Skip to Content

How Much Are Tickets To The Great Lakes Science Center?

How Much Are Tickets To The Great Lakes Science Center?

How Much Are Tickets To The Great Lakes Science Center? (2024 Guide)

Hey adventurers! Dane here from DoubleDeckerFam. If you’re like us—a big, busy family looking for epic stops on your next RV journey—you’re probably eyeing the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland, Ohio. When we rolled into town with our six kids in tow, the Science Center topped our must-visit list. But before you load up your own crew, you might be wondering: how much are tickets to the Great Lakes Science Center, and is this family attraction worth the spend?

In today’s post, I’m breaking down ticket prices, family discounts, membership perks, the best deals, and insider tips for making your day memorable and affordable. Whether you’re traveling cross-country in a Double Decker RV like us, or just popping up from the neighborhood, this post has everything you need to plan your visit!

Why Visit the Great Lakes Science Center?

First off, a quick word on why we think the Great Lakes Science Center rocks for families:

  • Hands-on Exhibits: Perfect for curious minds of all ages (especially with energetic twins!).
  • NASA Glenn Visitor Center: Real spacecraft & interactive displays.
  • STEAM Workshops: Encourage kids to tinker, build, and explore.
  • Lake Erie Views: Grownups get a little something for themselves, too (hello, waterfront relaxation).

Trust me when I say, this spot is a dream for unschoolers or any families who believe that travel is the best way to learn.

2024 Great Lakes Science Center Ticket Prices

You came here for the numbers, so let’s get right to it. Here are the current (2024) prices for general admission according to the official Great Lakes Science Center website.

General Admission

  • Adults (13+): $19.95
  • Youth (2-12): $14.95
  • Children under 2: Free
  • Seniors (65+): $17.95
  • College students (with ID): $17.95

This gets you access to all of the Center’s permanent exhibits, including the NASA Glenn Visitor Center. These rates are before tax, so expect a few extra dollars at checkout.

What’s Included?

With general admission, you get to experience the full range of interactive science exhibits, hands-on maker spaces, and the entire NASA gallery. If you have kids ranging from toddlers to tweens like us, everyone finds something to love.

Separately Ticketed Attractions

If you want to take your family’s experience up a notch, consider adding tickets to the DOME Theater (a massive domed movie experience).

  • DOME Theater Tickets (Add-on):
    • Adults: +$5.00 each
    • Youth: +$5.00 each
    • Members: $4.00 each

This is a fun option, but for a big family like ours, it does add up quickly!

Family Memberships: Are They Worth It?

If you’re traveling through the area—or if you live close enough to return—consider a family membership. Here’s the breakdown:

  • Family Membership: $125/year
    • Admits two named adults + all children/ grandchildren under 18 in the household.
    • ASTC Passport Program: Free or discounted entry to 300+ science centers nationwide! (Seriously, this is one of the best deals for full-time RV families.)

Ours paid for itself in just two visits, especially when you consider how many science museums are along our travel route. You can learn more about the ASTC Passport Program from the Association of Science and Technology Centers.

Discounts, Deals, and Free Days

Student and Educator Discounts

If you’re a home educator (which many RVing parents are), bring proof and ask about educator discounts. We found staff to be super accommodating!

Military & First Responder Discounts

Active duty military and first responders receive free general admission (with valid ID), and family members get $3 off per ticket.

EBT & SNAP Discount

Families receiving EBT or SNAP benefits can visit for just $1 per person (limit four per family). See the Center’s accessibility programs for more info.

Reciprocal Museum Admission

If you already have a membership with another ASTC science center, you may get free or reduced admission. Be sure to call ahead; some restrictions apply.

Occasional Free Days

Keep an eye on their social media or subscribe to the newsletter. The Center sometimes hosts community free days or discount promotions—perfect for large families!

How to Make the Most of Your Visit (with Kids)

As a family of eight, we’ve learned a few tricks to maximize your day while keeping costs down.

  1. Arrive Early: The Science Center opens at 10 a.m. most days. Mornings are quieter and give you time to explore before making lunch plans.
  2. Pack Snacks: Outside food isn’t allowed in exhibits, but there’s a designated lunchroom for families. We bring our own food, then treat the crew to dessert at the café.
  3. Plan Your Route: The NASA Glenn area and the STEAM floor are must-dos. Use the printed maps to dodge school field trip groups.
  4. Budget for Souvenirs: The gift shop is, of course, irresistible for kids. We set a spending limit for each child ahead of time.
  5. Check Out the Outdoor Science Park: In summer, there’s a pretty stellar outdoor play zone.

Where Is the Great Lakes Science Center?

Located on the Cleveland waterfront, the address is:

601 Erieside Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114

It’s right next to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, so if your family’s got the stamina (ours usually does with a little caffeine boost!), it’s easy to pair with other attractions.

Parking Costs and Tips

Parking isn’t included in Science Center admission, so budget for it. The attached garage is $7 for the day (as of 2024). A heads up: it fills up on weekends and holidays. If you’re traveling in an RV or oversized vehicle, we recommend using nearby surface lots and walking a bit.

Is the Great Lakes Science Center Worth It for Big Families?

In our opinion? Absolutely. While the ticket prices aren’t the cheapest, you get hands-on learning, all-weather fun, amazing STEM inspiration, and tons of kid-friendly energy burn. For families who love immersive learning—especially RV travelers exploring the U.S.—it’s one of the best stops in the Midwest.

Pros

  • Educational and entertaining for all ages (even parents find it engaging!).
  • Interactive exhibits keep kids moving and interested all day.
  • Memberships pay off quickly for large or full-time traveling families.
  • Location makes it a great stop for a day in downtown Cleveland.

Cons

  • Ticket prices can add up for big families (but there are good discounts!).
  • Food inside is pricier than bringing your own.
  • Parking fees are separate.

Tips from Our Visit – DoubleDeckerFam’s Honest Review

Here’s what our real visit looked like as a family of eight:
– The NASA area blew our kids away. Our 10-year-old practically jumped into the astronaut suit exhibit.
– Staff were incredible. With our crew, we often get a lot of stares, but here, the staff seemed genuinely excited to help and answer questions.
– The DOME theater is worth it if you have kids 7+ who will sit through a 45-minute show. The younger kids were ready to move sooner, and we wound up taking snack breaks for the twins partway through.
– The lunch area was clutch. We packed a cooler and saved a ton of money over eating at the café.
– Length of stay: We spent about 4 hours and could have stayed longer. With younger kids, 3-4 hours is just perfect before you hit that meltdown zone.

Additional Resources

For more on family science travel and memberships, check out:
– Smithsonian Magazine’s Guide to U.S. Science Museums
– Travel + Leisure: Best Family-Friendly Activities in Cleveland

The Bottom Line

So, how much are tickets to the Great Lakes Science Center? For our family of eight, a single visit can run $100+ before discounts or add-ons, but with memberships and reciprocal discounts, you can cut costs drastically. And in return, you’ll leave with happy, inspired, and (best of all) tired kids.

Planning a big family trip isn’t always easy or cheap, but destinations like this prove it’s well worth it. The Great Lakes Science Center gives us the kind of “road-schooling” learning-by-doing that our kids remember long after we’re back on the Double Decker RV.

Have you visited the Center? Let us know your tips (or favorite exhibits) in the comments! And if you want behind-the-scenes from our trips, follow us on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok (@DoubleDeckerFam).

Happy travels!

— Dane & the DoubleDeckerFam

*Disclosure: This post contains