General admission prices at the Denver Aquarium

General admission to the Denver Aquarium costs $24.99 for adults, $14.99 for children ages 3 to 12, and children under 3 enter free. Seniors 65 and older pay $19.99. These are the standard walk-up prices at the ticket window or online. Prices can vary slightly depending on the day of the week and the season — peak summer days sometimes cost more than winter weekdays.

The aquarium is located at 303 West 23rd Avenue in Denver, Colorado. It is open year-round, though hours change seasonally. Before you go, check the Denver Aquarium website for current hours and any temporary closures, because maintenance work occasionally closes sections of the building.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard admission is $24.99 for adults and $14.99 for children ages 3 to 12, with free entry for children under 3.
  • Prices are higher during peak summer season and lower on winter weekdays, so timing your visit can reduce cost.
  • Annual memberships start around $99 and pay for themselves in four visits, plus they include guest passes and discounts at the gift shop.
  • Combination tickets bundling the aquarium with other Denver attractions like the Zoo or Museum of Nature and Science are available through the Denver Attractions Pass.
  • Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the building, though street parking is also available in the surrounding neighborhood.

Discounts and membership options

An annual membership to the Denver Aquarium costs around $99 for an individual and $179 for a family of four. Members get unlimited visits, skip-the-line entry, discounts on food and gift shop purchases, and the ability to bring guests at reduced rates. If you plan to visit more than four times in a year, membership typically saves money compared to paying per visit.

The Denver Aquarium also offers discounts for military personnel with valid ID, though the discount amount varies. Some local employers and credit unions negotiate group rates for their members — check with your HR department or union to see if your organization has a partnership. School groups and large parties can arrange discounted rates by contacting the aquarium directly.

Combination passes and bundled attractions

The Denver Attractions Pass bundles admission to multiple Denver venues, including the Denver Zoo, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and the Aquarium. A three-attraction pass typically costs less than buying each ticket separately, though the exact savings depend on which attractions you choose and when you visit. You can purchase the pass online and use it over several weeks — it does not have to be used all at once.

If you are visiting Denver with family and plan to see more than one major attraction, comparing the cost of a combination pass against individual tickets is worth the time. The pass is sold through the Denver Attractions website and through some hotel concierge desks.

What is included in your admission

Your ticket covers access to all the permanent exhibits in the aquarium, including the tropical reef, the Colorado River ecosystem, and the interactive touch pools. Special traveling exhibits sometimes cost extra, and the aquarium announces these in advance on its website. You can spend two to three hours seeing the main exhibits at a comfortable pace, though you can move through faster if you prefer.

Admission does not include food, beverages, or items from the gift shop. The aquarium has a cafe with sandwiches, snacks, and drinks at typical aquarium prices — bringing your own water bottle and snacks from outside can reduce costs. The gift shop sells souvenirs, books, and educational materials ranging from a few dollars to over $50.

Parking and transportation costs

Parking in the lot directly adjacent to the Denver Aquarium is free. Street parking is also available in the surrounding neighborhood, though availability varies depending on the time of day and season. If you use a paid parking app or garage, costs typically range from $5 to $15 for a few hours, depending on the lot.

The aquarium is accessible by public transit — the RTD light rail stops nearby, and a single ride costs $3.50. If you are driving from outside Denver, factor in gas and any tolls on I-25. The aquarium's address is 303 West 23rd Avenue, Denver, CO 80205, and it has its own entrance and parking area separate from the nearby Denver Zoo.

Planning your visit on a budget

Visiting on a weekday in winter or early spring typically costs less than summer weekend visits, because the aquarium charges lower prices during slower seasons. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the quietest days, which also means shorter lines and a more relaxed experience. If you live in Colorado, checking whether your county or city offers any resident discount programs is worth doing — some do, though availability varies.

Bringing your own snacks and water bottle, skipping the gift shop, and planning a two-hour visit rather than a full day can keep your total cost down. If you are a frequent visitor or have children who love aquariums, the annual membership pays for itself quickly and removes the per-visit cost decision entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own food and drinks into the Denver Aquarium?

Outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the aquarium. You can bring an empty water bottle and fill it at fountains inside, or purchase drinks and snacks at the on-site cafe. Some visitors eat lunch in their car or at a nearby restaurant before or after their visit to avoid cafe prices.

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

You can buy tickets at the door, but purchasing online in advance is usually cheaper and faster. Online tickets are typically $1 to $2 less than walk-up prices, and you skip the ticket line. The aquarium website shows availability and lets you choose your visit date when you buy.

Is there a discount for Colorado residents?

The Denver Aquarium does not offer a blanket Colorado resident discount, but some individual counties and cities have reciprocal membership programs with the aquarium. Check with your local parks and recreation department to see if your area participates. Military discounts are available with valid ID.

What time of year is cheapest to visit?

Winter weekdays, particularly January through March, have the lowest admission prices. Summer weekends and school holidays are peak season and cost the most. Visiting on a Tuesday or Wednesday in February or March will typically give you the lowest per-ticket cost.

Can I leave and come back the same day?

Re-entry policies vary, so contact the aquarium directly to confirm. Most aquariums allow same-day re-entry if you keep your ticket, but it is best to verify before you plan your visit. Annual members can come and go as they please throughout the year.