Sounds too good to be true, but FREE Monterey Bay Aquarium Tickets can be scored!

The Monterey Aquarium is one of the premiere destinations here and for good reason. It is one of the top aquariums in the world and is just plain fun for children and adults alike.
The price of admission is totally worth the $30 per adult, $18 per child, but getting in for free is one sweet deal.
The money saved could go a long ways towards a fantastic meal at a killer Monterey Bay Restaurant.
So "How is this possible?" you may be asking. Well, the secret is to sneak in undetected when it’s the busiest… Just kidding, don’t do that, it wouldn’t work anyways and is just plain wrong.
But seriously, see below for the scoop:
FREE Monterey Bay Aquarium Tickets
Free Admission Days
The Monterey Aquarium occasionally has free admission days to mark special occasions.
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To celebrate their 25th Anniversary this past year, they gave away Free Admission on the 20th of each month January through October of 2009 to Monterey County Residents.
Residents must show valid identification and proof of residence.
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Open House
Every year in December the Monterey Aquarium has a nine-day community open house which gives free admission to Monterey County Residents.
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Do You Have Friends or Family that Have Membership?
Monterey Aquarium Membership comes with 2 guess passes in addition to the membership cards that have the member’s name on them. See if you can borrow the passes for a day.
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Free Passes Available at the Library
Residents of the Monterey Area can actually get Monterey Aquarium tickets for free from any of the Monterey County Libraries.
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So if you’re local or know somebody local you are in luck. All you need is a library card. You can get up to 6 Monterey Aquarium tickets, that’s a $180 savings!
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Be sure to call the library first as the aquarium has been putting holds on these free tickets due to the economy.
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Monterey Bay Aquarium Coupons and Discounts
Admittedly, non-residents will have a much harder time getting free admission but that doesn’t mean you can’t save money with coupons for Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Children Under 3 are FREE!
This little detail can save you $17 per child that is under the age of 3.
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Monday, 28. March 2011
IS THERE A WAY TO FIND OUT WHAT DAYS OF THIS YEAR THE AQUARIUM HOLDS FREE ADMISSIONS?
THANK U
[Reply]
SeizeTheDay-Monterey Reply:
April 15th, 2011 at 8:54 pm
=)
Hi Perla,
Free Admission days to the Monterey Aquarium are a moving target but the they consistently have a locals appreciation week early to mid December every year where locals get in free. You’ll have to bring proof of residency though such as a phone bill or something. Hope this helps.
Kevin
[Reply]
Friday, 15. April 2011
I have this friend, a father of four daughters, who in the current economy fell on hard times and is struggling to keep it together… I wonder, if a visit to the Aquarium would help this family to brighten their days… Myself unemployed, I can’t provide that for them and I wonder, if the Monterey Bay Aquarium has any programs or such available, to make this possible? Just an idea, but could you please help?
[Reply]
SeizeTheDay-Monterey Reply:
April 15th, 2011 at 8:49 pm
=)
Hi Mike,
I am sorry to hear about your friend’s situation. The Monterey Aquarium is a magical place and could no doubt bring a smile or 5 to your friend’s family. I would recommend calling the local libraries and asking them for availability for their free aquarium tickets. You may have to make reservations as there are limited free tickets and they go fast. Take care.
Kevin
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Friday, 2. December 2011
This year the aquarium is free dec 3rd – dec 11 gooooooo it’s a wonderful opportunity
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Saturday, 3. December 2011
I want to go to the aquarium during the free admission days of open house, but i have a few questions…By showing proof of residence, does it has to say your name? I’m planning on going with my boyfriend, but i want to know if I can show the phone bill, but it has my mom’s name; we live together with my mom. Also, I have my California ID to show as a valid identification, and my boyfriend has an ID too, even though its not from the DMV can he still be able to go in?
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Tuesday, 6. December 2011
We are retired and are Monterey county residence. We live on a very strict limited income. We would love to see your wonderful aquuarium and would like to see when you give out the free admission tickets. Could you please let me know when that takes place.
Thank you
[Reply]
SeizeTheDay-Monterey Reply:
December 6th, 2011 at 8:31 pm
=)
Hello, you are in luck as the Monterey Aquarium is having it’s annual Open House and is giving free admission to Monterey locals this week. From December 3rd thru the 11th. All you need to do is bring proof of residency, be it a phone bill or ID with your address on it! Have fun!!!
The Monterey Aquarium has an annual free admission week for it’s Open House which usually lands in December.
[Reply]
Friday, 9. December 2011
Are the free days for the Monterey Bay Aquarium, just for people who live in Monterey, or is it for Monterey COUNTY residents too?
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Saturday, 24. December 2011
I visited the aquarium with a friend on 12/11 and was very surprised with the free admission. Is this a regular promotion? I couldn’t find any additional information about this promotion at all.
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Tuesday, 27. December 2011
It’s my sons 4th birthday tomorrow we we’re going to take him to the tech meusium but the plains just fell through, he really wants to go to the aquarium so I’m wondering Is there a birthday discount available or free addmission also do the santa cruz libraries have these free tickets thanks
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Friday, 30. December 2011
Looking for discount tickets to the Monterey bay aquarium.
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Tuesday, 3. January 2012
Any chance there will be free admission for locals during the new Shark exhibit in February, 2012?
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