The Tennessee Aquarium is a nonprofit organization changing the way our community cares for its rivers, streams and tributaries, which are a vital link to the ocean. Together with our members, we can deepen our connection to the water and wildlife that is all around us.
Support the Tennessee Aquarium’s mission and embark on a journey of purposeful fun with a membership level that’s right for you!
Membership Categories
All Membership categories include unlimited Aquarium admission to both River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings for a full year, along with numerous additional member benefits.
Dual Deluxe and Family Deluxe Memberships also include unlimited IMAX documentaries. Guest passes can be added to all membership levels.
Dual – $135
Dual Memberships include access for one specified adult and one guest (each visit).
Family – $195
Family Memberships include access for two specified adults and any five youth (ages 5-17) each visit. Adults do not have to be from the same household but must be specified and cannot change throughout the year.
Dual Deluxe – $195
Dual Deluxe Memberships include all benefits of a Dual Membership, plus unlimited IMAX documentary films.
Family Deluxe – $275
Family Deluxe Memberships include all benefits of a Family Membership, plus unlimited IMAX documentary films.
Looking to purchase a membership as a gift for someone else?
Visit our Membership Gift Certificates page for more details!
Member Benefits
On-Site Benefits for Members
All Tennessee Aquarium Memberships include:
- Unlimited Aquarium Admission for one full year (from the date of purchase), without reserving entry ahead of time
- Discounts on IMAX documentaries and Hollywood films
- Savings in Aquarium gift shops and concessions
- Special offers on guest tickets
- Invitations to special events that deepen your connection to the Tennessee Aquarium
- Advanced, discounted registration to events and programs (Aquascarium, Camps, Sleep in the Deep and more!)
Other Discounts
Show your Aquarium membership pass at these regional and area businesses to receive a discount! Discounts are valid through December 31, 2025.
- Ben & Jerry’s: 15% discount on one ice cream per visit*
- Biltmore Estate: $10 off daytime admission (limited to four tickets, must be reserved in advance by calling Biltmore’s Reception & Ticketing Sales Center at 800-624-1575)
- Burger Republic: 15% discount on one entrée item per visit*
- Chattanooga Zoo: 15% off general admission tickets
- Creative Discovery Museum: $2 off general admission (redeem onsite with Guest Relations)
- High Point Climbing & Fitness Downtown: $5 off a day pass (show your membership card on site)
- Mellow Mushroom: 15% discount on one entrée item per visit*
- Zoo Atlanta: $3 off general admission (tickets limited to the number of individuals on the membership)
- Zoo Knoxville: $4 off general admission (show your digital membership card onsite at the Zoo)
*Offer valid only at the downtown Chattanooga location.
Please note: We do not currently participate in the AZA Reciprocal Program.
Membership FAQs
You should have received an email with links to access your digital membership cards. If you do not see this email in your inbox, please check your spam/junk folder. If you still do not see your email, please reach out to Member Services. They can assist you with re-sending your membership cards!
Your membership is valid one full year from the date of purchase. For example, if you purchase a membership on August 1, 2024, your membership will expire August 31, 2025.
No. Aquarium memberships are valid only for those whose names appear on the cards. Membership cards are not transferable to others and not valid for resale. Photo ID will be required upon entry for the specified primary and/or secondary members.
We offer a 20% year-round discount on memberships to individuals in the following categories:
- Active Military and Veterans (with military ID or DD214 card)
- First Responders: Police, Fire, EMT (with employee ID or paystub)
- K-12 Educators including certified homeschool teachers (with employee ID, paystub, or certification)
Discounted memberships may be purchased at Member Services in the River Journey building. Please arrive with your employee ID or paystub and a form of photo ID.
Please Note: Discounts on memberships are only available onsite and cannot be purchased online. Memberships purchased online cannot be discounted after the fact.
Additionally, employees of Aquarium Partners receive a 15% discount on memberships year-round. Please see the full list of current Partners.
Membership discounts apply to all new membership purchases and/or full-year membership renewals.
Yes, you can! You have up to 7 days following your visit to upgrade your admission tickets to a membership.
Follow the simple steps below to convert your ticket into a membership:
Step 1: Hang on to your tickets and receipt. You will need them when you upgrade!
Step 2: Contact our Member Services team by phone (423-267-3474), email ([email protected]), or in person within seven days of your visit.
Step 3: Member Services will get your new membership set up for you, giving you access to unlimited Aquarium visits for an entire year!
Helpful Hints:
- Our upgrade policy is one-for-one. The value of each ticket type (adult and child) may only be applied to a corresponding ticket type contained within the membership.
- For Example: Dual Membership – Up to two adult Aquarium tickets or Family Membership – Up to two adult and up to five youth Aquarium tickets.
- IMAX tickets may be used to upgrade to a Deluxe Membership level using the same one-for-one policy.
- Extra adult Aquarium tickets may be upgraded to add a guest option to any membership level.
- The upgrade value will be based on the price paid for the admission ticket. Complimentary tickets cannot be upgraded to a membership.
Important Membership Details:
Please note that Aquarium memberships are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Specified Members must show their membership cards AND a photo ID each visit. Guest passes and youth do not need to show a photo ID, but must visit with a specified member.
Memberships may be considered fully tax deductible under Internal Revenue Service guidelines. A tax receipt will be included on the membership receipt.
