Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is worth it for our family - we go a few times a year and have gotten our money's worth. They also validate parking for a decent discount.

What is the parking rate for members?

The website says it's a 25% discount at member garages.

I was looking at memberships because the entry fees are so high, but realistically I'm not sure we'd go twice in one year (which is what I'd need to do to make the Family membership worth it). The family membership is a good deal if you have a larger family (you can take 2 adults and 4 kids which would be $200 and the membership is $195, plus you get the discounted parking/shopping). But I'm one adult and 2 kids, so not as valuable.

This summer we're going to Virginia Beach and we go to the Virginia Aquarium when we're down there. It's not as nice as Baltimore, but by the time I factor in parking it's half the price and plenty big enough to keep my kids engaged. So I decided this is not the year to do it. Maybe over winter I'll think about it.

They do have 1/2 price admission after 5pm on Fridays, so that's always an option if your kids handle evening outings well.

My kids tired of it too. Same with MSC.

Anonymous wrote:It is worth it for our family - we go a few times a year and have gotten our money's worth. They also validate parking for a decent discount.

What is the parking rate for members?

It is worth it for our family - we go a few times a year and have gotten our money's worth. They also validate parking for a decent discount.

We did it with a charitable cause in mind rather then in hope of great savings. It worked great. We went once.

Bump
The price is now $140 for 2 adults and 2 kids (ages 6 and 3). Plus fee to buy online plus parking fee. At most, discounts or promo codes are $5 per tux. Family membership is $195. So I’m considering membership now...

We have never belonged to the aquarium, but we’ve had a train museum membership for years. This also lets you visit the MD Zoo for free during April & May.
We have also been members of the MD Sci Center for a few years. If you buy the pass on Groupon, it’s $75– literally cheaper than a family of 4 visiting once (& it gives you free entry to science museums around the country).

We have had one in the past. We live fairly close, travel time is not a problem. As others have said, the area is safe in the evening hours, even in the winter.

When my kids were younger, we would alternate annual memberships, one year aquarium, one year Science Center. We would spread out the visits over the year and the kids did not get bored. There is a dolphin interaction which varies each day or even each show. Rather than the old show they used to have which was the same every time, each interaction focuses on a specific topic, like training or sounds. That makes repeat visits more interesting. The aquarium is great when it isn't crowded, but it is dreadful when it is. One thing I liked about having a membership was that if it was too crowded or the day wasn't going great with the kids, I didn't feel pressured to stay in order to get my money's worth.