How would you like to join one museum, zoo or science center and then have access to hundreds more, all around the country?
Thanks to organizations that promote sharing among the different groups, you can do just that. And it can save you a lot of money when you travel.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Start by joining a local organization you support, like San Francisco’s Asian Art Museum or the Museum of Modern Art.
As you probably know, your membership will get you admission and other perks throughout the year. But many of these organizations participate in reciprocal programs that give members free or discounted admission to other museums, gallieries or zoos.
Asian Art Museum members, for example, enjoy free general admission to the Seattle Art Museum and New York’s Japan Society. And a premium membership nets you free admission to 800 museums across the country, including the de Young and Legion of Honor, San Jose Museum of Art, Contemporary Jewish Museum, Walt Disney Family Museum and Oakland Museum of California.
ZOO AND AQUARIUM DEALS
The same holds true for zoos and aquariums. Join the San Francisco Zoo and you are eligible for free or discounted admission at 100 other zoos across the country, including San Francisco’s Aquarium of the Bay, San Mateo’s CuriOdyssey, the Oakland Zoo and the Santa Barbara Zoo.
You can go online to get the list of member organizations taking part in the agreements. Call to verify it’s still current, and then go for free or 50 percent off.
Learn more at aza.org/reciprocity
MORE DEALS
Don’t want to buy a membership? Well, ponder these offers:
Free museum days: I don’t love Bank of America, but if you have a credit or debit card from B of A or Merrill Lynch, you can get in free the first weekend of the month at museums that participate in the “Museums On Us” program. Sorry to say, only one admission per card. Show a photo ID and a valid card. To see participating museums and upcoming dates, visit Museums.bankofamerica.com.
Kids free in October: Children get in free with a paid adult at 41 museums and attractions in San Diego that belong to the San Diego Museum Council. You need to go onto the website and print out the coupon, including for major attractions like the USS Midway and Air & Space Museum. Learn more here: sandiego.org and sandiego museumcouncil.org.
