General admission prices at the Boston Aquarium
Adult tickets cost $32.95, and children ages 3 to 11 cost $24.95. Children under 3 are free. Seniors (65 and older) pay $29.95. These are the standard walk-up prices at the ticket window or online. Prices do not include parking or food purchased inside the building.
The aquarium occasionally runs promotions during slower seasons or for Massachusetts residents, so checking their website before you visit can save you money. Some local libraries and community centers also distribute discounted tickets as a member benefit, so it's worth asking if you have access to either.
Key Takeaways
- Standard adult admission is $32.95; children ages 3 to 11 are $24.95; children under 3 are free.
- Seniors (65+) pay $29.95, and the aquarium sometimes offers discounts for Massachusetts residents or during off-season months.
- Parking at the aquarium garage costs extra and fills quickly on weekends; street parking is limited and metered.
- Annual memberships start around $99 for individuals and pay for themselves after three to four visits if you plan to return.
- Food and drinks inside the aquarium are priced like most tourist venues—expect to pay $12 to $18 for a sandwich or entree.
What's included in your ticket
Your admission covers access to all the main exhibits: the Giant Ocean Tank (the largest tank in the building, with sea turtles and large fish), the Tropical Gallery, the Shark and Ray Touch Pool, the Jellyfish Gallery, and the penguin exhibit. You can spend as much time as you want in each area—there's no time limit once you're inside.
The aquarium also includes a 3D theater that shows rotating films about ocean life. These films are included in your admission, though you may have to wait for the next showing depending on when you arrive. The touch pools (where you can handle starfish and rays under staff supervision) are also part of your ticket and do not cost extra.
Parking and transportation costs
The aquarium's own parking garage charges $28 for the day if you park and leave, or $32 if you enter and exit multiple times. This is separate from your admission ticket. The garage is convenient but fills up quickly on weekends and school vacation weeks.
If you use public transportation, the Blue Line subway stops directly at the aquarium (the Aquarium station), which costs $2.85 per trip on the MBTA. This is often cheaper and faster than driving and parking, especially if you're coming from downtown Boston or Cambridge. Street parking near the aquarium is metered and limited, so it's not a reliable option on busy days.
Annual memberships and season passes
An individual annual membership costs around $99 and includes unlimited visits for one year plus discounts on food and gift shop purchases. A household membership (two adults and up to four children) runs approximately $199 per year. Members also get reciprocal benefits at other aquariums and zoos across the country, which can add value if you travel.
If you plan to visit three or more times in a year, a membership usually pays for itself. The membership also lets you skip the ticket line and go straight to entry, which saves time on busy days. You can purchase a membership online or at the ticket counter.
Food and beverage prices inside the aquarium
The aquarium has a café and a few snack stands. A sandwich or wrap typically costs $12 to $16, a salad runs $11 to $14, and a hot entree (like fish and chips) is $15 to $18. Drinks cost $3 to $5 for bottled water or soda, and coffee is $4 to $6. Snacks like popcorn or pretzels are $6 to $8.
You are allowed to bring your own food and eat in the designated seating areas, which many families do to save money. There is no outside food restriction posted at the entrance, so pack a lunch if you want to keep costs down.
Special events and group rates
The aquarium offers group rates for parties of 15 or more, which typically reduce the per-person cost by $2 to $4 depending on group size. School groups and organized tours can book in advance and sometimes negotiate further discounts. Birthday parties and private events can be held in the aquarium's event spaces, though these require separate rental fees beyond admission.
The aquarium also hosts special evening events during the summer months where you can explore the building after hours with a guide. These ticketed events cost more than standard admission (usually $40 to $60 per person) but include food and a smaller crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy tickets in advance or can I just show up?
You can buy tickets at the window on the day you visit, but online purchase is faster and sometimes slightly cheaper. On weekends and school vacation weeks, the line at the ticket window can be 20 to 30 minutes long, so buying online ahead of time saves time. You can purchase tickets on the aquarium's website and show them on your phone at entry.
Is there a discount if I'm a Massachusetts resident?
The aquarium occasionally offers resident discounts during slower months (typically January through March), but these are not year-round. Check the aquarium's website or call ahead to see if a discount is running during your planned visit. The discount is usually $3 to $5 off per ticket and requires a valid Massachusetts ID.
Can I bring a stroller or wheelchair into the aquarium?
Yes. Strollers and wheelchairs are allowed throughout the building. The aquarium is mostly accessible, though some areas like the upper levels of the Giant Ocean Tank have stairs. Staff can direct you to accessible routes, and elevators are available in most sections. If you have specific accessibility needs, call ahead to confirm what's available.
What time of day is the aquarium least crowded?
Weekday mornings (Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon) are typically the quietest. Weekends, school vacation weeks, and summer afternoons are the busiest. If you want a more relaxed experience with shorter lines at the touch pools and exhibits, a weekday morning visit is your best option.
Can I leave and come back the same day?
Yes, but you'll need to ask the staff at the exit to stamp or mark your hand so you can re-enter. This is free, but let them know before you leave that you plan to return. If you're planning multiple visits in one day, an annual membership is a better value than buying two separate tickets.