Top Five Tips for Planning Your Ark Encounter Trip

Our busy summer season has officially begun! Families are pouring into the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum from across the United States for a family-friendly vacation that equips them to stand on the authority of God’s Word.

If you’re planning a summer road trip to the world’s leading Christian themed attractions, here are our top five travel-planning tips.

1. Plan for Three Days at the Attractions

Both the Ark Encounter and the 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 Ark includes a custom-designed, Italian-made carousel and virtual reality experience, and the museum offers a special effects theater and a conservatory exhibiting the plants of the Bible.

It’s hard to fit it all into just a one-day visit to 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. We recommend purchasing a discounted Unlimited Combo Parking Pass.

2. 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; traveling back in time with our VR experience at the Ark; feeding a camel, meeting our sloth, or our kangaroos and wallabies behind the scenes; or visiting the Butterfly House or the planetarium at the Creation Museum.

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!

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 available online and vary by day of the week and season (winter offers 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 ages 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 at 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.

Bonus Tip!

We also 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 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.

We hope to see you this summer at the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum! Start planning your visit today!