Frequently Asked Questions

Please find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about directions, parking, ticket prices, programming, and more below. View the IMAX FAQs and Membership FAQs for additional information.

If you have additional questions, please contact Guest Services.

Ticket Information

What do General Admission tickets include?

General Admission tickets include access to our campus and our exhibits, including our Courtyard and Water Works, Tropical Butterfly House, daytime Laser Dome shows, Planetarium shows, Augmented Reality exhibits, Dinosaurs exhibit, and more.

Both daytime Laser Dome shows and Planetarium shows require additional timed tickets when you purchase general admission tickets.

What is plan-ahead pricing?

Plan-ahead pricing is used by PacSci and other cutting-edge organizations so guests can choose the best day and time to visit that fits their budget and schedule. Like booking a hotel or airfare, typically, the earlier you buy, the more you save.   

Why do prices change? 

Plan-ahead pricing means that different days and times have different prices based on several factors, including capacity, events, seasonality, and how many people are interested in a specific date or time.

In general, prices for periods with higher estimated attendance will reflect higher demand. This allows us to offer more affordable options as well as reduce overcrowding and ensure an excellent guest experience.  

Why is it better to buy tickets early? 

Prices will likely rise – and will never decrease – closer to the date of your visit, so you’re guaranteed the current price is the most cost-effective option! 

How far in advance can I purchase tickets? 

We release ticket dates periodically. Please check back regularly to see what’s available. 

Do you offer other discounts? 

We do! Washington state residents (with proof of residency) always receive a discount on general admission to Pacific Science Center. Select the WA Resident General Admission ticket to purchase at this discounted rate. Additionally, employees of PacSci Corporate members receive discounts on general admission.

Price still a barrier? PacSci is proud to offer an Access Membership program for low-income families, foster youth, and youth experiencing homelessness.

I live in Washington state, how do I get my discount?

Washington residents enjoy a special discount on general admission to Pacific Science Center.

To receive this discount online, use the “Buy Tickets” button on our website, select the date you want to visit from the calendar, then select your Washington Resident Discount Tickets.

At entry, each adult in your party will need to present both their tickets and verification of home address. Verification documents need to show your name and Washington state address; examples include driver’s license, utility bill, other bill, shipping label/packing slip, etc. Additional details and restrictions are listed during checkout.

There is no Washington Resident Discount on memberships, member guest tickets, or special events. PacSci specials, promotions, and discounts can never be stacked or combined in any way.

I’m a PacSci member. How does plan-ahead pricing impact my benefits?

Named PacSci members enjoy unlimited free general admission to PacSci all year! Additionally, PacSci members receive 50% off general admission for guests. The member guest admission discount will apply to whatever the current regular general admission rate for PacSci is for the date of your intended visit.

Courtyard Pools

Why has the pool been drained?

The leaks in our courtyard pools have been worsening with time and it has now become unsustainable to keep the North pool filled. These leaks undermine the foundations of our buildings and corrode our electrical and plumbing systems. We drained the pool to avoid additional water waste and further damage to our courtyard and buildings as we work to identify the sources of the leaks and as we develop sustainable solutions.

Will you re-fill it?

We are currently working to identify the sources of the leaks and are unsure of when or if it will be possible to re-fill the North pool in its current condition. Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for updates.

Does this mean that you are starting construction related to The Courtyard Project?

No. While The Courtyard Project was born out of the need to address these urgent issues, we are still in the Project’s exploratory stages. The North pool had to be drained as it needed immediate action to protect vital systems and ensure our foundation remains stable.

Why didn’t you address the pools’ maintenance needs until now?

PacSci staff past and present have been maintaining the courtyard as much as possible with the available resources. Throughout the decades, we have replaced sealants, pumps, and pipes; repaired drains; installed new equipment; conducted routine cleanings and maintenance; and more. As the team currently entrusted to govern, manage, and work at PacSci, we are passionate about the institution’s health and impact, and we will ensure that our iconic courtyard endures.

Programming

What can I expect when I visit PacSci?

We are so excited to reopen to the public with new and updated experiences, alongside longtime favorites. In addition to our IMAX®  Theaters and Laser Dome, visitors can enjoy the Tropical Butterfly House with over 1,000 colorful butterflies and plants from around the world; our live and immersive Planetarium; Tinker Tank Makerspace; the Dinosaurs exhibit; the Live Science Stage; and the Waterworks and Courtyard with its fountains and reflecting pools.

Experiences also include new and updated Augmented Reality exhibits, which takes visitors on an exciting and important adventure quest for clean water.

Why are some areas still under construction? 

While we have reopened much of our campus, we are still reimagining and upgrading some of our experiences and facilities. We are keeping our community in mind as we continue to work on these exciting improvements, with accessibility, the environment, and your experience as our top priorities.

Which are currently closed for the time being?

Not all of our buildings on-site are currently open as we continue to reimagine and upgrade some of our experiences and facilities. Buildings 3 and 4 are currently closed. But just because a building is closed for the time being doesn’t mean that the experiences that were previously in that building are no longer at PacSci. Many exhibits have simply been moved to other buildings. Learn more in our blog.

Is Just for Tots still there?

Yes. We look forward to welcoming back our smallest scientists! Enjoy the music room, ride the helicopter, and more.

Will you continue digital and virtual programming now that you’ve reopened?

Digital and Virtual Learning are now key parts of our programming, even as we return on-site and in-person.

We will continue offering virtual field trips and Curiosity at Home, even as we bring back in-person field trips, the live science stage, and planetarium shows. As always, we are bringing the spirit of innovation to our digital learning capacity by experimenting with programming ideas that will be a combination of in-person and digital – a hybrid of the two – with accessibility in mind.

COVID-19 Policy

Are masks required for entry?

No; Masks are not required for entry. Please respect those who choose to wear one.

If you have had COVID-19 in the last 10 days, have been exposed in the last 5 days, or are unvaccinated and have returned from travel in the last 5 days, please wear a mask.

Is proof of COVID-19 vaccination required for entry?

No; Proof of vaccination is not required for entry.