Yall, It is
expensive to go out and do stuff! Just like sometimes buying your toilet paper in a larger quantity can be cheaper,
buying a membership to places you like
can save money too! Remember, most of your museums and such are 501c3 organizations and most, if not all of your membership is
tax deductible. This means you get to visit and deduct a large portion of the cost as a charitable donation! That is a saver!
Here is the thing: You may only purchase 2-3 memberships for the year and the other times you go very few other places. So, make sure it is somewhere you don't mind going over and over.
Top 3 Reasons to Buy a Membership
1. Visit places and write of most of the cost as a tax deduction
2. Reciprocal Memberships so you can visit other museums free or discounted when you travel
3. Support your local organizations
These places are OUR personal favorites. Everyone will have varying criteria. I will explain after each one why we like it. Please feel free to comment on the blog as to what your favorites are. I can learn from you, too! This is about community and sharing! My opinions are not supreme here... share the info you have!
I love the Aquarium. It is a great place to let my little one explore. Easy outing for wearing her out and there is stuff for all ages. The Aquarium has a new monthly membership option... great for those that can't come up with the entire amount up front.
Pro:
Children under 3 are free. So if all your kiddos are under 3, you only need a pass for yourself. You can also purchase a "Guest" pass that allows an unnamed adult in with you. THis is a great option so you can bring a friend one time, your mom when she visits, or your hubby (or wife) when he/she is not working. If you go 3 or more times in one year, the pass is cheaper.
Con:
They do not have an affordable "Family" membership. Since my older two are in school and busy with activities, we only have an Adult membership, a child membership, and a guest membership. I can bring my hubby, a friend, or one of my bigs with us. I even let my in-laws use the guest pass to take my little when the hubby and I went out of town! The only other con is parking. You do get a discount to park at the official aquarium parking, but it still is $8 each time. (grrr). Also, if you go on a weekend that something is going on down there (usually is), then the aquarium parking is full. Wish they had member only entrance!
Cost: (General Membership - Other options are available on their website)
- Adult Annual Membership $69.95 + tax
- Child Annual Membership $52.95 + tax
- Senior Annual Membership $58.95 + tax
- Guest Annual Membership $69.95 + tax
*Discounts and promotions do not apply to Guest Pass purchases
The zoo is great. They have lots of member only events all year long which is super fun. We love the Member Only nights and attend at least one per year. There is something here for all. I let my bigs bring a friend sometimes and let them loose! "Go off and be teens - If you get caught doing something inappropriate... I am leaving you here! (Add evil mom stare)"
Pro:
The family membership is amazing. I know the local libraries have a "check out" pass, but good luck getting one! I love the freedom of this pass. Free Parking. Member Only Nights. Discounts on the camps and events. I love, love, love the Adventure Pack option. Again, we have saved a bunch by being able to bring someone in with us. You can bring small coolers and drink in with you! Yep, that rocks! They have step stools in the restrooms and in the kids area... they have kid sized potties! (Raise the roof). HAHA! As a member, you get a passport for you and for your child. If you get it stamped each time you go you get more free stuff like a free giraffe feeding, a t-shirt, and more.
VERY IMPORTANT:
Reciprocal membership program. Did you know that if you travel, you can visit other zoos with your Zoo Atlanta membership? Um, YES YOU CAN! Zoo ATL does a 50% reciprocity. So, you can go to a zoo on the list and receive 50% off! We went to the Chattanooga Zoo and got in for less than $12 for our family (2 adults, 1 under 13 and 1 under 3).
Con:
Maybe distance depending on where you live. For me, I don't mind. We don't go once a month, but we go several times a year.
Cost: (General Membership - Other options are available on their website)
- Companion $99 (two adults and children under 3)
- Family $119 (two adults and 4 children under 18)
- Adventure Pack $30 (Add-a-Guest OR Named Adult, Wild Times Publication, Passport to Adventure (limit 1 per child), Two admission passes for one-time us(over $45 value)
So they have one of the best
preschool programs in the city that occurs every Thursday! So if you go to that a lot... worth the membership. My little one will be 4 soon and will no longer be free. So, instead of spending $13 (for her and I) to go to the Preschool program, I can get the membership. It is not as far as downtown and plenty of parks and things to do!
Pro:
They have the membership to the Southern Museum, which includes a
Smithsonian Affiliate membership! They also have the Museum/Garden Package which includes the membership to the museum, the Smithsonian Affiliate program, membership to the Smith-Gilbert Garden, and membership to the
American Horticultural Society Reciprocal Admissions Program! Thats a whole lot of museums and gardens for one price! (The Horticultural society has a 90 mile exclusion. THis means that if the garden is within 90 miles of your membership garden, the reciprocation is not honored. This is very common of the affiliate programs. I cannot find the mile radius exclusion info for the Smithsonian.)
Con:
It's in Kennesaw, so for people that don't live near there, it may be a drive. Both are super family friendly and have adult events too. So, can't really go wrong here!
Cost: (General Membership - Other options are available on their website)
- $50 - Individual
- $75 - Family
- $130 - Family Museum and Gardens (also includes 8 guest passes)
If you live on the west side of Atlanta, Cartersville is a gem of a place to hang out! The Tellus has a large property with plenty of space to picnic and hang out as a family in addition to the museum. ALso, there are other things to do in the area. The Booth Museum of Western art (they have a great kids hands-on experience), The Etowah Indian Mounds, and the Downtown area is super quaint.
Pro:
Lots of things to do. Plenty of member only activities. Great area with other things to do. Right off I-75 and NOT in Downtown Atlanta! Sometimes that is just awesome! Again... they have a
reciprocal membership program. (Yall, this makes traveling fun and cheap). The Museum Package includes membership to the Tellus, The Booth Museum, and the Bartow History Museum (and all 3 reciprocal programs). The Friend option allows you to bring an guest with you.
Con:
They do have rotating exhibits, but I don't think they change them out too often. So, I think it might kinda boring if you go a lot. However, the littles don't get as bored as easy as we do!
Cost: (General Membership - Other options are available on their website)
- Student/Educator: $35
- Individual: $55
- Family or Me & my Grandkids: $95
- Family + Friend : $150
- Museum Package (Family and Grandkids): $200
You can visit any GA State Park and purchase a GA State PArk Pass. However, I believe you get more for your money (and do a whole lotta good) when you purchase your pass through the
Friends of GA State Parks. Depending on the level of membership you get at least one night FREE camping (or a round of golf); 10% off Camping, lodges, or cabins; Discounts/tickets to the SAM Shortline railroad; and 25% off Admission to any State Historic Site! That's in addition to your Park Passes!
Pro:
Your
GA State Parks are amazing! There is so much endless family fun to be had! Even if you are not a camper. Go walk, hike, picnic, or enjoy one of the events they hold!
Con:
There truly is not one in my opinion!
Cost: (General Membership - Other options are available on their website)
- $55/$35 - Individual/Senior Individual (one pass/one night camping)
- $80/$60 - Family/Senior (2 passes/2 nights camping)
- $125 - Supporting (3 passes/2 nights camping/one free SAM shortline child pass)
Our Local High School Season Tickets
Just as shopping your local, small businesses helps your eceonmy, so does supporting your local schools! This not only helps them run great programs, but also gets your family invested in YOUR community. Your local High School has drama, band, football, baseball, volleyball and so much more. Contact them the find out if they offer a season ticket option to your favorite. Our Sequoyah High School in Canton, GA offers Drama Season Tickets and Football Season tickets for sure. I am not sure of the others.
Pro:
It is a great way to get your kids invested and interested in their local schools. Teach them the importance of community. Sometimes we look outside of our backyard for entertainment when it is right here!
Con:
If you only are gonna go once, the season option is not for you. However... remember, it is usually fully tax deductible (check with your tax professional)
Cost:
- Sequoyah HS Football $55 (Includes a parking pass and all Home games for the 6th-8th grade teams and High school games (9th, JV, and Varsity)
- Sequoyah Chorus: All concerts are free
- Check with your local high school for more info
Days and Times:
Overall assessment 
All ages! Young and Old! 
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