Saving Money on Aquatic Adventures: A Guide to New England Aquarium Student Discounts and Other Savings Opportunities
The New England Aquarium in Boston offers a captivating glimpse into the underwater world, making it a popular destination for students and families alike. However, admission costs can add up. Fortunately, there are several ways for students and other visitors to save money on tickets and make their visit more affordable. This article explores the various discount programs, special offers, and cost-saving strategies available to help you experience the wonders of the New England Aquarium without breaking the bank.
Discounts for Students
The New England Aquarium recognizes the importance of making its exhibits accessible to students. Several options are available for students seeking discounted admission:
- New England Resident Discount: Students attending college in New England (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont) can receive \$5 off standard Aquarium admission or admission + movie combinations by showing their valid college ID. This discount cannot be combined with other offers or coupons.
- Boston University (BU) Students: The Boston Lyric Opera offers tickets at a 50% discount to current BU students. Additionally, with the BSO College card, current BU students can attend select Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) events for free with a valid BU ID.
- Student Activities Tickets: Students with a valid University ID (Beacon Card) can purchase tickets and passes from the Office of Student Activities. Quantities may be limited, so checking with the Office of Student Activities for availability is recommended.
Free Admission Opportunities
Several programs offer free admission to the New England Aquarium for eligible individuals:
- Boston Family Days: Every student living in Boston enrolled in grades K-12 or Boston Pre-K gets free admission, along with up to two guests, on the first and second Sundays of each month through the Boston Family Days program. Passes from Boston Public Schools (BPS) or the City of Boston must be registered in advance, and entry is not guaranteed if the building is at capacity.
- Boston Public Library: All 26 branches of the Boston Public Library system offer individuals with an active physical Boston Public Library card a coupon for free admission to the New England Aquarium for up to four people on a specific day. The coupon is valid only on the date printed and must be redeemed at the Aquarium's ticket booth.
- Reciprocity Offering: The Aquarium offers complimentary admission to employees of participating organizations of the New England Nonprofit Arts/Cultural/Environmental Organizations reciprocity offering. This offer is valid for participating consortium employees only, and additional tickets for guests can be purchased online.
- Guests with Disabilities: Visitors using wheelchairs and visitors with visual impairments are welcome at the Aquarium free of charge.
Other Discount Programs and Savings
Beyond student discounts and free admission programs, several other options can help you save money on your visit to the New England Aquarium:
- New England Resident Discount: Residents of Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont receive \$5 off standard Aquarium admission or admission + movie combinations.
- CityPASS: Bundle Aquarium admission with three other top Boston attractions and save up to 48% with Boston CityPASS®. This one-time purchase offers mobile ticket delivery, saving time and money. It includes admission to the New England Aquarium & Museum of Science, plus two of these four top Boston attractions: Boston Harbor Cruises, Franklin Park Zoo, Harvard Museum of Natural History, and View Boston. The attractions can be visited at your own pace, in any order, over nine days.
- Library Coupons: Many Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island public libraries have Aquarium coupons available for their library patrons. These coupons are only valid on the date printed and admit up to four people at a discounted Aquarium admission price of 50% off per person. Library coupons must be reserved in advance through a participating library.
- EBT or WIC Card Discount: Massachusetts residents who show their Massachusetts Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) or Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) card receive up to four admission tickets at a discounted rate of \$5 per person. This discount is valid any day the Aquarium is open and is available through the Card to Culture program.
- Military Discount: Active-duty military personnel receive \$10 off standard pricing Aquarium admission for adults and \$5 off for children. Veterans receive \$10 off standard pricing for adult or senior Aquarium admission tickets by presenting proof of veteran status.
- Membership: Aquarium members enjoy free daily admission, as well as discounted Simons Theatre and Whale Watch tickets, gift shop purchases, café purchases, and more. Membership options start at \$79.
- Whale Watch Combo: Save 10% off Aquarium tickets when you buy tickets to the Whale Watch Cruise in partnership with Boston Harbor City Cruises.
- Boston Bikes Pass: Students who are residents of the City of Boston and first-time Bluebikes members are eligible for the Boston Bikes Pass, which offers a special Bluebikes membership at a significantly discounted rate.
Planning Your Visit
To make the most of your visit to the New England Aquarium and ensure a smooth experience, consider the following tips:
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- Purchase Tickets in Advance: Advanced reservations are strongly recommended, especially if purchasing general admission tickets. Availability for walk-up purchases is not guaranteed. Tickets can be purchased online, by phone (617-973-5206), or in person at the Aquarium’s Box Office.
- Arrive on Time: The building capacity for each time slot is limited. Guests are asked to make every effort to arrive on time, as immediate entry cannot be guaranteed for those who are late.
- Check Availability: Always check with the Office of Student Activities for ticket availability, as quantities may be limited.
- Consider Transportation: The MBTA is extending Late Night T Service on the subway and select bus routes on Friday and Saturday nights, offering convenient transportation options.
- Utilize Available Amenities: Take advantage of the Aquarium's amenities, such as water fountains, bottle refill stations, lockers, and family restrooms. Sensory bags are available at the Information Desk for guests with sensory needs.
- Parking Validation: Parking validation is available for many local garages. Visit the Information Desk to obtain validation for garages with which the Aquarium has parking validation programs.
- Dining Options: Several dining options are available at the Aquarium, including the Harbor View Café. You can also bring your own food and eat at the blue picnic tables outside.
Exploring the Aquarium
Once inside the New England Aquarium, there's plenty to see and do:
- Shark and Ray Touch Tank: Get up close and personal with sharks and rays in this interactive exhibit.
- Science of Sharks Exhibit: Learn about the fascinating biology and behavior of sharks.
- Giant Ocean Tank: Observe Cirri, the nurse shark, and other marine life in the impressive Giant Ocean Tank.
- Simons Theatre: Enjoy incredible films on a giant projection screen with wrap-around digital surround sound.
- Whale Watch Cruise: Embark on a whale watch cruise to see some of the ocean’s most fascinating animals in their natural habitat.
Other Attractions and Discounts in Boston
While visiting the New England Aquarium, take advantage of other attractions and discounts available in Boston:
- Museum of Fine Arts (MFA): Free admission for students from participating schools, with discounted tickets available to all students.
- Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: Free general admission with a valid university ID.
- Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA): Free general admission with a valid university ID.
- JFK Library and Museum: Free admission for UMass Boston students and half-price tickets for all students.
- MassArt Museum: Always free for everyone!
- Boston Red Sox: Join the Student9s College Program to grab tickets to a game at Fenway for \$9.
- Boston Symphony Orchestra: Get \$5 concert tickets throughout the season by purchasing a Student Pass for a one-time fee of \$35.
- Boston Ballet: Students are eligible for \$20 rush tickets or can sign up for a student subscription for just \$30 per ticket.
- Huntington Theatre: Students can purchase \$25 discounted tickets any time with a valid student ID.
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