When it comes to outings (especially during the summer!), one great way for families to get the most bang for their buck is by purchasing memberships to local attractions. Zoos, theme parks, museums…most of these offer packages that give families way more than just year-round admission. And if you know you plan to return to the zoo, children’s museum or science museum more than twice in a year—most of these pay for themselves. But which places are worth the initial cost? We’ve got the inside scoop from local parents, and have a list of the very best in town to try.
Where: 12400 Southwest 152nd Street, Miami, FL
Most parents I’ve spoken to in the Miami-area are wild about their ZooMiami family memberships. For just $169 a year, you can get admission for two adults and up to four kids under 18 (who live in the same household) anytime free of charge. Consider that adults pay $23 every visit, and kids are $19 each—that’s already $122 for one trip to the zoo for a family of six! This membership pays for itself by the second visit. With so much to do year-round, having a membership means you can stop by just to cool off in the awesome splash park, hear trainer talks and see animal feedings, go trick-or-treating in October and see beautiful holiday lights in December. We also love to ride the monorail for a sweet breeze in the summertime. Other membership perks include special event invites, discounts inside the zoo and up to 50 percent off admission to zoos and aquariums across the country.
Where: 1101 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL
Locals are raving about the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Downtown Miami. It’s no surprise, then, that many are buying up family memberships. Frost offers two family options we love: the Family Membership for $179 for two adults and four kids or Family PLUS which adds two additional guests for a total of $229—perfect for the grandparents and other extended family. For a family of four, this membership pays for itself in just two visits.
You’ll receive free admission year round, not only to the museum but also free or reduced admission to 360 other partner museums, as well via the ASTC Travel Passport. Also included are discounts to the cafe, gift shop, summer camps, special classes, and on-site parking, as well as express entry, exclusive first-looks at new exhibits and a free planetarium show with your visit.
Nature lovers would be wise to purchase an annual pass to our most beloved natural treasure: Everglades National Park. For $55 a year, you and everyone in your vehicle will be granted free admission to the park. From there, you can hike, canoe, kayak, bike ride, bird watch, and more with your whole family. If your family happens to travel quite a bit, though, I would suggest the America the Beautiful Pass, which grants free admission year-round to every single U.S. National Park at a steal—just $80. This pass allows for up to four adults in your vehicle to enter, and all kids under 16 are free.
Where: 101 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL
A family membership to HistoryMiami is ideal for somewhat older kids and families who love learning about the past. For only $75, two adults plus all your kids will receive free admission year round to the museum plus reciprocal membership to over 800 other museums across the country on the SERM and Time Travelers partnership lists. That includes local spots like the Bass Museum of Art, the Coral Gables Museum and the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society. Also included are invitations to opening receptions, discounts to various museum events and city tours (perfect for your out-of-town visitors!). Don’t miss the monthly Family Fun Days, which have a new theme every time and include tons of crafts, activities, stories and learning opportunities.
Where: 16701 SW 72nd Ave, Miami, FL
Deering Estate is certainly one of Miami’s most understated attractions. This beautiful space in Palmetto Bay is great for kids of all ages thanks to its wide, expansive park-like feel. However, this particular membership also has a lot of extra perks more geared toward teens and the adults (hey, us parents get some fun, too, right?) For example, their family membership package (which is for 2 adults and 4 children) includes free admission to Deering all year round, free guided tours (including night hikes and bird walks), plus free admission to the Deering Seafood Festival and a free invite to the annual members-only cocktail reception (See? Stuff for us, too!) All that for just $105 a year, or $185 for two years. There are camps in spring, summer and winter, plus tons of interactive science programs for kids, too.
Where: 980 MacArthur Causeway, Miami, FL
We can’t really talk about family attractions in Miami without mentioning the Children’s Museum. For those families who love to frequent this youngster-friendly spot, a family membership is definitely ideal. At $150 annually, it pays for itself in just three visits for a family of four. This package includes free entry for 2 adults and four kids in the same household, plus discounts to special events and to almost 200 other children’s museums throughout the country via the Association of Children’s Museums. You also get 2 complimentary one-day guest passes, and 10 percent off MCM classes and camps, birthday parties, and gift shop purchases. Not a bad way to go.
If your family frequents Miami-Dade’s many parks, you might want to consider a Parks Foundation Annual Membership. With this pass, you and three affiliates will receive 25 percent off at ZooMiami, Deering Estate, and the Fruit and Spice Park, as well as Miami EcoAdventures, summer camps, shelter and court rentals and group swim lessons. Family Memberships also include one free shelter rental per year (perfect for planning your kiddo’s birthday party or another important occasion), as well as free entry to all Miami-Dade County public pools. You’ll even receive some fun swag like a bumper sticker, membership card and tote bag. All this for just $175 per year.
