Zoo Membership - Great Budget helper

[Mic]

I live about an hour from the NC Zoo, and have purchased a family membership every year since my children were pre-school and elementary age. My two oldest are now in college, the two youngest are in high school, and I just renenwed my membership. I had been on the fence about it, but when I did not renew by the renewal date, I received a card to reduce the price by $10, so how could I resist? Since all of our children still live at home, my pass is still good for a family of six. The best thing about the membership is the fact that it is tax deductible, so if I only go once this year, I feel good about the donation. About 12 years ago, my oldest daughters had a dance competition in Knoxville, TN, and we were able to get into the Knoxville Zoo for free with our NC pass under the reciprocal program, but I could certainly understand if it is no longer free admission. We have such a nice zoo, and I hope it is still here when I have grandchildren.

 

[pixiewings71]

I didn't see Monterey Bay on the list I posted. But if Monterey participates I would be able to go to the Sacramento Zoo for 50% off. The ** to the left of the name are the Zoos that give the 50% off admission vs Free admission.

It absolutely is on the first list
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey, CA
Free Admission to:
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I copied that from the first link.

yes, but call an make sure. Sometimes its free and sometimes its a % off.

I used to have my local zoo, turtle back zoo. It expired and we were in Florida and the central florida zoo. I just bought an annual membership there which wasnt more than my total admission for the day and was than able to use my florida zoo pass to get in free at my local zoo.

Thanks, I will check with the area zoos to see what they say.

I am not seeing any reciprocals listed on the Montery Bay Aquarium website. http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/md/join.asp

This is also why I asked, we did not get any notice from the aquarium when we renewed our memberships and I don't remember them saying anything when we signed up years ago either.
I will contact the zoos and ask, or MBA and ask them. Since the list appears to be old that's probably the best.

 

[floydfamily4]

We are members of the Houston zoo and love it! We have small kids (twins age 4) so with the membership we can go for just a couple of hours and not feel like we have to see everything. In addition our zoo has free parking and allows you to bring in your own lunch so it makes for a great "free" day out. When people ask what my twins want for the their birthday I always mention their memberships (zoo, childrens museum, and space center) as options. It helps us and its something they will use and enjoy. This spring we tagged along with my DH to a mtg. in San Antonio and were able to enjoy 50% off the ticket price for me and kids while DH was in meetings. I recommend anyone who has kids and is trying to save money seriously look into memberships

 

[GraysMom]

Can you explain the headings? What does AA stand for?

We belong to the Lehigh Valley Zoo(it was cheaper for us to join)
I see that the SC Aquarium is on there and we were also members there- now I'm thinking we can get in with our Lehigh valley Zoo pass??

We're members of the Lehigh Valley Zoo too . I love the new jack*** penguins!

 

[java]

We're members of the Lehigh Valley Zoo too . I love the new jack*** penguins!

And I have to admit we LOVE one of the Ostriches- You'll know it's him when you go- if you jog along the fence he runs along with you- then turn around and he'll follow you back! It cracks us up. And they have just replaced all the picnic tables by the river. We love to picnic there.

 

[RangerPooh]

I'm confused, we are members of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, it's on this list but what does that mean? Does that mean we are supposed to be able to go to the Sacramento Zoo (which is also on the list) and get in for free?

It does not mean that you will get in free at Sacs zoo. I would call their guest services and see what their reciprocity would be for a membership With MBA.

BTW, I miss the MBA badly!!!!!! It was my weekend retreat growing up.

 

[RangerPooh]

Tell him to tell their website folks to update the Binder Park reciprocal list... it is from 2007!! http://www.binderparkzoo.org/pdf/reciprocal_2007.pdf

The list doesn't really change year by year, and they haven't changed their agreements with other zoos regarding their zoo memberships and entrance fees. So there's no need to update it. With a visit to any zoo I would call ahead to double check what their membership reciprocity is.

 

[NiftyJ88]

Thanks I'll get a list when we go next time- we actually go just to see the penguins and have a picnic- it's not much of a zoo- but there is a great little river and a drive thru safari- kind of(only elk and buffalo) but the kids love it.

We were LV zoo members last year. This year, we joined the Philly Zoo even though we live in LV. Basically, the LV zoo membership got us 50% off at Philly (but we still had to pay for parking). It was only about $20 more to join the Philly Zoo (which we get into for free + free parking) and we can still go to the Philly Zoo for free.

On our membership through the LV Zoo we also went to Zoo America (Hershey) and Elmwood Park Zoo. Both of those were free.

 

[cjnix29]

We have a membership to Binder Park Zoo here in Michigan and have used it at many other zoos. One thing to keep in mind is the reciprocity at other zoos is not always the same. Some zoos let you in free while others are at a discount.

Plus, the zoo that you purchase through will probably offer memebr disocunts. BPZ offers discounts on gift shop purchases, birthday parties, summer camp programs, and zoo overnights. Plus there is a refillable souvenier cup for both adults and kids that you can purchase and refill from free on your visits. There are also coupons that you can use for discounts on food purchases, trian rides, giraffe biscuits, and a few other things.

Love Binder Park Zoo! Feeding the giraffes rocks! Can't wait to go back this year to have my niece sell me some ice cream!

 

[PA Princess]

We have also discovered for our family that buying memberships at zoos and museums is a win win. We have four kids and with two now in their teens and often counted as adults for entrance fees, we find that often a member ships is cheaper than one visit.

This past weekend we traveled to the National Aquarium in Baltimore and I spent a large amount of time trying to figure the best deal for our group (my mom, my sister, dh, myself, and our four kids). In the end we bought a certain level membership that was almost $50 cheaper than paying one day tickets for each of us plus we saved 10% off of all food and souvenir purchases.

I almost always ask now about memberships before I buy any tickets, and truthfully even some employees are surprised that for our group the membership is usually a better deal than one day tickets.

As mentioned already, we also really like knowing we do not have to camando tour a place because we can return for free and we have enjoyed numerous visits using the reciprical privledges offered at zoos and museums.

 

[I'mNoPrince]

When DD was younger we use to go Camping all the time and Use of Baltimore Zoo pass at other Zoos that were close to where we were camping.

We haven't renewed for a few years now that she is a Teen and we don't get over that much.

In the Fall I can stand on my Lower roof and Watch the Chimps through Binoculars if they are outside and the Trees have thinned. Some years I'm good others it just doesn't work out lol

 

[andrews_dad]

We have also discovered for our family that buying memberships at zoos and museums is a win win. We have four kids and with two now in their teens and often counted as adults for entrance fees, we find that often a member ships is cheaper than one visit.

This past weekend we traveled to the National Aquarium in Baltimore and I spent a large amount of time trying to figure the best deal for our group (my mom, my sister, dh, myself, and our four kids). In the end we bought a certain level membership that was almost $50 cheaper than paying one day tickets for each of us plus we saved 10% off of all food and souvenir purchases.

I almost always ask now about memberships before I buy any tickets, and truthfully even some employees are surprised that for our group the membership is usually a better deal than one day tickets.

As mentioned already, we also really like knowing we do not have to camando tour a place because we can return for free and we have enjoyed numerous visits using the reciprical privledges offered at zoos and museums.

About a month ago we went as a family to the Baltimore Aquarium for the first time and LOVED it. We were blown away and my son was in awe of teh animals and the bubble tubes. On the way out we upgraded the single day tickets to an annual pass. We just went back again last Saturday. Inner Harbor was PERFECT and I skipped the waiting lines with the annual pass.

 

[GraysMom]

And I have to admit we LOVE one of the Ostriches- You'll know it's him when you go- if you jog along the fence he runs along with you- then turn around and he'll follow you back! It cracks us up. And they have just replaced all the picnic tables by the river. We love to picnic there.

We'll have to try that the next time we visit the ostritches! I've never picniced down by the water. We'll have to check it out this summer.

 

[andrews_dad]

You can also get in free or at a reduced price to various venues with other reciprocal memberships as well. For example, we have a membership at the Maryland Science Center that is part of ASTC. We can then visit other science centers/museums that are in the ASTC network worldwide. We also have an ACM reciprocal membership with Port Discovery Children's Museum which allows free/reduced cost admission at other children's museums nationwide.

We have taken advantage of these reciprocal programs when we travel. It greatly reduces entertainment/admission costs. If you visit your local museums/attractions at least two times, your membership fee usually pays for itself. Then just be sure to look up the reciprocal programs before you travel. We have actually scheduled vacations around these memberships. Several years ago, we visited Philadelphia and received reduced admission to the Philly Zoo, free admission to the Franklin Institute and Museum of Natural History as well as the Please Touch Museum.

It's definitely worth checking out your local museums. Sometimes restrictions do apply. For example, no reciprocal membership within a 90 mile radius within your home state.[/QUOTE]

I have never heard of that stipulation -- 90 miles. That is not the case in my membership, but another thing to double-check before you buy. A bit of research up front to find the best deal you can ... but as others said it can be a great money saver even IF you only use it at your own local zoo 2-3 times in a year. The reciprocals and other benefits are just icing on the cake! I am heading to Zoo America with my reciprocal this weekend, plus hitting Hershey Chocolate World. Both are free (zoo free with my Zoo reciprocal), both with free parking .... and I'll pack a picnic lunch for the zoo. The kid will LOVE it and we will hardly spend a dime (other than the $$ on the chocolate chip cookies we simply HAVE to buy at Choc World!! Mmmm, they are the BEST!

 

[SalandJeff]

We joined Beardsley Park Zoo here in CT last fall. We planned to have our dd's birthday party at the Zoo and there was a big discount for members, so it worked our great. The membership includes my dh, dd and myself, and we also were able to add my sister. Last month we went to the Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, RI and we all got in free (plus my sister's boyfriend). Great deal!

 

[twinglesmome]

You can also get in free or at a reduced price to various venues with other reciprocal memberships as well. For example, we have a membership at the Maryland Science Center that is part of ASTC. We can then visit other science centers/museums that are in the ASTC network worldwide. We also have an ACM reciprocal membership with Port Discovery Children's Museum which allows free/reduced cost admission at other children's museums nationwide.

We have taken advantage of these reciprocal programs when we travel. It greatly reduces entertainment/admission costs. If you visit your local museums/attractions at least two times, your membership fee usually pays for itself. Then just be sure to look up the reciprocal programs before you travel. We have actually scheduled vacations around these memberships. Several years ago, we visited Philadelphia and received reduced admission to the Philly Zoo, free admission to the Franklin Institute and Museum of Natural History as well as the Please Touch Museum.

It's definitely worth checking out your local museums. Sometimes restrictions do apply. For example, no reciprocal membership within a 90 mile radius within your home state.[/QUOTE]

I have never heard of that stipulation -- 90 miles. That is not the case in my membership, but another thing to double-check before you buy. A bit of research up front to find the best deal you can ... but as others said it can be a great money saver even IF you only use it at your own local zoo 2-3 times in a year. The reciprocals and other benefits are just icing on the cake! I am heading to Zoo America with my reciprocal this weekend, plus hitting Hershey Chocolate World. Both are free (zoo free with my Zoo reciprocal), both with free parking .... and I'll pack a picnic lunch for the zoo. The kid will LOVE it and we will hardly spend a dime (other than the $$ on the chocolate chip cookies we simply HAVE to buy at Choc World!! Mmmm, they are the BEST!

Andrew's dad: I am also a member of the Maryland Zoo and am familiar with the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) reciprocal program I was simply providing information to others since they may want to consider other reciprocal programs as well. I don't think I can post any links yet, but here is information regarding ASTC (Association of Science and Technology Centers) Passport Program.
This list of science centers and museums participating in the ASTC Passport Program is in effect May 1, 2009 - October 31, 2009.

Each institution has its own admissions policy, so call before you go to get the details. Also, reciprocity extends only to regular/general admission—it does not include free admission to additional attractions such as special exhibits, planetarium shows, simulator rides or giant-screen films. It also does not usually include museum store discounts.

Please note—local restrictions apply
1. Based on your science center's/museum's location: Science centers and museums located within 90 miles of each other are excluded from the program unless that exclusion is lifted by mutual agreement. 90 miles is measured "as the crow flies" and not by driving distance. Science centers/museums may create their own local reciprocal program. ASTC does not require or participate in these agreements, or dictate their terms.

2. Based on your residence: To receive Travel Passport Program benefits, you must live more than 90 miles away from the center/museum you wish to visit. Admissions staff reserve the right to request proof of residence for benefits to apply. See the PDF for details.

Even with the restrictions, it is still a good way to visit other museums when traveling.

Have a great time in Hershey!

 

[andrews_dad]

Thanks for that info on the ASTC (Association of Science and Technology Centers) Passport Program. I was not aware of that.