Last night we met up with some friends at one of our favorite spots, a local attraction to enjoy the last day of the extensive Christmas light and water fountain display. We only stayed for a few hours, just long enough to get the experience and be home in time for the premier of Downton Abbey.
We have been trying to get down to the bare bones of our budget this month, so you might think that the expensive entry cost ($25 per adult, slightly less for kids) would have been out of the question. Fortunately, we didn’t pay a thing, thanks to the fact that we have a family membership which allows us to visit 365 days a year.
A membership to a local museum or attraction can be well worth the investment, especially if you have children. Not only will you find yourself using your museum membership frequently, because you haven’t paid the full entrance cost, you can feel comfortable ducking out after an hour, if a child gets tired or overwhelmed.
The cost of our membership paid for itself in less than two visits. We did some research and got a couple of extra months for free, too.
Our membership also allows us free or discounted admission to other museums and attractions all over the country, giving us even more opportunities for fun.
Choose your attraction carefully. It should have enough interest to keep you coming back all year. Someplace that changes its exhibits, offers extras such as music or children’s programs, or is constantly reinventing itself will be more likely to hold your interest.
Make sure that there is something for everyone. Our membership includes classes and tours for the adults, crafts and children’s activities for the kids, a free powered chair rental for my elderly father and plenty of opportunity to take photos, something at least three of us in the family like to do.
My final tip: visit the museum or attraction first, but hold on to your tickets. Most places will allow you to apply the cost of those tickets to a full membership within so many days.