Going to the Florida Aquarium can be an amazing experience, with the chance to see sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, and more up close. However, aquarium tickets can be quite expensive, especially for families. The good news is there are ways to save money on Florida Aquarium tickets so you can enjoy this top Tampa attraction on a budget.
Look for Discounted Aquarium Tickets Online
One of the best ways to get cheap Florida Aquarium tickets is to buy them online in advance. There are a few reputable websites that offer discounted Florida Aquarium tickets, often 20-60% off regular gate prices. These sites buy bulk tickets in advance from the aquarium and can pass the savings on to customers.
Some top sites to check for discounted online Florida Aquarium tickets include:
- Visit Tampa Bay – Usually has tickets for 20-25% off gate prices
- CityPASS – Bundles aquarium tickets with other Tampa attractions for 40% off combined gate prices
- Groupon – Frequently has Florida Aquarium ticket deals, sometimes up to 50% off
- Undercover Tourist – Sells discounted combo tickets for the aquarium and other Tampa attractions
The great thing about buying tickets online is you can reserve a date and time in advance, which helps avoid long lines buying tickets at the gate. Be sure to purchase from an authorized ticket reseller for guaranteed admission. Also check for any blackout dates that apply to the discounted tickets.
Use Aquarium Membership Discounts
If you plan on visiting the Florida Aquarium more than once per year, consider purchasing an annual membership. Membership levels offer unlimited free general admission along with various additional perks.
An Individual membership costs $110 per year ($9.17/month) and gives unlimited entry for 1 adult or child. A Dual membership is $145 annually ($12.08/month) and includes unlimited admission for 2 adults or children. Additional membership levels are available for families and couples.
Members also get benefits like free parking, discounts on guest tickets, early entry privileges, aquarium gift shop discounts, and more. An aquarium membership can pay for itself quickly if you visit more than 2-3 times per year.
Take Advantage of Florida Resident Rates
Florida residents can save up to 25% on regular aquarium admission tickets. To get the Florida resident rate, you just need to show a valid Florida ID when purchasing tickets. This discount applies for both online pre-purchased tickets and walk-up tickets bought at the gate.
The Florida resident aquarium ticket rates are:
- Adults (ages 12-59) – $24.95 ($6 off)
- Seniors (ages 60+) – $22.95 ($4 off)
- Children (ages 2-11) – $19.95 ($3 off)
Kids under 2 are always free. The Florida resident discount can add up to big savings, especially for families visiting the aquarium. It’s definitely worth having your Florida ID ready when buying tickets.
Go on Free Community Appreciation Days
Twice per year, in January and September, the Florida Aquarium offers free admission to Tampa Bay residents during special Community Appreciation Days. During these events, Tampa Bay residents simply need to show a local ID like a driver’s license to get free entry.
Community Appreciation Days are usually held over a weekend day. The specific dates are posted on the aquarium’s website and social media pages a few months in advance. Going on one of these free days is a great way to visit the aquarium on a budget.
Visit on Discount Days
Throughout the year, the Florida Aquarium offers reduced price admission on certain promotional days and times:
- Parent’s Free Days – Moms and Dads get free aquarium entry when accompanying at least one full price child admission ticket on the 1st Sunday of each month.
- BOGO Days – For a limited time on certain weeks, buy one full price ticket and get one free ticket of equal or lesser value.
- Weekday Afternoons – Ticket prices are a few dollars cheaper for visits on weekdays between 2-5pm.
Taking advantage of these periodic discount days is an easy way to trim some costs off Florida Aquarium tickets for the whole family. Be sure to check the aquarium’s event calendar for the latest discount days before your visit.
Join the Homeschool Program
If you homeschool your children, consider joining the Florida Aquarium’s Homeschool Membership Program. For just $75 per year, you get unlimited aquarium admission for up to 4 homeschooled students and 2 adults.
The program also includes special educational events and activities just for homeschool families. Plus you receive discounts on summer camps, sleepovers, and other programs. This is a very affordable way for homeschoolers to incorporate the aquarium into their curriculum.
Get Discount Aquarium Tickets from Public Libraries
Many local library systems offer free or discounted aquarium tickets you can check out with your library card. For instance, the Tampa-Hillsborough County library offers $5 Florida Aquarium tickets to cardholders. Pinellas County libraries let cardholders print out a coupon for $3 off aquarium admission.
Contact your local library to see if they offer any Florida Aquarium ticket deals for cardholders. Even small per ticket savings add up, especially for larger families. Every bit helps when you’re trying to stick to a budget.
Search for Florida Aquarium Coupons
Another easy way to save on aquarium tickets is to look online for Florida Aquarium coupons. There are always a variety of coupon codes and printable vouchers available offering $2-$5 off admission.
You can find aquarium coupon deals on sites like Groupon, RetailMeNot, Coupons.com, and directly through the aquarium’s website and social media pages. Just search “Florida Aquarium coupons” and see what savings you can find.
Make sure to read the fine print on any coupons for blackout dates and other restrictions. With a little searching, it’s often possible to save at least $5 per ticket by stacking coupons on top of other discounts.
Bring Your Own Food & Drink
One way to save money during your aquarium visit is to bring your own meals and snacks. The aquarium allows you to bring in outside food and sealed water bottles which is perfect for families on a budget.
Pack sandwiches, fruit, granola bars, trail mix, and other simple items to keep food costs down. Stay hydrated with reusable water bottles instead of buying drinks inside. You can have lunch at the outdoor picnic tables and avoid spending money at the aquarium’s food court.
A little meal preparation before your visit goes a long way towards controlling food expenses. The aquarium also has free filtered water stations if you need refills.
Get Cheap Parking
When visiting the Florida Aquarium, you’ll have to park in the nearby Channelside parking garage. This garage charges $15 for self-parking. Thankfully, there are ways to get discounted and free parking to avoid this added expense.
Some options for cheaper aquarium parking include:
- Purchase parking voucher online in advance – Can save around $5 off drive-up rate
- Park in nearby surface lots – Lots a few blocks away charge $5-10 for full day parking
- Rideshare or get dropped off – Avoid parking fees by taking Lyft, Uber, taxi, etc
- Walk or ride bikes – If staying nearby, walk or ride bikes over instead of driving
- Use ParkMe app – Gives real-time parking rates to find cheapest garages & lots
Saving on parking or avoiding garage fees altogether will help trim costs off your Florida Aquarium visit. Every dollar counts when trying to vacation on a budget.
Visit the Aquarium Off-Season
Visiting the Florida Aquarium during non-peak times is one of the simplest ways to get cheaper tickets. Avoid visiting during popular spring break and summer vacation months when ticket prices are highest.
Opt instead to visit in the fall, winter, or early spring when fewer people are visiting Tampa. Not only are tickets cheaper off-season, but the aquarium is also less crowded so you can enjoy exhibits more. September, October, and November are some of the best budget-friendly times to visit the aquarium.
Check the aquarium’s calendar for projected peak season dates. Then plan your trip around less busy periods to maximize value and save money.
Volunteer at the Aquarium
If you really love aquariums and want the most affordable way to visit often, consider becoming a Florida Aquarium volunteer. Volunteers get free year-round admission in return for working a regular volunteer shift.
Volunteer opportunities range from working in exhibits and behind the scenes, to guest assistance and education roles. There is a short application and training process. The minimum commitment is 48 volunteer hours per year, or about once a week.
Volunteering is a fun way for aquarium lovers to support the nonprofit Florida Aquarium. You get hands-on experience while gaining unlimited free admission for an entire year. It just takes a bit of your time and enthusiasm.
Use Money Saving Tips in Combination
To maximize savings on Florida Aquarium tickets, use a combination of money-saving tips together. For example, buy discounted online tickets during the off-season, use coupons and Florida resident discount, bring your own food and drink, then get cheap parking. Combining just a few frugal tips can lead to huge savings.
Here is an example breakdown of potential aquarium ticket savings for a family of four with some smart budgeting:
Savings Method | Savings Per Ticket | Total Savings (Family of 4) |
---|---|---|
Online ticket discount (25% off) | $6 off adult, $3 off child | $24 off |
Florida resident discount | $6 off adult, $3 off child | $24 off |
Coupon codes ($5 off each ticket) | $5 off per ticket | $20 off |
Visiting off-season (10% price drop) | 10% off gate prices | $14 off |
Total Potential Family Savings | $82 off |
As you can see, combining multiple discounts, deals, and budget tips can add up to huge savings – in this example allowing a family of four to visit the aquarium for $82 cheaper. The more strategies you’re able to use, the less the aquarium will cost.
Conclusion
Visiting the amazing Florida Aquarium doesn’t have to break the bank. Take advantage of online ticket discounts, memberships, discount days, coupons, off-season visits, cheap parking, and other budget tips. Use multiple strategies together to maximize savings for big discounts off regular aquarium ticket prices.
With a little planning and flexibility, getting affordable Florida Aquarium tickets is totally doable. Use these money-saving tricks to cut costs and make unforgettable memories at one of Tampa’s top attractions.