Last week we might have been a little rough on the Greater Cleveland Aquarium (GCA) after noticing their Halloween price reduction offering on Groupon. While most of the article was meant to be an eloquent play on words and helping to disseminate the information, there still remains a price point that customers are unwilling to pay.

I think the real balancing act when it comes to the right pricing structure is the $20 threshold. Keep prices about $20 and I think there is a high probability people will not come. Get the cost under $20, and I believe you start to open up the possibility, at least psychologically with people, of attending your exhibits.

There will always be those that may not be able to afford to attend, but giving families the ability to factor a visit to the GCA into their budgets is a great thing not only for the Aquarium, but also the City as a whole. When guests can spread the word of how wonderful the attraction is by word of mouth, that is more powerful than any advertising budget, and getting people through the door is the way to market.

So I can once again say a price reduction was bound to happen. The Greater Cleveland Aquarium announced a temporary price reduction from November 1 to 21, 2012. Adult tickets will cost $17.95 and children’s tickets (ages 2-12) will cost just $11.95. Pass holders are able to purchase two tickets for their guests at a special rate: $15.95 for adults and $9.95 for children during any visit between November 1 and 21.

I think this is fantastic news, and could lead to some very positive results for all involved.

With our kids still being so little, I am not 100% sure we will get the full value out of the experience just yet like we did at the Newport Aquarium. While I am sure the exhibits and museum may be nice, spending $50 for our family for about an one-hour experience does not quite whet my appetite.

Save Money, Travel More!