If you’ve ever gasped when totaling the price tag for a family trip to a museum or other attraction, this post is for you! Let’s break down the ways that you can save some serious money on visits to local museums, arboretums, and other fun attractions!

My suggestions here largely come from personal experience. (No shocker here) I’m a parent who likes to be out-and-about. But I’ve cringed when faced with a triple digit number to “get out somewhere new that we can all enjoy for a few hours.” Money-saving is in just about all parents’ interests. Likewise, these visits can be truly memorable and educational experiences. A.k.a. it IS worth it to go. So these tips are tried and true methods that get us the best of both worlds – the experience and the savings 🙂 .

Take Advantage of Your Library Card

Local libraries are AMAZING resources. They often have free passes that can be checked out with your library card. Here’s a few places around here that you can get into for FREE with a pass from the specified library:

(See entire lists for each library here: Indian Valley, Lansdale, North Wales)

Academy of Natural Sciences: Indian Valley, Lansdale, North Wales

African American Museum in Philadelphia: Indian Valley, Lansdale, North Wales

American Swedish Historical Museum: Lansdale, North Wales

Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles: North Wales

Bucks County Childrens’ Museum: Indian Valley, Lansdale, North Wales

Chanticleer Gardens: Indian Valley, North Wales

Eastern State Penitentiary: North Wales

Elmwood Zoo:h Indian Valley, Lansdale, North Wales

Glencairn Museum: Indian Valley, North Wales (not recommended for children)

Grounds for Sculpture: Indian Valley

Independence Seaport Museum: Indian Valley, North Wales

John James Audubon Society: North Wales

Mennonite Heritage Center: Indian Valley

Moravian Pottery and Tile Works: Indian Valley, North Wales

Morgan Log House: Lansdale

Morris Arboretum: Indian Valley, North Wales

Museum of the American Revolution: Indian Valley, Lansdale, North Wales

Mutter Museum: Indian Valley, Lansdale, North Wales

National Constitution Center: Indian Valley, Lansdale, North Wales

National Liberty Museum: Indian Valley, Lansdale, North Wales

National Museum of American Jewish History: Lansdale, North Wales

Pearl S. Buck International: Indian Valley, Lansdale, North Wales

Penn Museum (University of Penn Archaeology & Anthropology) : Indian Valley, Lansdale, North wales

Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts: Indian Valley, North Wales

Philadelphia Insectarium & Butterfly Pavilion: Lansdale, North Wales

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens: North Wales

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania: North Wales

Simeone Automotive Museum: North Wales

Tyler Arboretum: North Wales

Wings of Freedom Aviation Museum: North Wales

Woodmere Art Museum: North Wales

A word to the wise about library passes though. Each library has it’s own procedures and rules regarding check-out. Likewise, each museum will differ in how they offer the pass. Some (like the Academy of Natural Sciences) provide a digital pass that will be emailed to you for the date you select. Others (like the Bucks County Childrens’ Museum with Indian Valley) are a physical pass that you will need to pick up and return on specified dates.

If you are using library passes, try to plan in advance as far as possible. Because these are amazing, they will check out early.

Consider an Annual Membership

Though it feels super pricey up-front, it’s true that an annual membership will save you major bucks for places you’d like to visit multiple times a year. Personally, I look for memberships to places that I’ll visit throughout the year (or at least the majority of the year). Typically, visiting two-three times pays for the membership in itself. I try to shoot for at least six times a year to feel like I really got my money’s worth.

You can save money on this membership by looking out for their deals. For example, we got a membership to Legoland Philadelphia and Elmwood Zoo for 50% off! How? Black Friday deals 🙂 . Subscribe to the email list for your favorite places and be on the lookout for deals.

Memberships could also have additional perks. For example, a membership to Elmwood Zoo gets you a discount at Legoland Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Zoo, and the Lehigh Valley Zoo.

Look for Special Pricing Days

The Please Touch Museum offers a First Wednesday promotion on the first Wednesday of each month. Admission is only $2 from 4-7pm. Veterans and Active Duty personnel can also get steep discounts.

Crayola Factory sometimes runs free tickets for preschooler days, free birthday admission, and discount days for occupations such as teachers, social workers, and first responders.