Current Baltimore Aquarium Ticket Prices

The National Aquarium in Baltimore charges different prices depending on your age and whether you buy at the door or online. Adult tickets are $29.95 online and $34.95 at the gate. Children ages 3 to 11 cost $19.95 online or $24.95 at the gate. Children under 3 are free. Seniors 65 and older pay $24.95 online or $29.95 at the gate.

Buying online saves you $5 per adult ticket and $5 per child ticket compared to paying at the entrance. You can purchase tickets on the National Aquarium's website and skip the ticket line when you arrive. Online tickets are typically valid for 30 days from the date of purchase, so you have flexibility if your plans change.

Key Takeaways

  • Adult tickets cost $29.95 online and $34.95 at the gate, so buying in advance saves $5 per person.
  • Children ages 3 to 11 are $19.95 online or $24.95 at the gate; children under 3 enter free.
  • Seniors 65 and older pay $24.95 online or $29.95 at the gate.
  • Online tickets are valid for 30 days, giving you time to plan your visit without losing your purchase.
  • The aquarium is located at 501 East Pratt Street in Baltimore's Inner Harbor.

Membership and Annual Pass Options

If you plan to visit more than once or twice a year, a membership often costs less than buying individual tickets each time. Annual memberships start at $99 for an individual and go up to $199 for a family membership that covers two adults and up to four children. Members get unlimited visits, discounts at the gift shop and café, and sometimes early access to special exhibits.

The aquarium also offers reciprocal membership benefits through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). If you hold a membership at another AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium, you may receive discounted admission or reciprocal entry to the National Aquarium. Check your home institution's membership card or website to see if this benefit applies.

Group Rates and Special Discounts

Groups of 15 or more people receive discounted rates. Group tickets are typically $2 to $3 cheaper per person than online individual rates, and you can arrange a group visit by contacting the aquarium directly. School groups, summer camps, and birthday parties all may have access to for group pricing.

The aquarium occasionally runs promotions during slower seasons or for specific events. Check the National Aquarium's website or social media pages for current deals. Some local employers and credit unions also offer discounted tickets through their benefits programs, so it is worth asking your HR department or bank whether they have a partnership with the aquarium.

What Is Included With Your Ticket

Your admission ticket covers access to all the main exhibits, including the tropical rainforest, the open ocean tank, the jellyfish exhibit, and the shark and ray touch pool. You can spend as much time as you want in each area — there is no time limit on your visit. Most visitors spend two to three hours exploring, though some people stay longer.

Certain experiences cost extra beyond your ticket price. The dolphin encounter program, where you interact with dolphins in a separate session, requires an additional fee and must be booked in advance. The 4D theater also charges separately. Food and beverages, gift shop items, and parking are all separate purchases.

Parking and Transportation Costs

Parking at the National Aquarium's lot costs $15 for the day. If you prefer not to drive, the aquarium is accessible by the Light Rail (Baltimore's public transit system), which costs $2 per trip. The Harbor Connector bus also serves the Inner Harbor area for $2 per ride. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in the area, though prices vary depending on demand and time of day.

If you are visiting from outside Baltimore, consider the cost of gas or tolls to reach the Inner Harbor. The aquarium is located at 501 East Pratt Street, and GPS navigation will direct you to the parking entrance. Arriving on a weekday morning typically means shorter lines and easier parking than weekend afternoons.

Hours and Best Times to Visit

The National Aquarium is open most days from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary seasonally and may extend during summer months. It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Check the website before you go because special events or maintenance sometimes change the schedule.

Weekday mornings, especially Tuesday through Thursday before noon, tend to be less crowded than weekends. If you are visiting during summer vacation or a holiday weekend, expect longer lines at the ticket counter and more people in the exhibits. Buying tickets online before you arrive helps you skip the ticket line regardless of how busy the aquarium is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I buy tickets online and cannot go?

Online tickets are typically non-refundable but valid for 30 days from purchase, so you can reschedule your visit within that window. If you have an emergency or the aquarium closes due to weather, contact the National Aquarium directly to discuss your options. Refund policies may vary for group bookings or special events.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance or can I just show up?

You can buy tickets at the gate, but online purchase saves $5 per person and lets you skip the ticket line. On busy days, the line at the ticket counter can be 30 minutes or longer. Buying online takes a few minutes and guarantees your entry at a lower price.

Are there discounts for military or government employees?

The National Aquarium sometimes offers military discounts, but these are not always advertised on the main website. Call the aquarium at the number listed on their website or ask at the ticket counter about current military or government employee rates. Discounts vary and may require valid identification.

What if my child is between 2 and 3 years old?

Children under 3 are free, so a child who is 2 years old does not need a ticket. Once a child turns 3, they are charged the child rate. If your child is very close to turning 3, you may want to visit before their birthday to avoid the ticket cost.

Can I bring my own food and drinks into the aquarium?

Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the aquarium. The facility has a café with sandwiches, snacks, and drinks at typical venue prices. You can eat in the café or designated seating areas, but you cannot bring a picnic or cooler into the exhibits.