Here are some helpful answers to frequently asked questions regarding membership. You can find a full list of your Membership Benefits here.
Q. I’m a new member. How do I get my membership cards?
A. On your next Aquarium visit, please stop by Member Services in the River Journey building and present your driver’s license or photo ID. There, we will take your photo and print your membership cards. This step will only take a few minutes on your first visit. For future visits, you can scan directly into either Aquarium building directly. Please note: we do not mail membership cards.
Q. When does my membership expire?
A.Your membership is valid one full year from the date of purchase. For example, if you purchase a membership on January 5, 2023, your membership will expire January 31, 2024.
Q. Who is included on a family membership?
A. Family memberships include unlimited Aquarium admission for two specified adults and any five kids ages 5-17. Specified adults do not have to be from the same household, but must be named and do not change throughout the year. Kids do not have to be from the same household, but must be accompanied by a specified adult.
Q. I just renewed my membership. Do I need new cards or can I use my old ones?
A. We will need to print new member cards for you each time you renew your membership. This is also the one time annually that you can make changes to specified adults if needed. Simply stop by Member Services in the River Journey building on your next Aquarium visit. We will update any information that has changed and print your member cards.
Q. How do I add extra guests to my membership?
A. You can add one or more (up to four) guest passes to any membership category for only $50 each. You will then be able to bring an additional guest each time you visit. If you have a Dual Deluxe or Family Deluxe membership and choose to add a guest pass, you will be able to get a guest in to a free IMAX film each time you visit. Please note that guests must tour with specified members at all times. Guest passes will expire when your current membership expires, which might be less than 12 months depending on your current expiration date.
Q. As a member, do I receive discounts to the IMAX?
A. Dual and Family Memberships receive discounts on both 45-minute and feature-length IMAX films. Simply show your membership cards at the IMAX box office to receive the discount (discounts are not available online). Dual Deluxe and Family Deluxe Memberships receive free unlimited 45-minute films, and discounts on all feature-length films. Dual Deluxe and Family Deluxe Members do not need to visit the box office unless purchasing tickets for feature-length films. They can use their membership cards to scan directly into any 45-minute film. Please note that seating may be limited during holiday weekends. We recommend arriving 15-20 minutes before showtimes to help ensure availability.
Q. Is my membership tax-deductible?
A. Yes. When you purchase or renew your membership, you will receive a tax acknowledgement letter in the mail. Operating as a nonprofit organization, memberships may be considered 100% tax-deductible to the extent allowed under Internal Revenue Service guidelines. You should consult your tax preparer with specific tax questions.
Q. Can I lend my membership card to a friend or family member?
A. No. Aquarium memberships are valid only for the persons whose names appear on the cards. Membership cards are not transferable to others and not valid for resale.
Q. Can my child visit with a child-care provider who is not the primary or secondary member?
A. Yes, if your membership includes a Guest option. Your child will need a named photo member card prior to visiting without a primary/secondary member. Please visit Member Services in the River Journey building to have your child’s photo taken and card printed for them. On the day of visit, make sure the child-care provider has both the child’s card and the card designated “guest.”
Q. Is my Tennessee Aquarium Membership good at other zoos and aquariums?
A. While your Tennessee Aquarium Membership does not allow access to other zoos or aquariums, Members receive discounts to local and regional attractions, such as the Creative Discovery Museum, Zoo Atlanta, and more. Please see our full list of member benefits here.
Q. I’ve lost my membership cards. What should I do next?
A. Please visit Member Services in the River Journey building and we will be happy to reprint your membership cards for you! This process does take a few extra minutes, so your patience is appreciated.
Q. Do you offer discounts on membership?
A. Employees of Aquarium Sponsors/Partners receive a 15% discount on memberships year-round. Please see the full list of current Partners.
Additionally, we offer a 20% year-round discount on memberships for 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.
Q. Can I apply the cost of my general admission tickets towards a membership?
A. Yes. You have up to 60 days to redeem your tickets towards an Aquarium Membership. Please visit tnaqua.org/upgrade for more information.
If your membership question is not answered here, please reach out to our Membership Team by emailing joinus@tnaqua.org or leaving a voicemail at 423-267-3474.