About the Connections program
The Seattle Aquarium aims to be inclusive and welcoming to all, and believes that our audience should reflect the diversity of our region. Toward that end, the Seattle Aquarium Connections program provides complimentary admission tickets and discounted memberships through community partner organizations.
The goal of the Seattle Aquarium Connections program is to provide opportunities to experience the Aquarium to those in our community who might otherwise experience barriers to engaging with us. To support our mission of Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment, we hope to create authentic, mutually beneficial relationships that build trust between the Aquarium and our partner communities and provide quality, culturally relevant marine conservation educational experiences to all.
Please keep an eye out for changes to the Connections program and application process in spring 2025.
Becoming a partner
Applications are currently closed. Please keep an eye out for changes to the Connections program and application process in spring 2025.
Eligible partners include service-based nonprofit or governmental organizations that support members of marginalized communities including but not limited to: low-income families; communities of color; immigrant and refugee communities; people with disabilities; the deaf community; people who are blind; families or individuals experiencing homelessness; and others.
Once established as community partners through our Connections program, participating organizations have access to enjoy free general admission to the Aquarium, $35 Connections membership vouchers, outreach opportunities, programming through the Beach Naturalist and Cedar River Salmon Journey programs, on-site enhancements, special events and more.
What we ask for in exchange is that community partners designate one primary contact to represent their organization and act as a liaison between the Aquarium and any coworkers who may want to utilize the Connections program. (We understand that this may not be efficient for larger organizations; please contact us to make alternate arrangements if that’s the case.)
The primary contact is responsible for ordering and distributing all tickets and vouchers needed by the organization; and maintaining and returning distribution logs provided by the Aquarium to track basic demographics on the audiences receiving tickets and vouchers. We also ask the primary contact to inform others within their organization about opportunities at the Seattle Aquarium, so the whole organization can benefit from the Connections program. If the primary contact changes, it is the responsibility of the community partner to inform the Seattle Aquarium of this change.
Benefits of the Connections program
FREE GENERAL ADMISSION
The Seattle Aquarium Connections program offers free general admission through two types of tickets distributed to our community partners.
Group reservations: Online registration is required for groups of 10 or more people (including chaperones) who are coming to the Aquarium together and must be reserved at least two weeks in advance. You will receive an entrance confirmation to bring when entering the Aquarium; printed tickets are not required for group reservations. This option reduces costs and is more sustainable than printing paper tickets.
Individual tickets: Individual tickets are distributed to qualifying families and patrons of partner organizations who wish to visit the Aquarium on their own.
For those interested in ocean conservation careers, we have opportunities to enhance your group’s visit to the Seattle Aquarium. For more information, please email connections@seattleaquarium.org.
$35 MEMBERSHIP VOUCHERS
These vouchers offer a full year of Aquarium membership, at a significant savings, to low-income families. Partners can distribute Connections membership vouchers to community members who would like to purchase an Aquarium Family Plus membership for $35. All standard membership benefits apply.
Note: We require that distribution logs be maintained for individual tickets and membership vouchers to track basic audience demographics.
Individual tickets and membership vouchers are valid for one year from the date they were printed and may be distributed to staff members of partner organizations if said staff qualify for services the organization provides.
Tickets and membership vouchers should never be used as rewards, incentives or donation items for fundraising. They do not have a cash value, are nontransferable, should never be sold and are not to be given to employees or non-qualifying individuals for personal use.
OUTREACH PROGRAMMING
The Seattle Aquarium provides multiple opportunities for programs in the community, including but not limited to:
- Beach Naturalist program: Schedule a time to join us on a local shoreline at low tide for a beach animal program.
- Cedar River Salmon Journey: Schedule a time to join us along the Cedar River or at the Ballard Locks as we watch sockeye, Chinook and coho salmon head upstream to spawn.
- Bring Aquarium programming to your community center, event, classroom and more. Our outreach programs offer a wide range of topics that align with various interests and can be adapted to fit any age group.
For those interested in collaborating with us on outreach opportunities, please email connections@seattleaquarium.org.
How to join the Connections program
Applications are currently closed. Please keep an eye out for changes to the Connections program and application process in spring 2025.
You can apply online to become a community partner through the Connections program. You’ll need to have the following information available:
- Organization name and address
- Contact information for the designated contact from your organization
- Website address
- An organization description and/or mission statement
- A description of the demographics and/or populations you serve, as well as the number of people you serve
- Nonprofit federal tax ID number
- Estimated number of tickets you anticipate requesting per year
If you have any questions about the Connections community partner application, please call (206) 693-6173 or email connections@seattleaquarium.org.
For information on our other discount programs, please see our discounts and group rates page.
For current Connections program partners
Please keep an eye out for changes to the Connections program in spring 2025 and what to expect. If you have immediate questions, please email connections@seattleaquarium.org.
Current Connections program offerings
Beach Naturalist Outreach Program
Interested in having a program for your community group with our trained naturalists? We can meet you at a local beach where we offer programming for 90 minutes of exploration.
Offered July through August.
Cedar River Salmon Journey outreach program
Interested in having a program for your community group with our trained naturalists? We can meet you at one of the spots along the Ballard Locks or Cedar River where we offer 90 minutes of exploration programming.
Offered August through October.
Community Days
The Seattle Aquarium hosts Community Day events to celebrate, honor and welcome the diverse communities of Puget Sound. These events center around cultural and awareness months, days of significance, holidays and much more. Each Community Day features meaningful enhancements designed to support the community being celebrated in fostering a sense of belonging. Check our events calendar to learn about upcoming events.
Interested in collaborating on a future Community Day event? Please email us at connections@seattleaquarium.org.
Outreach programs
Our summer outreach programs have reached capacity for the season. Please check back in September for updates.
Bring Aquarium programming to your community center, event, classroom and more. Our outreach programs offer a wide range of topics that align with various interests and can be adapted to fit any age group:
Beach stewards: Get to know tide pool animals! Through a Western lens, we’ll examine the classifications and adaptations of these fascinating animals. Once we learn more about them, we will talk about and practice interacting with the tide pool inhabitants in a respectful and caring way.
Salmon journey: Whether we are aware of it or not, we are all connected to salmon. Salmon are the lifeblood of our river and ocean ecosystems, providing nourishment for people, animals and our natural environment. In an exploration of their life cycle, we'll use puppets, storytelling and knowledge, and play to learn more about these important relatives.
Whales and relatives: Join us for a deep dive into the world of cetaceans, or whales and their relatives! These large intellectuals of the ocean are known for their echolocation, strong family ties and ecological role at the top of the oceanic food web.
Seals, sea lions and otters: Come learn about the similarities and differences between seals, sea lions and otters! These marine mammals might have some similarities in appearance but they can lead very different lives from each other.
Do you have a fair or festival coming up? Would you like the Seattle Aquarium to attend? We can share information on our local marine invertebrates or the importance of salmon to our watershed. We’re always happy to educate and inform.
Frequently asked questions
How many tickets can I order?
At this time, you can order as many tickets as your organization can effectively distribute and record on the distribution logs. Please note that printing tickets does incur costs, and before your next order is filled, we will look at your redemption rates and number of tickets distributed in your logs to evaluate if they are being used.
When can we come to the aquarium with our Connections tickets or memberships?
Seattle Aquarium Connections tickets are valid during all open hours at the Seattle Aquarium. The Seattle Aquarium is open daily from 9:30am to 6pm (last entry at 5pm; exhibits close at 6pm). Please visit our Hours, Discounts and Groups page for information on special hours and closures.
To enhance your visit, we require all guests to enter the Aquarium with timed tickets. If you hold printed tickets from the Connections program, please proceed to the non-timed ticket line upon arrival, where a guest services representative will assist you in securing the next available time slot. We cannot guarantee how long the wait will be, though wait times are usually under 15 minutes. We appreciate your understanding.
How do I redeem a Connections membership voucher?
A membership voucher obtained through a community partner must be redeemed in person at the Aquarium. The name of the primary adult on the membership must be written on the voucher. Valid identification and payment of $35 are required to redeem the membership.
The membership provides unlimited admission for one or two named adults, up to six of their children/grandchildren (ages 18 and under), and one free guest every visit. See our Connections Membership page for a full list of benefits and policies.
I am not part of an organization; how do I get discounted tickets for myself?
For information on our discount programs for individuals, please see our hours, discounts and groups page.
About the Connections program
The Seattle Aquarium aims to be inclusive and welcoming to all. We believe that our audience should reflect the diversity of our region. To that end, the Seattle Aquarium Connections program partners with local community organizations, distributes complimentary admission tickets, engages in outreach events and more.
The Connections program aims to be part of an ocean conservation movement that is centered and led by the communities most impacted by climate change, environmental degradation and systemic barriers. We hope to create authentic, meaningful relationships that build trust between the Aquarium and our partner communities and provide high-quality, culturally relevant marine conservation experiences to all.
Becoming part of the reshaped program
Over the past 12 years our Connections program has grown rapidly. We have shared so many powerful moments with this community. Now, we are embarking on a new strategy that will allow us to more deeply engage with our community partners.
As of 2025, the Connections program will be working more closely with a smaller group of partners. Our goal is to build deeper, more intentional relationships. Through this process we will be working with some partners to co-create dynamic, culturally grounded educational offerings and community events, deepening our shared impact in service of our marine environment. Find more details on the program below.
A new application process is now underway. All organizations interested in becoming Connections partners—including current partner organizations—must apply online by May 6, 2025, at 11:59pm Pacific time.
The application will ask you questions about your organization’s mission and focus, the populations you serve, any previous experience with community engagement programs and desired partner benefits. During the process, you can apply for multiple partnership types.
If you have any questions about the Connections community partner application, please call (206) 693-6173 or email connections@seattleaquarium.org.
After the application window closes, we will review all partnership requests and select organizations based on community impact, need and alignment with the Aquarium’s mission. We will respond to every organization that applies and provide selected partners with onboarding materials.
While applications are open, we are pausing requests for free tickets, discounted memberships and group visits for current Connections partners. We will reopen these requests on May 20, 2025, after we have reviewed program applications and confirmed partners.
Types of partnerships
Anemone partnership
Just as anemones provide protection and shelter to marine fish, this partnership type represents a foundational relationship. Anemones symbolize stability, mutual benefit and foundational connections.
Benefits
- Free Aquarium tickets
- Discounted memberships
- Group visits
- Virtual tours
Commitments
- Appoint a liaison: Partners will designate one primary contact to represent their organization and act as a liaison between the Aquarium, their coworkers and their community, distributing tickets and maintaining distribution logs. (Alternate arrangements can be made on a case-by-case basis for larger organizations.)
- Provide feedback: Anemone partners are encouraged to provide feedback to help us stay connected with the community’s evolving needs.
Salmon partnership
Salmon reflects a partnership that goes beyond the fundamental level. Like the salmon that connect oceans and rivers, this partnership type connects the Aquarium with communities through educational outreach and enhanced Aquarium visits. Salmon represent endurance, local relevance and the flow of knowledge.
Benefits
- Free Aquarium tickets
- Discounted memberships
- Access to outreach programs like workshops, presentations, mobile exhibits and/or field programs
- Enhanced Aquarium visits with access to guided tours, specialized talks and/or behind-the-scenes access
- Virtual tours
Commitments
- Appoint a liaison: Partners will designate one primary contact to represent their organization and act as a liaison between the Aquarium, their coworkers and their community, distributing tickets and maintaining distribution logs. (Alternate arrangements can be made on a case-by-case basis for larger organizations.)
- Provide feedback: Salmon partners are encouraged to provide feedback to help us stay connected with the community’s evolving needs.
- Attend two events: Salmon partners are invited to participate in two listening sessions each, where community partners can come together and brainstorm new ways to engage and collaborate, strengthening the bonds between all participants.
Orca partnership
Please note: At the time, this type of partnership is by invitation only. In the application, prospective partners can let us know if they would be interested in being a future Orca partner.
This type of partnership is highly collaborative and dynamic, with communities working alongside the Aquarium to co-design events and programs. Like orca pods, this partnership type is about shared leadership, collective action and strong, lasting relationships.
Benefits
- Free Aquarium tickets
- Discounted memberships
- Access to outreach programs like workshops, presentations, mobile exhibits and/or field programs
- Enhanced Aquarium visits with access to guided tours, specialized talks and/or behind-the-scenes access
- Virtual tours
- Collaboration on community events at the Aquarium
- Co-design of outreach programs, contributing to event planning and content development
Commitments
- Appoint a liaison: Partners will designate one primary contact to represent their organization and act as a liaison between the Aquarium, their coworkers and their community, distributing tickets and maintaining distribution logs. (Alternate arrangements can be made on a case-by-case basis for larger organizations.)
- Provide feedback: Orca partners are encouraged to provide feedback to help us stay connected with the community’s evolving needs.
- Attend two events: Orca partners are invited to participate in two listening sessions each, where community partners can come together and brainstorm new ways to engage and collaborate, strengthening the bonds between all participants.
- Table at Community Days: Orca partners will participate in at least one Community Day event at the Aquarium where they will host a table, share their organization’s work and connect with community members.
- Collaborate on Community Days: Orca partners will also work with the Aquarium on a Community Day event, either by helping to shape the theme, content or activities.
- Co-design a program with us: As the most engaged partners, Orca members work directly with us to co-design new programs, ensuring they reflect community values, needs and priorities.
Frequently asked questions
Is one type of partnership better than the others?
Nope! We are excited to offer three different types of partnerships because they allow us to work with many organizations in different capacities. The type of partnership that works for one organization may not be a good fit for another. Each of the three partnership types comes with many fantastic benefits.
Do I have to reapply?
Yes, all organizations must apply, even those that are current Connections partners.
How do I apply?
Interested organizations should fill out our online application. The deadline to apply is May 6, 2025, at 11:59pm Pacific time.
How do I know if my organization is eligible?
We partner with organizations focused on Seattle and the surrounding areas. Eligible partners include service-based nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups or community centers that support members of marginalized communities including but not limited to: low-income families; communities of color; immigrant and refugee communities; people with disabilities; the deaf community; people who are blind; families or individuals experiencing homelessness; and others.
As a past Connections partner, can I request free tickets, discounted memberships or group visits?
Not at this time. As of March 2025, we will be pausing requests for free tickets, discounted memberships and group visits for current Connections partners. We will reopen these requests after we have reviewed program applications, later in spring 2025.
Do you offer discounted tickets for individuals?
Yes! The Seattle Aquarium offers discounted tickets for Tribal members, seniors, EBT, WIC, and other eligible visitors. You can learn more on our Hours, Discounts and Groups page.
How can I stay updated about future program changes?
The best way to stay up to date with the Connections Program is by subscribing to our newsletter.
If I apply and am not accepted for 2025, what can I do?
We welcome you to reapply next year. In the meantime, we offer discounted tickets for Tribal members, seniors, EBT, WIC and other eligible visitors. You can learn more on our Hours, Discounts and Groups page.
