5 Tips for Planning Your Ark Encounter and Creation Museum Visit

1. Plan for three days at the attractions. Both the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum have so much to offer—high-quality exhibits, playgrounds, zoos, concerts and presentations, and more. Plus, there are unique experiences at each attraction—the museum offers a special effects theater and a conservatory exhibiting the plants of the Bible; and the Ark includes a custom-designed, Italian-made carousel. It’s hard to fit it all into just a one-day visit at each attraction. Our 3-Day Unlimited Combo allows you unlimited visits to both attractions over three days, giving you more time to go at your own pace and enjoy everything each attraction offers. I also recommend purchasing a three-day parking pass.


If you can, I encourage you to go to the Creation Museum first as it has a more in-depth message of the Bible and gives people a great foundation to then go to the Ark.

2. Speaking of enjoying everything we have to offer, my second tip is to add an “extra” to your visit. These “extras” (which require a separate ticket) enhance your visit and make for some fun family memories. Consider riding the zip lines or completing an aerial adventure course together; visiting the Butterfly House or planetarium at the Creation Museum; feeding a camel, meeting our sloth or our kangaroos and wallabies behind the scenes, or traveling back in time with our VR experience at the Ark. With so many incredible experiences, it’s easy to see why so many guests choose the 3-Day Unlimited Combo and then add various experiences! If you can, I encourage you to go to the Creation Museum first as it has a more in-depth message of the Bible and gives people a great foundation to then go to the Ark.

3. Purchase your tickets online. Not only does prepurchasing your tickets save you time when you arrive, but it saves you money too. Our lowest prices are found online and vary depending on the day of the week or the season (winter features the lowest prices). If you’re looking to save money or skip the line, purchasing your tickets online is the best option. We also offer free admission to children 5–10 on Wednesdays and Thursdays at both attractions.
4. Arrive early. During the summer months, the attractions get busier as the day progresses. Arriving right when we open allows you to start your adventure when it’s a little less busy (visiting midweek also helps with this). And, as a bonus, the animals in the zoos tend to be more active first thing in the morning, so consider visiting the zoo first if you or your children love animals.
5. Stay with a partner hotel. Our partner hotels have all been vetted by our team, so you can be confident in your choice when you use our helpful hotel search feature.

Oh, and I have a bonus tip for you: Consider a guided tour. Inspire Tours has partnered with us to offer 90-minute guided tours through the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum. With “skip-the-line” access, these tours enhance your visit and help you and your family take home even more from the exhibits. And don’t worry, several AiG staff and I were involved with writing and reviewing the tour content to ensure it all matches the AiG core message.

We hope to see you this summer at the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum!

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,
Ken

This item was written with the assistance of AiG’s research team.