Free Aquarium Tickets For Salem Residents: How To Get Them

SALEM, MA — Salem residents will be able to attend the New England Aquarium for free next month as part of the annual September Salem Days program.

The Norman H. Read Charitable Trust donation is allowing for all Salem residents to gain admission to The New England Aquarium while supplies last.

Since the inception of September Salem Days in 2009, the Read Trust has funded free admission for thousands of Salem residents to the Museum of Science and the New England Aquarium, as well as to the Topsfield Fair.

Two free Ferry rides will be available on a first-come, first serve basis. The first ferry will be from Salem to Boston with Salem Public Schools Superintendent Steve Zrike on Sept. 6 with a 10:30 a.m. departure from Salem, and the second will be with Mayor Dominick Pangallo on Sept. 13 with a 10:30 a.m. departure from Salem.

"The New England Aquarium is an important resource to our region, and lots of fun," Pangallo said. "The Norman H. Read Charitable Trust funds many programs in our schools, but September Salem Days is a gift to all Salem residents. I hope that all residents will take advantage of this generous offer, and I look forward to the opportunity to see many community members there."

The New England Aquarium will be open each day throughout September from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This offer is valid only for residents of Salem during September 2025 while supplies last. Visit the box office outside the New England Aquarium and present proof of residency for free admission.

Proof of residency includes a valid driver's license or photo ID card showing a Salem address.

Norman Read, who died in 1992 at age 100, made his fortune in the sciences of oil and natural gas in Texas and Alaska. Before he died, he created the trust as a means to enhance excellence in science education for all Salem residents. Generations of his family were residents of Salem since colonial days.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)