Tips for Planning Your Ark Encounter Trip

Here at the Ark Encounter, we frequently hear a variety of the following questions:

1. We need more than one day to experience everything at the Ark Encounter. How can we do this?
2. We would love to regularly bring our children and/or grandchildren to the incredible playground. Is there a way to do this?
3. Our kids love animals! Can we visit the zoo on a regular basis?
4. Are we able to come during the year so we can attend programs inside the Answers Center?
5. Can we come to the Ark so we can just eat at your phenomenal buffet, Emzara’s?

Well, we listened and have recently released new ticketing options that we encourage you to take advantage of. Find out more about these options and how to maximize your visit to the Ark Encounter below.

How can we see it all?

Don’t pass up the opportunity to fully enjoy the Ark Encounter and our sister attraction, the Creation Museum, with our new pass options, which include the following:

1. Explore More tickets are now available when you purchase your Ark Encounter admission. These give you access on a second day to the Ark’s facilities (playground, Ararat Ridge Zoo, Emzara’s Buffet, Answers Center non-ticketed concerts and presentations, etc.). Just come back with your proof of purchase within seven days of your initial visit to take advantage of this offer. Please note: Entrance into the life-size Noah’s Ark for the exhibits is not included during the second visit.
2. Combo tickets give you the opportunity to enjoy both the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum. Explore both world-class attractions in one visit with a combo ticket and enjoy Explore More tickets for both attractions. These allow you to visit each attraction a second time (excluding the inside of the Ark and the Creation Museum walk-through). Combo tickets are valid for one-day entry to each attraction for seven days after your first visit.
3. Annual combo passes include unlimited visits for one year to both the museum and the Ark, and even include parking. You’ll enjoy the playgrounds, zoos, gardens, presentations, non-ticketed concerts, and more! Entrance to one ticketed Answers conference a year is now included with our annual combo passes. This option gives you great flexibility, so even if you are only visiting the area, this still may be the best option for you as an individual or for your family.

What is the best ticket option?

We encourage everyone to consider the annual combo pass option—it’s not just for large families but for everyone. This option allows unlimited visits to both attractions for a whole year, and it also includes free parking and free admission to an Answers in Genesis conference held at either attraction. This gives everyone the flexibility to enjoy all that both attractions have to offer!

How can we make the most of our Explore More ticket?

Here’s how we suggest making the most out of our new Explore More ticketing options: visit the Ark Encounter one day and take your time going through all the exhibits. Then, come back the next day with your free Explore More ticket, relax, and spend time at the Ararat Ridge Zoo, enjoy live animal programs, play on the playground with your kids or grandkids, and take in Answers Center programs (presentations, movies, concerts, etc.). Or take the opportunity to have a camel ride or do one of the many zip line tours that cross the valleys.*

And when you purchase a combo ticket, you can then spend one day at the Creation Museum taking your time to enjoy the exhibits and spectacular new 4D Special Effects Theater. After that, come back the second day, using your free Explore More tickets, and enjoy the botanical gardens, Children’s Adventure Area, live animal encounters, and programs in Legacy Hall. You can also do one of the very popular zip-line tours.*

*Please note: Zip lines and other activities may include an additional fee.

Make the most of your visit to the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum with our new ticket options and start planning your trip today. There’s nothing like these two God-honoring, family-friendly attractions anywhere else in the world!