What Seattle Aquarium tickets cost right now
Adult tickets to the Seattle Aquarium cost $32.95 as of 2024. Children ages 4 to 12 pay $22.95, and seniors (65 and older) pay $27.95. Children under 4 are free. These prices are for general admission during regular hours.
The aquarium occasionally runs discounts for Washington state residents and members of reciprocal aquarium networks, but these are not permanent. Prices can shift seasonally or when the aquarium updates its rates, so checking the official Seattle Aquarium website before you visit is the most reliable way to confirm current pricing.
Parking at the aquarium's lot costs $15 for the day, though street parking is sometimes available nearby at a lower cost or free depending on the time and day of week.
Key Takeaways
- Adult general admission is $32.95; children 4–12 are $22.95; seniors 65+ are $27.95; children under 4 are free.
- Parking at the aquarium lot is $15 per day, but street parking may be cheaper or free depending on location and time.
- The aquarium sometimes offers discounts for Washington residents and members of partner aquarium networks, though these change.
- Buying tickets online through the Seattle Aquarium website is the fastest way to enter and may occasionally include small discounts.
- Annual memberships start around $99 for individuals and pay for themselves after three or four visits.
Where to buy tickets and how to save
You can buy tickets at the gate on the day of your visit, but purchasing online through the Seattle Aquarium's official website is faster and sometimes slightly cheaper. Online tickets let you skip the ticket line and go straight to entry.
If you plan to visit more than once or twice a year, an annual membership may save you money. Individual memberships start around $99 and include unlimited visits, discounts at the gift shop, and sometimes reciprocal entry to other aquariums in the United States. Family memberships cost more but cover multiple household members.
The aquarium occasionally runs promotions around holidays or during slower seasons. Signing up for their email list through the website is the way to hear about these offers before they end.
Group rates and special visits
Groups of 15 or more people may receive a discount on admission. You will need to contact the aquarium directly to arrange group pricing, as it is not available through the standard online booking system. The aquarium's main phone number is on their website.
The aquarium also offers special evening hours and private rental options for events, though these cost significantly more than standard admission and require advance booking.
What's included with your ticket
Your admission ticket covers access to all the main exhibits, including the octopus tank, jellyfish galleries, sea otter habitat, and the underwater dome where you can watch fish swim overhead. You can spend as much time as you want in each area—there is no time limit on your visit.
Feeding demonstrations and talks by aquarium staff are included with admission and happen throughout the day on a posted schedule. These are worth timing your visit around, as they add context to what you are seeing.
The gift shop and café are inside the aquarium but operate separately, so food and souvenirs cost extra.
Parking and getting there
The Seattle Aquarium is located at Pier 59 on the waterfront in downtown Seattle. The dedicated parking lot next to the aquarium charges $15 for the day. If you arrive early or visit on a weekday, street parking along the waterfront is sometimes free or cheaper, though availability varies.
Public transit is another option: the waterfront streetcar stops nearby, and several bus routes serve the downtown waterfront area. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft also drop off at the pier.
Discounts for Washington residents and reciprocal members
Washington state residents sometimes receive a discount on admission, though this promotion is not year-round. Check the aquarium's website or call ahead to see if resident pricing is currently available.
If you hold a membership at another aquarium in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) network, your membership may include reciprocal entry to the Seattle Aquarium. This varies by membership level and institution, so check your membership card or contact your home aquarium to confirm.
Planning your visit and what to expect
The aquarium is busiest on weekends and during school holidays. If you prefer a quieter experience, visiting on a weekday morning is usually less crowded. Summer months and holiday weeks draw the largest crowds.
Plan to spend two to three hours inside, though you can move through faster if you skip the talks and demonstrations. The facility is indoors and climate-controlled, so weather does not affect your visit.
Strollers are allowed, and the aquarium is wheelchair accessible. Service animals are permitted, but pets are not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I buy tickets online and can't go?
Refund policies vary depending on when you purchased and how far in advance your visit is. Check the terms when you buy, or contact the aquarium directly through their website to ask about your specific ticket.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance or can I just show up?
You can buy tickets at the gate the day of your visit, but online purchase is faster and sometimes slightly cheaper. On very busy days, the gate line can be long, so buying ahead is convenient if you know when you are going.
Are there discounts for military or students?
The aquarium occasionally offers military or student discounts, but these are not permanent. Check the Seattle Aquarium website or call their main number to see what discounts are currently available.
What if I visit with a very young child—do I need to buy a ticket for a baby?
Children under 4 are free and do not need a ticket. Children 4 and older are charged the child rate of $22.95.
Is there a best time of day to visit to avoid crowds?
Weekday mornings, especially in fall and winter, are typically quieter. Weekends and afternoons are busier. If you are flexible with your schedule, a Tuesday or Wednesday morning usually offers the most relaxed experience.