Reciprocal Memberships Save You Money On Outings

Visiting lots of different establishments can be expensive, nevermind visiting multiple places on a regular basis. Reciprocal memberships can help save on the cost of admission.

What is a reciprocal membership? A reciprocal membership is a membership from one establishment which can be used at multiple establishments to gain either FREE or discounted entry.

For instance, purchasing a reciprocal science center membership in San Diego could give you either FREE or discount entry to science centers across the U.S. It may grant you entry to a science center or natural history museum in Los Angeles, Oregon, Las Vegas, or even Boston. Possibly even in another country!

An ACM (Association of Children’s Museums) reciprocal membership will give you access to 1/2 off admission to 200 children’s museums across the U.S.

A pass to a botanic garden that is part of the American Horticultural Society would grant you FREE admission to hundreds of other botanic gardens that are part of their network.

A reciprocal maritime museum membership could grant you entry to a handful of other maritime museums across the states. Make sure you purchase an eligible pass that’s part of the Council of American Maritime Museums (CAMM) network.

Many Museums Participate In Reciprocal Programs

Here are some of the Southern California establishments that participate in reciprocal programs:

• Reuben H. Fleet Science Center (gain access to the Discovery Cube in Los Angeles (OC may not accept your card due to distance requirements), the La Habra Children’s Museum, the Los Angeles Natural History Museum, The MOXI in Santa Barbara, etc…)

• San Diego Botanic Garden (gain entry to the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park, Los Angeles Arboretum, Descanso Gardens, etc…)

• San Diego Maritime Museum, Ocean Institute, Channel Islands Maritime Museum, Los Angeles Maritime Museum, and the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. (Reciprocal memberships to maritime museums are the $100+ memberships.)

Some Good Resources For Info About Reciprocal Memberships

• Association of Science-Technology Centers Travel Passport Program
• American Horticultural Society Reciprocal Admissions Program
• Association of Children’s Museums
• Council of American Maritime Museums
• North American Reciprocal Museum Association (NARM)
• Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums (ROAM)
• Association of Zoos and Aquariums

There are some stipulations, such as distance between establishments, but for the most part, these memberships are awesome! Be sure to check with the establishment of your choosing prior to purchasing a membership to make sure you buy one that’s reciprocal. Also, check with each reciprocal establishment prior to visiting to make sure they’ll accept your card. These memberships are great to use when traveling, so bring them on vacations!

We’ve invested in reciprocal memberships for years. They’ve paid for themselves within a few visits. Buying in a reciprocal membership could grant your family access to many neat establishments. These memberships can help you have fun, educational, great experiences together! Perhaps we’ll see you at an establishment that participates in a reciprocal membership program soon!