We are offering free general admission for active duty military, veterans and first responders* on Veterans Day Weekend, along with free parking with validation during their visit.

“This is a very small token of our appreciation for their dedication to the wellbeing of our communities,” says Greater Cleveland Aquarium GM Stephanie White.

Eligible guests must present appropriate ID. Appreciation offer is only available in-person. Please do not purchase tickets online if you intend to take advantage of this offer. It cannot be combined with other discounts or offers.

*Eligible guests include active duty military, veterans or reservists, physicians, nurses, police officers, sheriff/sheriff’s deputies, correctional officers, state troopers, federal law enforcement officers, career firefighters, volunteer firefighters, EMTs, paramedics and/or dispatchers with ID. (Does not apply to accompanying family members or guests.)

Complete a craft with a team member and warm up with some hot chocolate and cookies while exploring the Aquarium before doors open to the public.

FREE for Passholders with advance registration. (You must be logged into your member account online to access tickets.)

Passholders are invited to take a sneak peek behind-the-scenes for our freshwater galleries, complete a craft with one of our team members, enjoy story time, get a complimentary photo from the photo booth or just enjoy the Aquarium without first-time guest crowds.

FREE for Passholders with advance registration. (You must be logged into your member account online to access tickets.)

Scuba Claus

Fridays, December 15 & 22, 5 – 7:30pm
Saturdays, December 16 & 23, 8:30 – 10am
Sunday, December 17, 8:30 – 10am

Passholder-Only Milk & Cookies Nights! Thursdays, December 14 & 21, 5 – 7:30pm

Add a splash of wonder to your holidays with a Scuba Claus Merry Meet & Greet! Talk to the magical man in red while he’s underwater with his dive buddy elves and the sharks, stingrays and angelfish on his “nice list.” Discuss cookie preferences, ask diving questions or share what you ho-ho-hope to see under your tree during Scuba Claus Merry Meet & Greets at Greater Cleveland Aquarium.

All Scuba Claus Merry Meet & Greets include full Aquarium access, a seasonal I-Spy activity, an “I Saw Scuba Claus” sticker or pin, the unique opportunity to share “fish-mas” wishes with a Christmas icon and a digital photo of the memorable experience.

Exclusively for Passholders, we’ve set aside two Thursday night sessions (December 14 & 21, 5 – 7:30pm). Members receive milk, cookies and a commemorative digital photo documenting this unique holiday experience with the scuba-diving jolly old elf.

“If there’s someone in your circle who has been reluctant to visit St. Nick, Scuba Claus could an alternative,” says White, noting that although the interaction is live and in real time, the novelty of a jolly old elf submerged in a 230,000-gallon shark habitat and a wall of clear acrylic between the scuba-certified old pro and guests change the dynamic, often putting young fans at ease.

Scuba Claus Merry Meet & Greets are limited capacity and only available with advance purchase. Tickets are $24.95 for guests ages 13+, $18.95 for children ages 2-12. Adult and child annual Passholders ages 2+ can reserve tickets for $5 each.  Admission is always free for children younger than 2.

Advance tickets required for public and Passholders. Admission includes full Aquarium access. No refunds. 

Ages 13+ $24.95
Ages 2-12 $18.95
Passholder Adult or Child $5
Under 2 FREE

Open to all guests. 

Dates:
Fridays, December 15 & 22, 5 – 7:30pm
Saturdays, December 16 & 23, 8:30 – 10am
Sunday, December 17, 8:30 – 10am

Exclusively for Passholders. Must be logged into Member account to register.

Dates: Thursdays, December 14 & 21, 5 – 7:30pm

September Scratch Off Ticket Savings

Sunday, September 3 – Sunday, September 17

This September guests can save 20% OFF on one (1) adult or child Greater Cleveland Aquarium admission when they present a non-winning Ohio Lottery Scratch Off ticket.

To take advantage of the September offer, present non-winning Ohio Lottery Scratch Off tickets at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium’s ticket counter (1 per guest) between Sunday, September 3 and Sunday, September 17, 2023.

Ohio Lottery discounts must be presented in-person between 10am and 4pm and cannot be combined with any other offers. One (1) non-winning Ohio Lottery Scratch Off ticket will be applied to one (1) full-price adult or child general admission, but multiple non-winning tickets can be redeemed for each group.

Cannot be applied to special programs or events. Guests must have at least one (1) adult (18 or over) in attendance.

For details or questions, call 216.862.8803.

Sensory Hour

Saturday, January 6, 8:30 – 9:30am

We are opening an hour early exclusively for guests with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and sensory processing differences to provide an opportunity exploring nearby lakes and faraway oceans in a comfortable and accepting environment. Not only will there be fewer guests but for that hour the Aquarium team also will limit the use of microphones, soften lighting and reduce noise to ensure a comfortable environment for all participants.

Greater Cleveland Aquarium was recently certified sensory inclusive by KultureCity, an internationally recognized organization that promotes an accommodating and positive experience for guests with sensory issues. To achieve certification, the Aquarium’s staff underwent training to recognize guests with sensory needs and handle sensory overload situations. KultureCity sensory bags outfitted with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools and verbal cue cards are now available to borrow as needed on a first-come, first-served basis. Dedicated areas also have been identified for those who may require a quieter environment.

$19.95 (ages 13+), $13.95 (ages 2-12), Passholders, children younger than 2 and working caregivers FREE

Touch stingrays, meet an octopus, peer at piranhas and stroll under a shark! Explore all the Aquarium has to offer on a special day for classroom educators.

Discover the standards-based classroom program offerings available to schools and see how a field trip could complement your lesson plans this year. The Aquarium classroom will be open and the Aquarium education team will be available to highlight programs, answer field trip questions, and even secure a date for your class experience!

Presented in partnership with The Ohio Lottery Partners in Education.

Advance registration required. 

Educator and one guest admitted for $1 each; additional guests are $11.

*May be asked to present school ID.