Helpful Tips & FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
These common questions are answered on our website:
In addition, please see the helpful tips below for specific information about amenities, accommodations, and guest safety.
For Your Convenience
Below are some of the amenities at Ark Encounter, as well as other information to help you make the most of your visit. Our Guest Services Team is ready to assist you with any needs during your visit. The Guest Services Information Center is available as you enter the park.
Animals
All service animals are freely admitted to Ark Encounter. Pets are not permitted at Ark Encounter. Please do not leave pets or service animals in an unattended vehicle for any amount of time. You may wish to find a local pet resort to house your pet for the day (see list below).
ATM
ATMs are available. Ticketing, food venues, and the gift shop accept all major credit cards.
Climate Controlled
The Ark Encounter is equipped with both air conditioning and heating units to keep the temperature comfortable for our guests.
Combo Ticket Options
Are you interested in visiting both the Ark Encounter and our sister attraction, the Creation Museum? A combo ticket gives you a one-day pass to the Ark Encounter and a one-day pass to the Creation Museum.
Food Services
Ark Encounter’s restaurant and snack stands feature a variety of delicious food offerings, including options for special needs.
Free Parking & Grounds Access
Residents of eight local counties (Kentucky’s Grant, Boone, Kenton, Campbell, Pendleton, Gallatin, and Owen counties and Indiana’s Dearborn County) can park onsite for free through December 31, 2020. Guests can experience the gardens, the Ararat Ridge Zoo, the playground, Emzara's Buffet, the gift shop, and visit the Answers Center for select talks and musical performances at no charge.
The driver must provide their valid driver's license from one of the counties to receive free parking. The driver (and all guests inside the vehicle, regardless of where they live) can enjoy the free parking and listed events. The offer is also valid at the Creation Museum for the same counties. Tickets are required to tour the Creation Museum and to walk through the Ark Encounter and their exhibits.
Lockers
Ark Encounter offers a number of lockers for rent at daily rates.
- Small lockers cost $6 and measure 16" deep, 10" wide, and 13" high.
- Medium lockers cost $8 and measure 16" deep, 13" wide, and 17" high.
- Large lockers cost $10 and measure 25" deep, 17" wide, and 22" high.
Payment may be made in cash or with a credit or debit card. Fees are non-refundable; state sales tax is included.
Lodging Options
The Ark Encounter is located just a brief drive away from dozens of lodging options. Find the best hotels in the tri-state areas.
Motor Coach Parking
Parking is available for RVs and motor coaches during your visit. Overnight parking is not offered.
Parking Passes
Parking passes are required and cost $10 for standard vehicles or $15 for oversized vehicles. Parking passes can be purchased at Ark Encounter Admissions, Guest Services, or as you exit the parking lot. Parking passes include reentry for one calendar day. Lifetime Boarding passes include free parking.
Pet Accommodations
This list has been compiled for your convenience from publicly accessible sources. The list may not include all businesses that house pets or reflect the current status of a business. Businesses listed are not endorsed or recommended by Ark Encounter.
* Requires current vaccination paperwork.
Photography
Guests are welcome to photograph and record all Ark Encounter exhibits, except for the Museum of the Bible exhibit and theater and video presentations. DVD versions of most of our videos are available for purchase in our online store or the onsite gift shop.
Planning Your Visit
Many people ask how much time to allow for a visit to the Ark Encounter and all that it has to offer. You can easily spend at least a whole day visiting the Ark, its zoo, enjoying a meal, and catching one of our dynamic, world-class speakers at the Answers Center. Allow yourself at least 5–6 hours if you can only do a quick visit.
Reentry
You are able to leave the Ark Encounter and reenter on the same day. Take the shuttle bus back to the parking lot and your specially colored wristband will allow you to regain entry.
Strollers and Wheelchairs
The Ark is wheelchair- and stroller-friendly. You may bring your own, or Guest Services offers both strollers and wheelchairs for the convenience of all visitors on a first-come, first-served basis.
Single strollers are available for a $8 fee, and double strollers are available for a $10 fee. Manual wheelchairs are available for a $10 fee, and a limited number of Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) are available for a $35 fee. Rental fees include sales tax and are non-refundable.
Tram Road
The tram road is for the shuttle buses only. No personal vehicles are permitted on the road, so you will not be able to drop off your family in front of the Ark Encounter.
Accessibility Accommodations
If desired, you may request special assistance if you or a member of your party is Deaf or blind.
The Ark Encounter’s Guest Services Team is ready to assist you. If you have questions during your visit, look for staff members—they will be happy to assist you. If you have questions regarding the locations of specific areas of the Ark Encounter, please reference our map page.
ADA Compliance
The Ark Encounter attraction is fully ADA compliant.
Entrances
Ramps are located at every entrance and exit door to Ark Encounter. The first entrance features an automatic door.
Exhibit Access
Virtually every exhibit is handicapped accessible. A series of gradual ramps take visitors through Ark Encounter’s main exhibits.
Hearing Accommodations
For guests who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, the Ark Encounter is accessible. Videos are captioned, and the entire experience is very visual and experiential. If you would like to request an interpreter, you may request special assistance, and we will see if one of our wonderful, competent volunteers is available.
Parking
We have many handicapped spaces available in our main parking lot. If you need assistance finding an available handicapped space, alert the individual directing traffic.
Shuttle Buses
Each of our 11 shuttle buses fully complies with ADA requirements. The doors are wide enough to allow plenty of space for strollers and wheelchairs.
Zoo
All of the zoo’s pens are fully viewable via paved trails. The petting zoo pathways are gravel.
Restrooms
Restrooms throughout the facility and grounds are handicapped accessible. Wheelchair accessible water fountains are also available near the main interior restrooms.
Visual Accommodations
For guests who are blind or visually impaired, we would love to provide you with a special tactile experience that will help you experience the size of the Ark and some of the features of the exhibits through the sense of touch, including close encounters with some of the live animals of our zoo, if you are interested. Please plan for about an hour for this experience. There is no need to make an appointment before you come, please just ask a Guest Service staff member as soon as you arrive, and it will be scheduled for that day. Additionally, restrooms and elevators are marked in Braille to assist with finding your way at Ark Encounter.
Public Safety
First Aid
Contact any staff member in an emergency or non-emergency situation. Basic first aid services are available from the Public Safety Department.
K-9 Officers
Ark Encounter does have K-9 officers. Please note that these are working dogs and we ask that you not approach them to pet them or talk to them. Their focus cannot be diverted from their job.
Parents with Young Children
Parents, please keep your eye on young children. Please pay attention to signage on exhibits. We do have special hands-on exhibits that children can touch all they want. If your child is missing, please notify the nearest Ark Encounter staff member. Our Public Safety Officers are trained in Code Adam.
Vehicle Assist
Basic vehicle assistance is available, from jump-starting to unlocking vehicles. Contact any staff member or Public Safety Officer if you need vehicle assistance.
