Membership

As a nonprofit, the National Aquarium is deeply grateful to our members who provide vital support for our mission to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet.

Membership Levels

All memberships are immediately active upon purchase and valid for one year. For National Aquarium memberships, youths are ages 5-20. All children ages 4 and under are admitted free.

Level Individual

1 adult

+ 1 Member Evening guest pass

Level Dual

2 adults

+ 2 Member Evening guest passes

Level Family

2 adults + up to 5 youths

+ 2 Member Evening guest passes

Level Ocean Ambassador

2 adults + up to 6 youths

+ 3 guest passes per visit

Give More, Get More Donor Society

Become part of a special group of patrons who receive exclusive Aquarium access and benefits.

Private Sector Partners Corporate Memberships

Support the Aquarium while unlocking exclusive benefits for your company and clients.

Members enjoy these valuable benefits:

The benefits below do not apply to corporate members. Please explore our corporate membership levels and benefits.

Free unlimited admission for one year
Priority entry through the Member Entrance

Members-only events throughout the year—with free guest passes!

50% discount off standard parking rates at official partner garages

20% discount on guest tickets

20% discount on tours and experiences

10% discount on gift shop, cafe and photo purchases

Free subscription to Watermarks, our member magazine

Tax deduction within guidelines of U.S. law

Digital membership cards for contactless entry

Questions? You can contact the Membership team by calling 410-659-4230 from 9 am to 4:30 pm, seven days a week, or emailing members@aqua.org anytime.

Member Benefits Member Dining

The National Aquarium is pleased to offer members and guests an array of quick-serve dining options for meals and snacks during your visit. For more information on dining, check out our Plan Your Visit page. To receive your 10% dining discount, show your membership card when ordering in person, or use the member discount code found on your digital membership card and in your membership welcome email when ordering ahead online.

Watermarks

Watermarks, the National Aquarium's official bi-annual member magazine, gives readers a look behind the scenes at the animals, experts and programs that power the Aquarium's mission to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet.

Getting on in Years: Caring for Older Animals

Meet some National Aquarium animals whose advanced ages may (or may not) be apparent, and learn how staff tailor care for these older individuals.

Learn More

The Ocean's Unsung Heroes

Gwynns Falls: West Side Story

Building the Aquarium's Newest Exhibit

Your Membership Matters The Impact of Member Support

The National Aquarium is a nonprofit organization changing the way humanity cares for our ocean planet. We are proud of what we accomplish to benefit people, animals and the planet—thanks to support from our members.

Membership FAQs

Have a question about membership? We've answered our most frequently asked questions.

How do I use the member parking discount?

Members receive a 50% discount off standard parking rates at the Aquarium's three partner garages. Please note that we are unable to provide this discount to parking reserved in advance online. To receive the member parking discount, please follow these steps.

  1. Enter the chosen garage by taking a ticket and parking. Be sure to bring the ticket with you to the Aquarium.
  2. Get your parking ticket validated at the end of your visit before you exit the Aquarium.
  3. Take the validated ticket to the parking garage lobby, and the automated machines will discount the parking based on your length of stay.

For assistance with payment, visit the attendant's office located on the first floor of each garage.

Can I upgrade my Aquarium ticket purchase to membership?

Yes! Within 30 days of your visit, you can apply a portion of your ticket purchase to a new membership.

Step 1: Hold on to your tickets or purchase receipt.

Step 2: Activate your membership by contacting Membership Services at 410-659-4230 from 9 am to 4:30 pm seven days a week, or by visiting Membership Services located on Pier 3.

You may apply up to the following values for each membership level:

Individual: $49.95
Dual: $99.90
Family: $219.75
Ocean Ambassador: $259.70

**Offer applies to new membership purchases only. Ticket purchases from multiple visits cannot be combined, and the cost of 4D movies and tours may not be deducted from the price of membership. Your membership balance is due at the time of activation.

Can I purchase a membership onsite at the Aquarium?

Yes. Visit the Membership Services window located on Pier 3 to join, renew, or upgrade your membership.

Is my membership tax deductible?

Yes. The National Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization (EIN 52-1121163). Your membership donation is tax deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law.

What is your membership cancellation/refund policy?

Memberships are considered donations and are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Membership cards are not transferable to anyone not covered by your membership, except for a babysitter who can accompany children covered by the membership free of charge.

How do I add my digital membership card to my Apple or Android device?

If you recently joined or renewed your membership, check your email for a message with instructions and a link to download your digital membership card. You can also contact us at members@aqua.org to request your digital card. If you are a renewing member with an existing digital membership card downloaded after June 16, 2022, your card is still current and you do not need to download a new one.

How many membership cards will I receive?

One membership card will be issued for each adult named on the membership. Children will not receive membership cards unless they are 16 or older and named as a primary membership holder.

Can I visit if I don't have my membership card?

Yes! Membership cards are requested to speed entry, but a valid photo ID can also be presented at the Member Entrance if you haven't downloaded your digital card or/or don't have your non-digital card. Replacement cards can be printed at Membership Services located on Pier 3.

How do I purchase tickets for people not covered by my membership?

Members may purchase discounted guest admission tickets online; print-at-home vouchers for these tickets can be redeemed at Membership Services located on Pier 3 on the day your party visits. Members may also purchase discounted guest admission tickets in-person at Membership Services or by phone at 410-659-4230. Guests may use these tickets to enter through the Member Entrance without a member present. All tickets expire one year from purchase.

What are Member Evening guest passes?

A new membership benefit introduced in 2023 gives members free guest passes to use at each Member Evening monthly event. Member Evenings are when the Aquarium is open exclusively for members, providing a relaxed, crowd-free visit with access to all Aquarium exhibits plus special animal programs, food and beverage offerings, complimentary 4D film screenings and more. Each membership level comes with a set number of Member Evening guest passes for each event. Ocean Ambassador-level members can use their guest passes any time—during daytime visits or at Member Evenings. To use Member Evening guest passes, please register to attend in advance.

Do I need to name both adults on my membership?

One primary adult must be named on all memberships. For Dual, Family and Ocean Ambassador levels, naming a second adult is optional. If no second adult is named, one free guest (any age) may accompany the membership holder during visits.

What is the age range for children covered by my membership?

Effective January 10, 2023, for National Aquarium memberships, adults are ages 21 and over, and youths are ages 5-20. All children ages 4 and under are admitted free. Active memberships purchased before January 10, 2023, will not be subject to this age adjustment until the membership is up for renewal.

Can my child who is covered by the membership visit without one of the named adult members?

Yes! Youths covered by the membership can visit without an adult if they are at least 16 and if they bring the membership card and a valid photo ID.

Can guests covered by my membership visit without a primary membership holder?

An adult named on the membership must accompany all guests covered by the membership and all youths under the age of 16.

Can my caregiver bring my children to the Aquarium?

Yes! When none of the adults named on the membership can attend, one caregiver may accompany children and youths covered by the membership free of charge. The caregiver must possess the member's valid membership card to enter.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter Sign up to receive updates on animals, news and events.