Membership FAQ Categories
General questions
How do I visit the Aquarium as a member?
To expedite your entry, we recommend that members reserve tickets online before visiting. Log in to your membership account to access member tickets.
The number of free tickets you may reserve is based on your membership level. Additional tickets for those not covered under your membership must be purchased online separately.
Please arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before your scheduled time and no later than 15 minutes after your scheduled time. Come prepared to show your digital ticket for scanning.
Log in to reserve your tickets.
Where can I find my membership login information?
To view your membership and reserve member tickets, you must log in using the primary account holder’s last name and membership ID. This information is listed on your membership card and in the confirmation email you received when you purchased your membership.
If you don’t know your information, on the member login page, click “I don’t remember my Member ID.” You can also email us at membership@seattleaquarium.org for assistance.
As a member, what do I have to have with me when entering the aquarium?
- Digital or physical membership card (if you don’t have either one, we can look you up in our system but it may take some time).
- You may also be asked to provide identification for each adult member listed on your membership who is visiting that day.
How does a flexible guest work?
If you purchased an Individual Plus, Dual Plus or Family Plus membership or have a Friends of the Aquarium membership, then you have the flexible guest option as a benefit. A flexible guest is a guest that accompanies a member into the Aquarium. This member can be one of the listed adults or the listed member’s child (if you have the Family Plus membership). Only one flexible guest is allowed into the Aquarium per visit, per member family.
Can I change a name on my membership?
We allow one name change per membership year. You will have to return both of your membership cards to us consenting that both originally listed adults agree to have the name changed.
When does my membership expire?
One year from the end of the month that you purchased it in. Example: If you purchased on May 20, 2023, your expiration date would be May 31, 2024.
Is my membership transferable to another family?
Memberships are non-transferable.
Do you have reciprocity with other zoos and aquariums?
No, this membership only allows entry to the Seattle Aquarium.
Joining or renewing
How many children can I have on my membership?
With the Aquarium Family and Family Plus levels you may have up to six of your (grand)children (ages 18 and under) on your membership. Children ages 3 and under are always admitted free at the aquarium; therefore, a membership that includes children is not necessary for individuals or families with children under age 4.
Is there a membership available for daycares, schools, etc?
No, our memberships are for families and individuals only.
We have a nanny, what is the best membership option?
Our Family Plus membership with a flexible guest is the best way to go if you have a nanny or a local grandparent. Please see “How does a flexible guest work?” for more answers.
Can we use our admissions receipt toward our membership?
Yes. You can stop at the front desk at the end of your visit to upgrade to a membership. After selling you the membership, we will refund the general admission tickets that would have been free under the membership level you choose. Example: if you have two admission tickets on one receipt, but buy an Individual-level membership, only one of the admission tickets will be refunded.
You can also contact the membership department within two weeks of your visit to take advantage of this offer. Simply purchase a membership online and then email us at membership@seattleaquarium.org to request a refund on your ticket(s).
How do I become a donor? And what are the benefits of doing so?
As a nonprofit organization, our donors help us achieve our mission: Inspiring Conservations of Our Marine Environment. You can call us at (206) 693-6217 if you have any questions or visit the Donate page of our website.
Is my membership tax-deductible?
Yes, your membership is fully tax deductible. Seattle Aquarium is a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, #91-1189249, registered in Washington state.
Can I upgrade my membership to a higher level during my membership year?
If you think a higher level membership will better fit your family, then we can upgrade you within your membership year. You will be asked to pay the difference between how much you paid for your membership level and the level you would like to upgrade to—your expiration date will stay the same. You will then be asked to use your temporary membership until new cards arrive.
Are there any membership discounts?
Microsoft Prime members receive 20% off Seattle Aquarium memberships priced $299 and below. Valid Prime cards must be shown in person at the Aquarium to receive the discount.
Employees of our corporate partners may qualify to receive a membership discount. Please check with your employer to see if you qualify.
Washington State EBT, WIC or ProviderOne Services cardholders are eligible for a $35 membership. Details are provided on our discounts page.
Is there a membership for foster families?
The Seattle Aquarium is pleased to offer free admission to foster/kinship families during the Aquarium’s regular business hours. Families can also register for a $35 membership. To learn more, please visit our discounts page.
Digital membership cards
How do I add my digital membership card to my smartphone?
iPhone users:
iPhone users can use their pre-installed Wallet app or the Google Wallet app.
Access the email we sent from your smartphone and click the “Download Membership Card” button. Then select “Add to Wallet” or “Add to Google Wallet.” The card will be saved to your iPhone’s Apple Wallet or Google Wallet app, depending on which option you chose. It can be accessed at any time.
Android users:
Android users can use Google Wallet.
Access the email we sent from your smartphone and click the “Download Membership Card” button. Then select “Add to Google Wallet.” The card will be saved to your Google Wallet app and can be accessed at any time.
I don't have a smartphone/I'd prefer not to use a digital membership card. What should I do?
Please be ready to show your ID at the front gate so our guest services representatives can look up your membership for entry. If you have an older physical membership card, you can continue to use that as well.
My name is spelled wrong/membership level is incorrect.
Please call our membership team at (206) 838-3900 or email us at membership@seattleaquarium.org.
How can I share the digital card with another person covered on my membership?
For iPhone users using the Apple Wallet app:
Search for a three-dot icon (…) at the top right of your card. Once you tap on the icon, search for an icon that looks like an arrow over a square on the top right of your screen. You will see sharing options like Airdrop, Mail, etc. Use one of those options to share your card (the Mail option is recommended).
For Android or iPhone users using the Google Wallet app:
The email recipient can download the card and then forward the original email to the other adult member. That person can then also download the card using either Google Wallet or Apple Wallet.
Google Wallet allows the same download link to be used for both members, unlike Apple Wallet, which can only be downloaded to one device and then must be shared directly from the card.
I downloaded my card but I can't find it.
Check the Apple Wallet or Google Wallet apps on your phone. You may have to scroll through any cards that are already there—it may be hiding.
I'm a new member—when will I receive my digital membership card?
Thanks for joining us! Your digital membership card will be emailed to you within five to 10 business days of signup.
Will I receive a new digital card when I renew my membership?
If you already have your membership card installed on your phone, the card will automatically update within five to 10 business days with your new expiration date and any name changes that you may have made when you renewed. You will only receive a new card to download if you have not previously downloaded your card, or if your preferred email address, membership level, or membership ID changes.
Please contact us at membership@seattleaquarium.org at any time if you need us to resend the email containing your digital membership card.
How long does it take for information to be updated on my digital card?
Any changes to the information stored on your membership card will be updated within five to 10 business days of requesting/initiating the change. If you’ve disabled automatic updates, you may need to manually refresh your card by pulling down the screen.
Gift certificates and gift memberships
What is the difference between a gift certificate and a gift membership?
Gift certificates are emailed to the purchaser with the option to also have a physical certificate mailed to the purchaser or the recipient. The membership begins only when the gift certificate is redeemed. Perfect for gift giving!
Gift memberships begin on the date of purchase. Recommended for renewing existing members.
How do I purchase a gift certificate or gift membership?
Purchasing a gift certificate or gift membership is as easy as purchasing a membership for yourself—you can do so over the phone at (206) 838-3900 or on our website. For now, we prefer that you not make gift certificate/gift membership purchases in person.
How do I redeem my gift certificate?
Gift certificates must be redeemed for the membership to begin. They may be redeemed via mail, phone, email or in person at the Aquarium.
To redeem physical gift certificates via mail:
Attn: Membership
Seattle Aquarium
1483 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98101
To redeem physical or digital gift certificates via phone or email:
Call us at (206) 838-3900, Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm or email us at membership@seattleaquarium.org.
Can I purchase a gift certificate in any dollar amount?
The Aquarium only offers gift certificates for memberships and does not offer gift certificates for regular admission tickets or custom dollar amounts. General admission tickets may be purchased online and gifted—however, please note that tickets are only valid for 90 days after the date of purchase.
Member guests
How do I bring a half-price guest with me to the aquarium?
Basic Aquarium membership benefits include the option to bring up to two guests per membership per visit at half the admission price. When reserving your member tickets online, there will be an option to add one or two half-price guests to your order. Payment will be collected during checkout. Half-price guests cannot visit the Aquarium without a member present.
Events
How do I become informed of member events?
To help the environment and conserve resources, we send our member event invites through our monthly member e-newsletter, not via USPS. If you are an active member and not receiving these emails, please call the membership office at (206) 838-3900 or email us at membership@seattleaquarium.org.
