Shark Week is swimming its way back into our lives beginning July 23 and with it, Discovery Channel’s shark-related lineup that entices kids and adults year after year. But sitting in front of the television for gripping programs on our marine friends isn’t the only way to celebrate the week. See a few of our favorite ways to honor and learn more about these scary-but-maybe-not-so-scary fishes of the deep below.
The Shark Speed Boat Thrill Ride
Feel like a shark on the prowl on this racing 30-minute boat ride around the NYC harbor. The wild adventure cuts through the water at 45mph with twists and turns that’ll have you gripping your seat. Don’t worry, there will be a moment of calm when the boat stops right in front of the Statue of Liberty for photos before roaring back to shore. Pier 16, South Street Seaport, 89 South St (212-563-3200, circleline42.com). $29, children ages 3–12 $24. Ages 3 and up (must be 40 inches tall).
Sharks, Rays & Turtles
The New York Aquarium is still rebuilding after Hurricane Sandy’s destruction in 2012—and completing a brand new exhibit "Ocean Wonders: Sharks!" to open in 2018—but luckily for us, sand tiger sharks, along with rays and turtles, are among those exhibits still on view during construction. Surf Avenue & West 8th Street, Brooklyn (718-220-5100, nyaquarium.com). $11.95, ages 2 and under free. All ages.
Shark Dive
If your family is brave enough to stare into the eyes of a shark without screaming into your scuba gear, then take a dip in the Long Island Aquarium’s Lost City of Atlantis Shark Exhibit. The courageous will get suited up (no diving certification necessary) and climb into a cage before being lowered down into the 120,000-gallon exhibit. Each dive includes an education program about sharks, how to stay safe during the dive and then quality time with the fishes and sharks. Everyone walks away with a souvenir beach towel, souvenir shark tooth, an emailed photograph of the dive and memories to last a lifetime. Long Island Aquarium, 431 East Main Street, Riverhead (631-208-9200, longislandaquarium.com). $160. Ages 12 and up.
Milstein Family Hall of Ocean Life
The massive blue whale hanging at the American Museum of Natural History’s Milstein Family Hall of Ocean Life might elicit “ooh’s” and “aah’s,” but you might want to peel the kiddos away from the 21,000-pound hanging model. Throughout the rest of the hall, they’ll learn about other underwater inhabitants, including creatures of all sizes that live in polar oceans, tropical coral reefs and the deep blue sea. Keep an eye out of the whale shark, the world’s largest living fish. Central Park West at 79th St (212-769-5100, amnh.org). Suggested admission $22, children 2–12 $12.50. All ages.
Shark Week
And, of course, we can’t forget about the people who brought us Shark Week in the first place. This year, Discovery Channel’s lineup includes a special in which Olympian swimmer Michael Phelps races a shark, a shark versus crocodile showdown and travels around the globe for a peek into the habits of sharks of all types. Viewers will also be able to donate to advocacy group Oceana by texting the word “SHARK” to 707070. Shark Week, Discovery Channel (discovery.com). Sun July 23–Sat July 29.
*Bonus for the grownups:
Who wouldn't want to try a cocktail fresh from a shark's jaws? Kidding—it's just a ceramic shark, guys. Parents who want to celebrate Shark Week without their tykes should drop by Mother of Pearl for the Shark Eye. The drink plays off a "1950s Demerara Dry Float with passion fruit and maraschino but updates the sweet recipe via curaçao, bourbon, a few island-spiced dashes of Bittermens ‘Elemakule Tiki bitters and lemon juice, subbed in for the more commonly used lime. Slurping this campy cocktail—finished with fistfuls of pebbled ice, a red-and-white striped straw and a decorative palm leaf—is the only time you’ll feel quite comfortable being within arm’s reach of a shark’s head." See Time Out New York's coverage for the full details. 95 Ave A (212-614-6818, motherofpearlnyc.com). $16. (Adults only!!)
These Shark Week events might stir up an appetite for more adventures. If so, browse through our picks of the best children’s museums, the best boat rides or visit any of the NYC beaches this city has to offer.