Membership

How do I use the member parking discount?

Members receive a 25% discount 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.