FAQ

It depends. Several of our featured annual events (Pumpkins & Piranhas, Scuba Claus Merry Meet & Greets, virtual tours, Passholder nights, homeschool programs) do require advance tickets. If you’re a Passholder, you will need to be logged into your account to access your discounts and special programming. Other activities (Fin Fest, That’s A-Moray, Spring Discovery Days) are included with general admission. In most cases, advance tickets are suggested.

Greater Cleveland Aquarium is open for general visitation Monday – Sunday from 10am – 5pm with very few exceptions. (Thanksgiving & Christmas we are closed to the public and we are only open 10am – 2pm on Christmas Eve.) Occasionally we even extend our hours or offer evening events. We are OPEN most holidays including Martin Luther King Day, July 4, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Juneteenth, Labor Day and Presidents’ Day.

No, but face masks are welcomed. The Aquarium reserves the right to update this mask policy at any time. 

Gift tickets are valid for 2 years from the date of purchase. Tickets won from a charity, newspaper, TV or radio station are valid until the date printed on the voucher. We will scan (or enter or your Transaction ID number) from your gift ticket or ask you to surrender your voucher when you arrive.

No, tickets are timed for arrival, but not for the length of your visit. An average visit lasts between 45 – 90 minutes.

All online sales are digital tickets attached to the email address provided at purchase. The barcode in the attachment will be scanned on your phone for entry. If you lose your ticket or don’t receive an email, call 216.862.8803.

If you or a member of your party are sneezing, coughing, running a fever or generally unwell, call us to reschedule your tickets for a day when you all are feeling better. Tickets cannot be refunded but they can be moved with advance notice.

Yes, we have rotating aquarist feeds, animal encounters and other interactive experiences. Check our See & Do Daily Activities. 

Currently, the tickets you purchase online are good for the date and time you have chosen. You should arrive as close to that time as possible. We have a no-refund policy on tickets, but you can reschedule your visit for a future date (up to 2 years from date of purchase). All donated tickets or tickets given away as prizes from TV stations, Aquarium contests and nonprofit fundraisers expire on the date printed on the voucher.

Pre-purchasing general admission tickets online is strongly recommended.

Passholders do not need to make advance reservations for general admission (10am – 5pm). Advance ticketing for special events and virtual programs is still required for members.

Greater Cleveland Aquarium is wheelchair accessible. We have a limited number of wheelchairs that can be loaned out each day. Call 216.862.8803 x7700 the morning of your visit to reserve.

Yes, strollers and small wagons are allowed and encouraged.

Propark Mobility operates an expansive parking lot directly in front of the Powerhouse. Generally, you’re asked to take a ticket when you enter and pay on exit (usually $3-6 per car). Annual Passholders should have these tickets validated at the Ticket Counter for free parking during any visit. If you take a ride share service, you’re likely to be dropped off at the corner of Elm & Washington, which is just steps away from our entrance.

Guests using ride share services like Uber or LYFT may have the driver pull directly into the Powerhouse parking lot after grabbing a ticket at one of the two gates. They have 10 minutes until parking fees take effect.

The Aquarium welcomes handlers with trained service dogs in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Only working service dogs that meet ADA standards are allowed inside the Aquarium. Under the ADA a service animal “has been individually trained to work or perform tasks for assisting a person with a disability.” Service dogs are working animals, not pets.

Service dogs must be on a non-retractable physical lead and always remain under the control of their handler. If a service animal’s behavior poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others or is disturbing Aquarium animals or the guest experience, the service animal and handler may be asked to leave the Aquarium.

Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. Pets, companion animals, emotional support or therapy animals are not permitted at the Aquarium. Your cooperation helps ensure a safe and successful visit for all guests and the animals cared for at the Aquarium.

No, not at this time.

Military and first responders* are free on Memorial Day Weekend, Veterans Day Weekend and the Fourth of July.

*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.)

You can explore the boardwalk along the Cuyahoga River until the time on your ticket.

Yes. There is Bike Box on the south side of Main Avenue at the roundabout.

There are no onsite food options. There are outdoor tables available for picnics on a first-come, first-served basis. There are nearby options (Astoria Market & Cafe, The Harp, Great Lakes Brewing Company, Saucy Brew Works and others), a short drive away. We recommend searching for restaurants in the Ohio City, Tremont, Detroit-Shoreway, Gordon Square and Hingetown. neighborhoods. Ask at our Ticket Counter for a list of neighboring eateries and attractions.

We are about 5 miles north of the Zoo, 2 miles west of the Rock Hall and Great Lakes Science Center, and about 7 miles west of the Cleveland Clinic Main Campus.