Museum Memberships are the gift that "give" all year long and many participate in the ACM and ASTC museum networks, which allow you to visit museums located across the country for a discounted, or FREE, rate! A few even participate in a regional network of museums that allows for local reciprocity. Memberships aren't just for families with older kids but make for a great gift for new parents too! When I was home with a newborn I loved popping the baby into a stroller or carrier and exploring the museums at our own pace, especially when the Chicago weather prevented us from being outside.
CHILDREN'S MUSEUMS | ||
| Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier $190 Family Membership 10% discount if purchased by 12/31/19 (Includes ACM Network reciprocity) |
| Bronzeville Children's Museum $40 Family Membership |
| Wonder Works Children’s Museum $150 - Family Membership (Includes reciprocity to affiliated CLIMB museums and ACM Network museums) |
| SCIENCE MUSEUMS |
| The Adler Planetarium $165 Family Membership Promo Code NIGHTSKY for 2 bonus months (Participate in the ASTC Network) |
| Field Museum $180 family Promo Code Holiday19 for 15% off (Participates in the ASTC and ACM networks) |
| Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum $60 Family Membership (Participates in the ASTC network & has reciprocity with Regional museums) |
| Museum of Science & Industry $195 Family Membership (Includes reciprocity with the ASTC Network and Regional Network) Promo code FRIEND10 for $10 off PLUS 2 free admission passes by 12/31/19 |
| Shedd Aquarium $195 Family Membership 20% discount if purchased by 12/31/19 |
| ART & OTHER MUSEUMS |
| Art Institute of Chicago $105 Membership includes 2 Adults (Children under 18 are always free) |
| Museum of Contemporary Art $85 Membership includes 2 Adults (Children under 18 are always free) |
| American Writer's Museum $75 Household Membership Free Gift with memberships purchased December 2019 (Includes reciprocity to Author Home Museums Network) |
I included Family Membership prices only, but there are often multiple levels available - from Individual to Family PLUS - so be sure to check the links for details. Individual memberships are great for an adult who may have an infant or toddler, but may not always be eligible for reciprocity at network museums when traveling. Family PLUS levels may be perfect for a family that often includes grandparents or friends in their adventures!
To see a list of museums that participate in the ACM or ASTC networks nationwide, click on the links below. Discovering that you can use your membership at locations you frequently visit out of state is a definite bonus! We often use ours when visiting family and friends out of state.
