Read to Reef Gives Baltimore Families an October Route to Free Aquarium Admission

The National Aquarium’s glass pyramid rises above Baltimore’s waterfront.

Baltimore-area families still have an October opportunity to turn reading into an aquarium visit. Read to Reef, the partnership between the Enoch Pratt Free Library and the National Aquarium, offers eligible children a path to free admission after they read or listen to five books about aquatic life or conservation.

According to Pratt’s current program instructions, children in fifth grade or younger who have a Pratt library card can visit a library branch with a parent or guardian during October to collect a Read to Reef bookmark. Bookmarks are available while supplies last, so families should check with their branch rather than assume they will remain available through the final day of the month.

How the reading reward works

Children record five qualifying books on the bookmark. The code printed at the bottom can then be redeemed once for up to six Aquarium tickets through the program’s reservation page. Reading aloud and listening count, making the activity accessible to children who are still developing independent reading skills.

An advance timed reservation is required. Pratt says families have until January 18th, 2027, to make their reservation, and lists November 26th and December 25th, 2026, as blackout dates. The October bookmark window and the later reservation deadline are different steps; picking up a bookmark does not itself reserve an admission time.

Start at your neighborhood library

The program is intended for families, not group bookings. Library staff can help children find relevant titles, and Pratt’s program page includes suggested reading. Families can choose books that suit a child’s interests and reading level while keeping the aquatic or conservation theme at the center.

For ticket questions, the Aquarium lists admissions@aqua.org and 410-659-4269, with assistance available daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Check the reservation page for the available times before planning the trip.

As October winds down, the practical first step is a visit or call to your Pratt branch to confirm bookmark availability. Keep the completed bookmark and its code together, then arrange the Aquarium visit in advance. Follow PowerPage’s Power Beat coverage for more Baltimore services and opportunities.