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 process does take a few minutes to set up in our system, so please allow for extra time before entering the buildings. After this step, you can enter either Aquarium building directly for future visits, as your new membership card will be scanned upon entry. 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.
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.
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 reprint your member cards. This will take a few minutes, but once your new cards are printed you will be able to enjoy the Aquarium for another full year.
Q. How do I add extra guests to my membership?
A. You can add a guest option to any membership category for only $50. You will then be able to bring an additional guest each time you visit. You may add more than one guest option to a membership. 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. Please visit Member Services in the River Journey building to add a guest pass to your membership.
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. 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.
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 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 following visit, your child may scan in with a child-care provider who is using the guest member card.
Q. Is my Tennessee Aquarium Membership good at other zoos and aquariums?
A. Tennessee Aquarium Members save at area businesses and regional attractions, such as Creative Discovery Museum, Zoo Atlanta, and more. Please see 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 Corporate Members do receive a 10% discount on memberships. Please visit our Corporate Members page to see our full list of current Corporate Members. If your company is a current Corporate Member and you would like to purchase a discounted membership, please visit Member Services in the River Journey building with your employee 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.