The Saint Louis Aquarium charges admission, but free entry days exist

The Saint Louis Aquarium is not free to enter on most days. General admission costs vary by age: adults typically pay around $20, children ages 3 to 12 pay around $13, and children under 3 enter at no cost. Prices can shift seasonally and during special events, so checking the aquarium's website before your visit is worth the minute it takes.

However, the aquarium does offer free or discounted admission on specific days throughout the year. Missouri residents get free entry on certain designated dates — usually a few days each month — through a partnership program. Some local schools and community organizations also receive free group passes. The catch is that these free days fill up quickly and sometimes require advance registration.

If you live outside Missouri or miss the free days, several other ways exist to reduce what you pay at the door. Understanding which option fits your situation can save you money on a single visit or across multiple trips.

Key Takeaways

  • General admission ranges from $13 to $20 depending on age, with children under 3 entering free.
  • Missouri residents can enter free on designated days each month, though these dates fill up and may require advance registration.
  • Annual memberships cost between $100 and $200 and pay for themselves after four to six visits.
  • Discounted tickets are sometimes available through your employer, school, or local library.
  • Ticket prices vary by season, so visiting during slower months may offer lower rates than peak summer days.

Free admission days for Missouri residents

Missouri residents receive free entry on certain days each month through the aquarium's reciprocal membership program. These days are typically spread across the calendar — usually one or two per month — and are listed on the aquarium's official website under "Free Days" or "Resident Discounts." The exact dates change from month to month, so planning ahead matters.

To enter free on these days, you must show a valid Missouri ID or driver's license at the ticket counter. Some free days do require advance registration through the aquarium's website, and spots can fill up days or even weeks in advance, especially during school holidays or warm-weather months. If you see a date that works for you, register early rather than assuming you can walk up on the day itself.

If you live in a neighboring state, check whether your state has a reciprocal agreement with the Saint Louis Aquarium. Some states — including Illinois, Kansas, and Arkansas — have similar programs that grant free or discounted admission to residents on specific days.

Annual membership versus paying per visit

An annual membership to the Saint Louis Aquarium costs between $100 and $200 depending on the membership level you choose. A basic individual membership typically runs around $120 to $130 per year, while a family membership (covering two adults and up to four children) costs closer to $180 to $200. Members enter unlimited times during the membership year and often receive discounts on special events, the gift shop, and the on-site restaurant.

The math is straightforward: if you pay $20 per adult admission and visit six times in a year, you spend $120 — the cost of a basic membership. If your household visits more than six times, a membership saves money when ready. For families with multiple children, the family membership often pays for itself in four visits or fewer.

Members also skip the ticket line and sometimes receive early access to special exhibits or member-only events. If you live in the Saint Louis area and visit aquariums or similar attractions regularly, membership is usually the better deal than paying per visit.

Discounted tickets through employers and libraries

Many employers in the Saint Louis region offer discounted aquarium tickets as part of their employee benefits program. Check with your human resources or benefits department — some companies negotiate group rates or partner with local attractions. Discounts typically range from 10 to 25 percent off general admission.

Your local public library may also distribute discounted or free passes to the aquarium. Many library systems in Missouri participate in a program that loans out passes to cardholders for a week at a time. Call your branch library and ask whether they have Saint Louis Aquarium passes available. If they do, you can often reserve one online or in person, sometimes weeks in advance during peak seasons.

School groups and organized youth organizations can contact the aquarium directly to request group rates. Groups of 15 or more typically receive a discount, and some educational programs offer additional savings or special programming for school visits.

Seasonal pricing and slower-visit discounts

The Saint Louis Aquarium sometimes adjusts ticket prices based on the season. Summer months and school holidays tend to have higher admission costs, while fall and winter weekdays may offer lower rates. The aquarium occasionally runs promotions during slower periods — for example, discounted admission on weekday afternoons in January or February.

Visiting on a weekday rather than a weekend can also make a difference. While the aquarium does not always advertise a formal weekday discount, some special promotions or package deals are available during less busy times. Check the aquarium's website or call ahead to ask about current promotions before you buy tickets.

If you are flexible about when you visit, timing your trip for a slower season or a weekday can reduce your cost without requiring membership or a free-day registration.

Group rates and special event pricing

Groups of 15 or more people can receive discounted admission to the Saint Louis Aquarium. The discount amount varies but typically ranges from 10 to 20 percent off the standard ticket price. To arrange group admission, contact the aquarium's group sales department directly through their website or phone number — you usually need to book at least one to two weeks in advance.

The aquarium also hosts special events throughout the year — such as evening hours, themed nights, or holiday celebrations — that may have different pricing than regular daytime admission. Some of these events cost more than standard admission, while others may be included free for members. Check the events calendar on the aquarium's website to see what is happening during your planned visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can children under 3 enter the aquarium free?

Yes. Children under 3 years old enter the Saint Louis Aquarium at no cost. You will not need a ticket for them, though you may need to show proof of age at the entrance if asked.

Do I need to register in advance for free admission days?

Some free admission days require advance registration through the aquarium's website, while others allow walk-ups. Check the specific date you plan to visit on the aquarium's website — if registration is required, spots often fill up days or weeks ahead, so register as soon as the date opens.

What states have reciprocal free-day agreements with the Saint Louis Aquarium?

Illinois, Kansas, Arkansas, and a few other neighboring states have reciprocal agreements that grant free or discounted admission to residents on certain days. Check the aquarium's website or call to confirm whether your state participates and what ID you need to bring.

Is there a discount if I buy tickets online instead of at the gate?

The aquarium's website does not typically offer a lower online price than gate admission, but buying online in advance can save time by letting you skip the ticket line. Some special promotions or package deals may be available online, so it is worth checking before your visit.

Can I use a membership from another aquarium at the Saint Louis location?

The Saint Louis Aquarium participates in some reciprocal membership programs with other aquariums and zoos, but not all memberships transfer. If you hold a membership elsewhere, contact the Saint Louis Aquarium directly to ask whether it is honored there.