This easy travel hack is our family’s favorite way to save money on vacation
In the past year, my kids have learned how to grow vegetables at a science center in Montréal, explored a replica of a famous shipwreck at a science museum in Vermont, hiked to a famed “singing tower” at a picturesque garden in Florida's Lake Wales, and dug for dinosaur bones at a science center in Orlando.
And the best part? Admission was free, thanks to reciprocal membership. Our only cost was our annual family membership fees to our local science center and botanical garden in South Florida. Science centers, zoos, aquariums, and gardens are already places we’d seek out on vacation, and having access to free or discounted admission is a huge perk.
MORE FOR LESS: 11 budget-friendly family vacations that pack in the fun
Here’s how it works: many science centers, zoos, aquariums and gardens are part of larger associations that offer a major benefit for members: reciprocal membership programs, which offer free or reduced admission for members visiting partner attractions outside of their home area.
Since our family lives in West Palm Beach, we belong to three phenomenal local organizations: the Cox Science Center and Aquarium, Mounts Botanical Garden, and the Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society. All are just a few miles from our home, and we pay annual membership fees that grant us free admission throughout the year.
For frequent travelers, one of the most valuable membership benefits is reciprocal admission. Through our home organizations’ participation in reciprocal admission programs through the ASTC (Association of Science and Technology Centers), AHS (American Horticultural Society), and the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums), we’re granted free admission to more than 350 science museums and 345 public gardens, as well as free or reduced admission to more than 140 zoos, aquariums and museums.
Here are some of the reasons we love using our reciprocal membership benefits while traveling.
You’ll have free activity options.
With our family of five, admission to sights and attractions can get expensive quickly. In Montréal, I looked into the cost of visiting La Ronde Amusement Park or the family adventure park Voiles en Voiles; both were pricey. But when I realized that we had free admission to the Montréal Science Centre (with a prime location in the Old Port of Montréal), it gave us a thrilling attraction to visit and left us with more money to spend elsewhere. The science museum ended up being so much fun that we spent all day there.
More travel hacks:
10 ways to save money at Disney World and Disneyland in 2025
How to Save Money When Booking a Hotel for Your Family Vacation
The day’s itinerary is taken care of.
At a science museum, zoo, or aquarium, there are typically scheduled talks, educational activities, and shows throughout the day. In a garden, there are paths to walk and sights to see. The great thing about any of these is that they take zero pre-planning from home; you can just show up and either follow the day’s activity schedule or a map.
At the five-floor Orlando Science Center, my kids participated in a “Cool Science” show about liquid nitrogen, a presentation about the power of electricity, an interactive talk about astronomy, and a 3-D printing workshop. There were also two state-of-the-art movie theaters with daily showings. The day was jam-packed with options, and we didn’t have to plan any of it.
You'll meet other families and make new friends.
My kids love making new friends on vacation, and I’ve found that science centers, zoos, aquariums, and gardens are the perfect places for them to meet and play with other children.
At the Montréal Science Center, we befriended a French-Canadian family as our kids followed animal tracks in an exhibition’s forest. The kids were similar in age and were soon playing together. By the end of the afternoon, my children had learned some French phrases and were thrilled to have had the chance to socialize with kids their own age.
A FIT FOR EVERY FAMILY: 101 inspiring family vacation ideas for all ages and budgets
You’ll learn about a destination’s history and ecology.
During each of our adventures, we gained a deeper understanding of a place’s history and ecosystems.
At a massive aquarium at the lakefront science and nature museum ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, in Burlington, Vermont, my kids found themselves nose-to-nose with some of the lake’s largest fish species, including lake sturgeon, bowfin, and channel catfish. We learned about the lake’s robust freshwater ecosystem and its benefits to countless species of animals and plants.
At Harry P. Leu Gardens near downtown Orlando, we explored a 50-acre botanical oasis and learned all about which plants grow best (and why) in the region. At Mead Botanical Garden in nearby Winter Park, we walked through stunning butterfly gardens and learned about local pollinators.
Partner attractions are fun for all ages.
We occasionally have extended family with us on trips, and I’ve always been impressed with how science centers, zoos, aquariums, and gardens cater to multigenerational groups.
Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins were with us on a trip to the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida, and everyone had a great time. We hand-fed giraffes, spotted meerkats, participated in a rhinoceros encounter, and even went kayaking.
We recently took our nephew (age 6) with us to Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, and he and my three children (ages 5, 5, and 8) loved exploring the Olmsted-designed gardens and trekking to the summit of Iron Mountain.
TROPICAL BLISS: 11 best adults-only all-inclusive Caribbean resorts
Employees are an excellent source of knowledge for curious kids.
When children are interested in what they see, guides can make all the difference.
At the Florida Aquarium in Tampa, we took a journey through the Madagascar habitat to see species that can only be found in the island country: ring-tailed lemurs, tomato frogs, and a colorful coral reef.
My children were fascinated and had many questions about Madagascar’s animals and how they live. Two knowledgeable employees took their time answering my kids’ questions and taught them more than they ever would have learned in a textbook.
Tips for utilizing reciprocal membership benefits when traveling:
Check the reciprocal membership chart (typically linked on your home organization’s website) for lists of organizations offering reciprocal benefits.
Call ahead to the attractions you plan to visit and confirm reciprocal membership benefits, hours, and guidelines.
Be aware of proximity limitations (some attractions only offer reciprocal admission to visitors who live more than 90 miles away, for example).
Pack a photo ID and all membership cards for the organizations whose benefits you’ll be accessing.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring hats, sunscreen, and water if you’ll be outside.
Be prepared for kid-friendly gift shops. Your children will want to buy everything.
More from FamilyVacationist:
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How to take advantage of reciprocal memberships on your vacation
