Adventure Aquarium: Free Pre-K Kid’s Adventure Pass
It is the time of year to register your preschool-aged child for this free pass to the Adventure Aquarium. Read on to discover more information about this pass and our experience with it. Find out other ways to go to the aquarium at a cheaper rate as well.
Pre-K Kid’s Adventure Passes for the Adventure Aquarium
What is the pass?
It is a free pass to allow your preschool aged child to visit the aquarium for unlimited visits within one year.
For what ages is this pass?
Any child between the ages of 2 and 5 can register for this free pass. Kids under 2 are always free!
How do I register for the pass?
Go to this website: Pre-K Kid’s Adventure Pass!
Register where it says Register Now.
Go to the box office outside of the aquarium to register your child’s pass before October 27th.
You will need an original or copy of a birth certificate, green card, passport or adoption/foster paperwork in order to register your child.
Can I register for more than one pass?
Yes! There was a year that we had registered for two passes in the past.
Is it actually free?
Yes! The pass is free.
What money will I need to pay?
It will still cost money to visit the aquarium since you will still need to purchase tickets or a membership for you to go to the aquarium with your child. Be sure to factor this into your calculations. When activating the pass for your child be sure to remember to make a reservation to the aquarium for anyone else going to the aquarium with your child ahead of time. You can view Ticket and Membership Information here: Adventure Aquarium Tickets and Membership. Aquarium parking is also $10 in the lot across the street. This can be lower depending on your membership type.
Can you bring food into the aquarium?
Yes! There is also food available for purchase inside the aquarium as well. There is also usually a hot dog vendor out front. Bain’s Deli is also adjacent to the aquarium. It is often open at times similar to the aquarium.
Our Experience with the Program
For our family this is our third and last year doing this program since my younger son is now five. The most important thing to remember is to register for the program and activate the pass before October 27th or else you will miss out. The line for activation of the pass outside of the box office in September and October is usually long. It often takes 45 minutes to an hour. Be sure to bring activities and snacks for your kids for while you wait in line. Purchasing your own tickets and reservations ahead of time helps shorten this wait for everyone.
We have loved the program. Our first year I would buy tickets whenever I took the kids to the aquarium. This can add up. The following year I instead got a silver membership which decreased the cost compared to buying multiple tickets. For this past year my older daughter was 7 so I instead purchased the gold membership. With this my parking cost was decreased to $5 a visit. By using this membership my son and I could visit at anytime and we could also bring my daughter along on Bring-a-Friend weeks.
We have found the Pre-K pass worthwhile since the kids love the aquarium. There are often new things happening at the aquarium such as mermaids, underwater pumpkin carving and more. The aquarium also has different programs throughout the day and small 3D movie showings. There are always plenty of things to do when we are there for a visit.
My daughter likes to visit the African penguins on every visit.
Are there other ways to visit the Adventure Aquarium at a free or discounted rate?
You can visit the aquarium for free on your birthday. Find out how here: Free Birthday Admission. We did this one year and I also got a cool sticker.
There are periodically Homeschool Weeks throughout the year for homeschoolers. These offer discounted admission. We did this once in the past as well. There are no more in 2024 but stay tuned for more weeks offered in 2025.
If you are a Scout, groups of 20 or more can receive reduced admission: Scout Weekends.
A membership can be a cheaper way to visit if you are planning on visiting more than once in a year.
There is a discounted military rate for one day admission tickets.
Admission is cheaper if you have purchased a Philadelphia City Pass. The pass can be used for 3,4 or 5 attractions depending on the one you pick. It is valid for 9 days once you start using the pass. To do this first purchase your CityPass ticket online. Then call (844) 747-FISH to reserve your time on the day of your visit.
The aquarium has reciprocity with the Newport Aquarium in Kentucky.
Be sure to check their website periodically throughout the year. In the past I have seen other offers such as bring one child free with purchase of an adult admission.
Be sure to get your Pre-K Pass before October 27th so that your family can enjoy the aquarium as well.