How to Save Money on Museum Tickets
Discounts at Zoos, Science Centers and Botanical Gardens
With more and more Americans venturing close to home for staycations instead of vacations, it's important to find deals on local cultural attractions.
A $6 ticket to the local science center is certainly a better deal than a $600 (at least) vacation to Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. But even if you’re vacationing at home this year, you still want to save as much as you can on local attractions.
How to Find the Best Deals at Museums, Zoos, Science Centers and Botanical Gardens:
- Join the organization. If you have a civil war buff in your midst and you go to your local history museum at least three times a year, a membership might be well worth the money. First, do the math. Figure out how many times you’re likely to visit this year compared to the price of a membership. Remember, memberships often come with perks like members-only days and discounts on special attractions or exhibits. Sometimes you even get access to the venue earlier than the general public. And don’t forget free or discounted parking!
- Invest in an entertainment book. If you're planning a staycation this summer, an entertainment book is well worth the money. You’ll receive two-for-one entrees at participating restaurants as well as discount admission tickets to not only your local attractions but also places across the county where you might travel in the coming year. The prices vary depending on where you live, but often local charities sell them.
- Take advantage of "free" nights for local residents. Often, museums and botanical gardens offer free admission to local residents certain days or nights of the week during summer months. Call the organization or look on its web site. Just don’t forget to bring your driver’s license or some form of identification that shows you are a resident of that city or county.
- Buy tickets through the organization directly. If you purchase through a ticketing agency, you'll probably be charged an added fee.
- Take advantage of student and/or senior discounts. Even if all you’re doing is taking one class at the local community college, you may qualify as a student. And some places will accept adults 50 and older as seniors.
- Check for school or employer discounts. Sometimes schools or companies will offer free passes to certain local attractions or events. It doesn’t hurt to ask.
- Go with a group. Organize several families to go to a museum or the local botanical garden. Not only will you receive a group discount, but you might also get special treatment and a personal tour as well. And you'll probably have more than going it alone. The best part: if you all travel together, you’ll save on gas.
The copyright of the article How to Save Money on Museum Tickets in Consumer Education is owned by L. Marie Dubuque. Permission to republish How to Save Money on Museum Tickets in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
