We took a trip to Pittsburgh this summer, and we used some reciprocal memberships for free or discounted admission to some attractions.
The quick bit:
I used reciprocity from an ASTC membership, AZA zoo membership, and art museum to enter sites for free or at a discounted rate.
I used my Indiana State Museum membership for ASTC reciprocity at the COSI in Columbus. Savings: $110
I am using my Evansville Zoo membership for AZA reciprocity to visit the Columbus Zoo at 50% off, and the National Aviary at 50% off. Savings: $47 at the zoo, and $37 at the aviary.
I used ASTC also at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh for free admission. Savings: $74.
I used my art museum membership at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Savings: $74
Total savings for this vacation: $342
More details
As always, it is important to read the fine print of your membership. Sometimes there are distance requirements, i.e. you must live more than 90 miles from the museum you’re visiting for them to allow discounted or free admittance. Sometimes, it is only a certain museum within that organization, or only certain levels of membership have reciprocity. Call ahead.
While the free or discounted admission is a huge money-saver, we still paid a bit for parking, add-ons, food, some souvenirs.
Take-aways for you:
Look at your own memberships in your city or nearby area (look within 2-3 hour distance at your options. Or more!). Then, consider where you might be traveling in the coming year, and if you’d want to visit a reciprocal museum in that area. Make sure to call ahead and ensure that your pass is valid at that site. Run the math to make sure a membership is the best value for your situation.
Reciprocal programs that are on my radar:
- ASTC travel passport
- Association of Zoos and Aquariums
- North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM)
- Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums
- Metropolitan Reciprocal Museums
- Museum Alliance Reciprocal Program
- ACM Reciprocal Network
There are many others!
Alternatively, some cities have City Pass, Entertainment Book, or other ways to access attractions at a discount. Perhaps discounted afternoon rates, etc. You have options.
How have you used your memberships to save while traveling?
