are half an hour late or more for their reservation will enter the "I Have Tickets" line but may experience a longer than usual wait time.

### What modes of payment are accepted?

They accept bank cards for purchases on-site. They also have cash-to-card machines on-site where you can convert your cash into prepaid cards with no additional fee.

## Reviews

> "Overcrowded with rude people"
> — AmyZ2016, February 24, 2022