Hands down, one of my best parenting investments has been a membership to The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. After struggling to keep a high energy two year old entertained and physically active during the early winter months, last year I drove there, toddler in tow, and bought a membership. Since then, our membership has paid for itself time and time again, and also led me to seek our other memberships. I LOVE memberships at museums, gyms, and other local attractions for a variety of reasons:
Cost savings adds up – Generally, your membership will pay itself off after two visits to your local museum, zoo, etc. However, I doubt you’ll stop after two trips. As long as you pick a spot that is close, and that your family loves, you’ll probably be back far more often. Last year, I lost count after twelve trips to The Henry Ford!
Short trips are okay – I learned quickly that babies/toddlers and long outings don’t mix well. There’s nothing like dragging your child around the zoo during nap time on a hot day to make sure you “get your money’s worth!” When you have a membership, you don’t have to feel like you’ve wasted $70 on a trip to the zoo if you leave in under two hours, because you know you can go back any time you want!
I remember visiting the Mattox family house at Greenfield Village with my mom when I was young, and make sure to stop in on occasion with my own kids now!
Discounted tickets are reciprocal attractions – Most museums and zoos are part of a larger network, and work together to offer discounted tickets. For example, if you are a member of the Ann Arbor Hands on Museum, you can get half off admission at 165 other museums!
Get the inside scoop and special deals – Honestly, to me this is a little bit less important, but most memberships offer special deals on merchandise or tickets to special events for members. Whether it’s having first crack at “Zoo Brew” tickets, getting guest passes to the gym, or discounts at the museum gift shop, there are usually some kind of extra perks for members.
At Amphibiville at the Detroit Zoo
Above all of this, you’ll also make awesome memories as your kids get to know their favorite displays and attractions! It’s easy to forget the details of one specific day, but I’ll always remember the special train car my son asks for when visiting The Henry Ford (and that upon asking, the sweet volunteer “engineers” will help us find it!), that he know to run to climb up the combine machine, and that he loves the “big long hot dog car” (The Wiener Mobile!) near the front entrance.
A must stop at every trip to The Henry Ford – the Lego train table!
So tell me, where do you have a membership, and why do you love it?
