ICYMI: New England Aquarium is Free For Salem Residents Next Month

Salem residents are used to getting some great benefits for living in the city, including free admission to the Peabody Essex Museum.

But in September, city residents will also be able to enjoy free admission to the New England Aquarium in Boston.

With Salem schools not starting until Wednesday, Sept. 9, summer is longer and more challenging for weary and cash-strapped parents and caregivers, continually looking for creative and entertaining ways to keep children busy for a few more days.

The New England Aquarium has just the remedy,exclusive to Salem residents only: Free admission for the entire month of September.

That is nearly a $100 savings for most families to see the Aquarium’s new exhibit on sea turtle rescue as well as penguins, fur seals, sea lions, harbor seals, sharks, sting rays, and thousands of more aquatic animals.

At the Aquarium’s box office, Salem residents will need to show either their licenses, state identification cards, passports, or current mortgage, insurance, utility, or banking statements. Here is the link for more information:www.neaq.org/salem.

This offer is not available for phone or online orders, or for school or other group reservations. It may not be combined with other offers and is not valid on the New England Aquarium Whale Watch or in the Simons IMAX Theatre.

The free admission is thanks to the Norman H. Read Trust.

“Salem is so fortunate to be the beneficiary of the Norman H. Read Trust, which focuses on funding science education and technology in our schools and for our children,” said Mayor Kim Driscoll. “This September, Salem Days gives all of our residents the opportunity to explore marine science with free admission to the New England Aquarium.”

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.