All Tennessee Aquarium Memberships include:
- Unlimited Aquarium Admission for one full year (from the date of purchase)
- 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!).
Dual Deluxe and Family Deluxe Memberships also include:
- Unlimited, free IMAX documentaries for all individuals on the membership – This includes any guest passes that have been added to the membership.
- Discounted admission to IMAX Hollywood films
Member 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.
Upgrade Your Ticket
Apply your ticket towards a membership and enjoy unlimited Aquarium visits for a year!
Start your Aquarium adventure today! 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 (joinus@tnaqua.org), 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.
Membership FAQs
Q: I’m a new member. How do I get my membership cards?
A: 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!
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 August 1, 2024, your membership will expire August 31, 2025.
Q: Can I lend my membership card to a friend or family member?
A: 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.
Q: Do you offer discounts on membership?
A: 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.
Q: Can I apply the cost of my general admission tickets towards a membership?
A: Yes, you can! You have up to 7 days following your visit to upgrade your admission tickets to a membership.
If your membership question is not answered here, please know that our best membership resource is our Member Services team!
The Member Services Team is located just inside the River Journey building. You can also reach them at joinus@tnaqua.org or 423-267-3474.