Is The Ark Encounter Ok For A Public School Field Trip
There’s been some recent controversy on this. In January 2019, letters were sent to 1,000 Kentucky public school districts from Freedom From Religion Foundation.
The letters stated that fields trips to the attraction were unconstitutional because they exposed a “captive audience of impressionable students” to Christian ideology.
Part of the controversy is that the Answers in Genesis ministry asserts that the Earth was created 6,000 years ago over the course of a few days and their museums show humans and dinosaurs living side by side.
The U.S. Geological Survey asserts, on the other hand, that dinosaurs went extinct nearly 65 million years before people appeared on Earth.
Attractions Terms And Conditions
Your use of a ticket automatically grants permission to Answers in Genesis, Inc. and to Ark Encounter, LLC and its parent company, Crosswater Canyon, Inc. to record your image or that of your property while at the Ark Encounter or Creation Museum attractions for security, safety, news, marketing promotions, or other purposes, and constitutes a release to use such image for any or all such purposes.
The Attraction is private property, a Christian environment, and outreach of the Company. By visiting the Attraction, you agree to act in a polite, respectful manner at all times while on Attraction property. In the interest of public safety, vehicles and any packages, bags, and articles carried on the premises may be subject to inspection by public safety personnel at any time. For specific details please refer to Creation Museum Rules and/or Ark Encounter Rules.
General admission, combo tickets, 3-Day Bouncer, and Ultimate Bouncer passes may be purchased online or upon arrival for the same price. When buying online, your tickets will be emailed to you for printing prior to your arrival.
All prices do not include Kentucky sales tax or Williamstown ticket fee . Prices listed are subject to change.
Parking fees not included with general admission, combo tickets or 3-Day Bouncer passes. Ultimate Bouncer passes include free parking.
For assistance, please email reservations. If you are bringing a motor coach, please email us for reservations.
Plan Your Day At The Ark Encounter
From animal programs to presentations from our engaging speakers, the Ark Encounter offers many different events. Enhance your time with these fun learning experiences, whether its your first, fifth, or fifteenth visit!
Select a date from the calendar to see what events are scheduled. Please note that times and other details are subject to change without notice.
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An Extra Note From The Ark Encounter For 202:
From the Ark Encounter:
A unique family homeschool experience is coming to the Ark Encounter next spring, and you receive admission to the Creation Museum with your registration. Were hosting our first-ever family homeschool conference, Building Strong Foundations, in Maybut its so much more than just a conference.Its a unique family experience at the worlds leading Christian themed attraction, the Ark Encounter, May 1214, 2022. Its an experience for homeschoolers that you cant get anywhere else in the world. There will be activities for everyone in your family during this three-day event.
A freelance writer, Sally Mathenys writing is published in worldwide, national, regional, online and print publications including Appleseeds, Clubhouse Jr., Homeschooling Today, and The Old Schoolhouse.
As a writer, blogger, and speaker, Sally encourages parents to live victorious and to courageously tell the next generation wondrous things. Connect with her on several social media sites, but her favorite hangouts are at SallyMatheny.com and .
What Are The Ark Encounter Hours
The hours change based on when you visit. The Ark is located in the Eastern Time Zone and the hours posted on their website for this fiscal year are:
- Sunday: Noon to 9 p.m.
- Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sunday: Noon to 6 p.m.
- Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday: Noon to 6 p.m.
- Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- *The Ark is closed Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, 2019
- Sunday: Noon to 8:30 p.m.
- Monday to Friday: 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- *The Ark is closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Dec. 2425
- Closed Sunday and Monday
- Tuesday to Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday: Noon to 7 p.m.
- Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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The Ark Encounter And The Creation Museum
Imagine visiting a Biblically-based, spiritually safe museum that inspires and strengthens your faith. A place with exhibits based on history, science and the Bible. A place that teaches nothing but the truth of our existence. Wouldnt be wonderful if such a thing existed?
Enter:The Ark Encounter and Creation Museum.
Because people constantly ask us about our trip to the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museums, I decided it was well worth documenting some of those FAQs. Since you can find specific details like ticket costs on their websites, Im going to simply offer practical suggestions and information based on our experience.
What Should I Wear
Wear comfortable shoes. Noahs Ark as described by the Bible was huge, and the replica is no different. The ark is almost two football fields long and has three decks of exploration not including attractions surrounding the museum.
Expect to take at least three to four hours to get through the ark’s exhibits. Long, wheelchair accessible ramps connect each deck , however, there is also an elevator tucked away for those who need it.
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Outside The Ark Encounter
Outside, in addition to a variety of plants and trees, theres an interesting assortment of live animals awaiting visitors. Ive always said God must have had enormous fun creating some of, what we perceive as, the more odd-looking animals. Who knew gazing at a sloth could be so relaxing?
Its not a huge zoo, but it is larger than what is offered at the Creation Museum. And, there is a petting zoo included. It would be nice to see more animals added in the future.
I heard the Ark used to offer camel rides, but they were not doing that in the summer of 2021. You could however, for three dollars, feed a camel some lettuce! We passed on that experience.
What Are The Extreme Zip Lines
Extreme Zip Lines are open during all Ark hours, with the exception of January through mid-March. Tickets to this aren’t included in the price of Ark Encounter general admission.
There are 24 different zip lines, 10 of which are 1,000 feet long and two of which are around 2,000 feet long.
Zip liners must be at least 8 years old and weigh 75 pounds. The exception is the Eagles Nest Aerial Adventure, in which 4-year-old children can participate.
For the Free Fall zip line, the weight cutoff is 285 pounds. For the Flight Line Maximum, the cutoff weight is 250 pounds.
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My Thoughts And Recommendation
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Ark Encounter and hope to go again somedaymaybe with the grandkids. Theres so much to see and do. And, like the Creation Museum, new exhibits will merge into their lineup.
The staff is top-notch. The exhibits and the grounds are exceptional.
If you go, I recommend allowing an entire day for your visit. At the minimum, four hours. Id love to see a 2-day option for visitors. Some families, especially with littles, may find it challenging to fit everything in one day.
The prices are a bit high. Purchasing a combo-ticket for both attractions is the best way to go. Currently, children ages ten and under are admitted free, so Id take them soon before that extra perk changes!
Also, Id love to see free parking for everyone, not just for those who live in the surrounding counties of the Ark. Or, at least reduce the price a little. Parking is $10.00 at each park in addition to the price of adult tickets which is between $40 50.00 each. But, I understand everything is expensive these days and good help is challenging to find.
Plus, the exhibits are exquisite, highly-detailed, and educational. Not to mention how theyre ministering to hearts.
For our family of three, the trip was well worth the money. The experience brought biblical history to life. And, it served as an amazing reminder of just how big and awesome is our God.
The Flood Lawsuit Over Rain
The Ark Encounter may have been built to model a biblical boat that survived worldwide floods, but the replica was not as immune as the original biblical boat.
In May 2019, the owner of the Kentucky attraction sued for rain damage after five insurance companies would not cover the $1 million in damage to its access road caused by heavy rains.
The suit, filed against the insurance companies, asked for a jury trial.
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The Creation Museum Specifics
At the Creation Museum you can park much closer to the entrance, which is more convenient. Like the Ark, this attraction offers extra things to do such as a 3D theater, planetarium, playground, petting zoo, nature trails and beautiful gardens, and a zip line. Because its a little smaller than the Ark Encounter, we were able to do most of what was offered. They also have a cafe on site where you can purchase snacks and lunch items. Unfortunately its not nearly as elaborate as the restaurant at the Ark Encounter.
My children enjoyed the Creation Museum more than I expected since the Ark offered more interactive exhibits. Still, one thing I might change for next time is that we would start at this attraction first. Then our adventure would follow a chronological order of events. Although in reality, it doesnt matter which you do first.
Another consideration is the weather. We intentionally chose to visit the Creation Museum on the one day when the weather forecast called for rain. Unlike the Ark, most of the exhibits are indoors. It also doesnt require walking outdoors to get food, and you can park closer to the facility.
General Admission Terms And Conditions
- Tickets expire one year from the date of purchase unless otherwise noted.
- Tickets may not be copied, transferred, or resold.
- No refunds will be issued. All sales are final.
- Each ticket allows entry for only one person.
- Ticket allows bearer admission to facilities only during operating hours.
- Unauthorized duplication or sale of tickets may result in denial of admission to the Attractions.
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Will You Need A Place To Stay
If you need a place to stay when you visit, you can book your hotel while your purchase your Bouncer Pass on CreationMuseum.org! Choose from a variety of vetted hotels conveniently located near the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter, and receive a special rate when you book through our site.
Were excited for this new ticketing option that will help families experience even more of what the worlds leading Christian-themed attractions have to offer. Plan your visit today at CreationMuseum.org or ArkEncounter.com.
*Some experiences are an additional charge.
Creation Museum Ark Encounter Tickets Now Cheaper For Children
Admission to the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum is getting cheaper for children starting in March.
Starting Thursday, children younger than four will get into both parks free. Children ages five to 12 can get $15 single passes, $25 combo tickets and $30 annual combo passes.
The unlimited weekly pass is now a combo ticket that can be used during a seven-day period.
“Rather than giving group discounts to school groups, youth groups in churches, etc., AiG is essentially giving all young people and kids a ‘group price,'” a statement from the parks said.
More:
Tickets for both attractions include entrance to exhibits, a zoo and petting zoos, gardens, and many special programs each day.
“Not only are the attractions a great financial value, there’s spiritual value gained by our guests. I’m thrilled to see so many of our visitors respond to the messages we proclaim, even as they enjoy themselves in immersive experiences,” said Answers in Genisis founder Ken Ham.
Currently, children’s tickets are $28 for a single pass for the Ark Encounter, $35 for a combo pass, $99 for an unlimited combo pass and $175 for an annual pass. Children under the age of five get in free.
Under the new ticket pricing structure, adult passes will also cost less. Adults will pay $48 for an ark pass, $35 for a museum pass, $70 for a combo pass and $100 for an annual pass.
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Who Is Behind These Two Amazing Attractions
Answers in Genesis, founded by Ken Ham, created the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum. Their goal is to empower believers to defend their faith by teaching them real historical, scientific and Biblical facts. If we learn how science really does support the Bible, we are much more prepared to face the skeptics and searchers who ask tough questions.
According to their website: Answers in Genesis is an apologetics ministry, dedicated to helping Christians defend their faith and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ effectively. We focus on providing answers to questions about the Bibleparticularly the book of Genesisregarding key issues such as creation, evolution, science, and the age of the earth.
This organization offers a plethora of free and purchasable resources including videos, books, online apologetics courses and homeschooling materials. Be sure to bookmark this site because youll want to return to it for a spiritual investment for you and your friends and family.
Free Parking Grounds Access At Ark Encounter Creation Museum For Residents Of Nearby Counties
In a show of civic appreciation, Answers in Genesis and its popular themed attractions are reaching out to their neighbors with a special offer. Residents of seven Kentucky counties and one Indiana county can now park free through 2020 and, at no charge, tour the grounds of the internationally renowned Ark Encounter and Creation Museum.
The counties in Northern Kentucky are: Grant , Boone , Kenton, Campbell, Pendleton, Gallatin, and Owen and, in Indiana, Dearborn County .
They will be able to purchase meals at the attractions. There will be the normal ticket cost to enter the Creation Museum and the Ark to view their exhibits.
Our neighbors in Northern Kentucky and southern Indiana have been such a blessing to us over the years, Ken Ham, CEO of Answers in Genesis and founder of the attractions, said.In return, we want to offer them free access to the grounds of our theme parks, which are attractions in their own right. Its another way for us to say thank you to them. Also, most of my talks and the presentations given by AiGs other speakers in the large new Answers Center near the Ark can be attended at no charge. To make it even more welcoming to our neighbors, well throw in free parking at both attractions.
The Creation Museum in Petersburg
The Botanical Gardens at the Creation Museum
More about the free Christmas events can be found at www.ArkEncounter.com and www.CreationMuseum.org.
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The Creation Museum Vs The Ark Encounter
As we shimmy our way across the map with our little house on wheels, Im struck by a strange reality: people live over here too. Obvious I know, but it stands out in my mind just the same. Perhaps Ive been reading too many early American stories with my kids. But I feel like a pioneer traveling to new land only to discover we are not the first ones to travel here. Perhaps the trouble is that we are headed East instead of West? That must be it.
We are currently in eastern Indiana. What has previously only existed as an empty, orange-colored section on my laminated state map is now multi-dimensional and bursting with fall foliage, lovely landscapes and an occasional southern accent. Our little Idaho license plate is a lonely minority among our neighbors on Hwy 74. We are swimming in new seas folks. Countless times when we are asked, Where are you from? we are met with the response, Oh, we dont get many from Idaho around here. Well do our best to represent you well Idaho!
For the last three days, we have crossed over the Ohio River and dipped down into Kentucky. Two days were spent at the Creation Museum and one at the Ark Encounter. While its difficult to summarize the past three days into an encapsulated description, I can touch on some of the highs and lows from our kids as well as our parents perspective.
The Creation Museum: kids perspective
The Creation Museum: Parent perspective
Some tips if you plan to visit:
The Ark Encounter
It so big!
Its huge!
Tips For Your Ark Encounter Visit
1. Plan! When purchasing tickets, decide if you want to go to the Creation Museum , too. We did both in one weekend and definitely recommend visiting both places! The Ark Encounter takes at least 4-5 hours. There is a 20% military discount for active and retired members of the the United States Armed Forces. Follow the Ark Encounters blog or Facebook page for occasional discounts.
2. Read the story of Noahs Ark before you go. I recommend starting at Genesis chapter 5 to get a better understanding of the setting.
3. Get to the Ark Encounter early. Like, 15 minutes before opening time. When we arrived a few minutes before opening time, there was already a long line! There is a bus that will take you from the parking lot to the ark. As the day progressed, the lines got longer and longer. We all agreed we made a good decision getting there early to avoid the long lines at some of the exhibits.
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Bounce Between The Creation Museum And Ark Encounter With New Pass Options
Were excited to announce a whole new way to experience everything the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter offerand this new option is available just in time for your spring or summer vacation plans! These attractions offer world-class exhibits, beautiful grounds, hands-on family programs, presentations, concerts, animal encounters, zoo animals, playgrounds, and so much more.*
With all there is to experience at the museum and the life-size Noahs Ark, families have trouble fitting everything into just two days . So we are now offering a new pass to join our other ticketing options.
