Though hit hard by Hurricane Sandy, the New York Aquarium-located on the famous Coney Island Boardwalk and the oldest continuously-operating aquarium in America-is still open year-round and rebuilding at a rapid pace.  Check ahead for animal feeding times, and grab a seat in the Aqua-theater to see walruses, penguins and jellyfish do their thing.  Even better: watch an octopus solving a puzzle!  Admission is 44-54USD, with children under 3 free.  Open daily with hours varying by season; check the website for updates.

nyaquarium.com