General admission prices at the Dallas Aquarium

General admission to the Dallas Aquarium of the Pacific costs $30 for adults, $20 for children ages 3 to 11, and seniors 65 and older pay $25. Children under 3 enter free. These are the standard walk-up prices at the ticket window, though online purchase sometimes offers a small discount — usually $1 to $2 off per ticket if you buy in advance through their website.

Prices do not vary by day of the week or season, so a Tuesday visit costs the same as a Saturday visit. The aquarium is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours during summer months (typically June through August, when closing time moves to 6 p.m.). Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the building.

Key Takeaways

  • Adult tickets are $30, children 3 to 11 are $20, and seniors 65 and older are $25 at the gate.
  • Buying tickets online before you visit usually saves $1 to $2 per ticket compared to paying at the entrance.
  • Annual memberships start at around $100 and pay for themselves after four visits, plus members get free parking and discounts at the gift shop.
  • The aquarium offers combo packages with other attractions in the area, which can reduce the total cost if you plan to visit multiple venues.
  • Children under 3 and some military personnel with valid ID enter at no charge.

Annual memberships and season passes

An annual membership costs approximately $100 for a single adult and $160 for a household of two adults. Members receive unlimited visits for one year, free parking, a 10 percent discount at the gift shop and café, and invitations to special member-only events. The membership pays for itself after four visits if you would otherwise pay full price each time.

The aquarium does not sell traditional season passes separate from memberships. If you plan to visit more than three or four times in a year, membership is the better value. Memberships renew automatically on the anniversary date, and you can cancel anytime before renewal.

Group rates and discounts

Groups of 15 or more people receive a discounted rate of approximately $22 per adult and $15 per child, a savings of about $8 per adult ticket. Groups must book in advance through the aquarium's group sales office, not at the gate. The aquarium also offers discounts for military personnel with valid ID (usually around $5 off per ticket) and for residents of certain nearby counties during designated community days.

School field trips and educational programs have their own pricing structure, typically lower than general admission, and include a guided component. Contact the education department directly for quotes on school visits.

Combo packages with nearby attractions

The Dallas Aquarium sometimes bundles tickets with other attractions in the Fair Park area, such as the Dallas Museum of Art or the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. These packages usually cost less than buying each ticket separately, though availability and pricing change seasonally. Check the aquarium's website or call ahead to see what combinations are currently offered.

If you are visiting multiple attractions in one trip, ask about multi-venue passes before purchasing individual tickets. Some packages are sold only through the aquarium's website or through the Fair Park website, not at the gate.

What is included in admission

Your ticket covers access to all permanent exhibits, including the main saltwater tanks, the touch pools, and the seahorse and jellyfish galleries. Most visitors spend two to three hours exploring. Admission does not include special events, IMAX films (if offered), or animal encounters, which are priced separately.

The aquarium provides free maps at the entrance. Lockers are available for a small fee if you need to store bags or coats. The café sells food and drinks at typical museum prices (a sandwich or salad runs $12 to $16), and outside food is not permitted inside the building.

Planning your visit on a budget

The cheapest way to visit is to buy tickets online a few days before you go, which saves $1 to $2 per person. If you live in the Dallas area and think you might visit twice in the next year, buy a membership instead — the cost per visit drops significantly. Visiting on a weekday morning (Tuesday through Thursday before noon) is typically less crowded than weekends, though prices are the same.

Some employers and credit unions offer discounted aquarium tickets as a member benefit. Check with your HR department or union office before buying at full price. The aquarium's website lists current promotions and discount codes, which change monthly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own food into the Dallas Aquarium?

No, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the building. The on-site café sells sandwiches, salads, and snacks, though prices are higher than outside restaurants. If cost is a concern, eat before or after your visit at a nearby restaurant.

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

You can buy tickets at the gate, but purchasing online a day or two ahead usually saves $1 to $2 per ticket and lets you skip the ticket line. During peak times (summer weekends and school holidays), buying in advance is recommended to avoid a wait.

Is parking free at the Dallas Aquarium?

Yes, parking in the adjacent lot is free for all visitors. Members also receive free parking, which is the same benefit everyone gets, so it is not an extra perk of membership.

What is the difference between a membership and a season pass?

The Dallas Aquarium sells memberships, not separate season passes. A membership gives you unlimited visits for one year plus perks like gift shop discounts and free parking. If you plan to visit four or more times in a year, a membership is cheaper than paying per visit.

Are there discounts for military or seniors?

Military personnel with valid ID receive a discount of around $5 off admission. Seniors 65 and older pay $25 instead of the full $30 adult price. Both discounts are available at the gate or when you purchase online.