If you’re a parent, (and we kind of assume that you are if you’re reading our site… ) then you are probably aware of the membership packages that are offered by McWane Science Center and the Birmingham Zoo, but you might be surprised to find out how many local attractions around Birmingham offer memberships and how beneficial they can be for families, especially when it comes to camps and classes. Many times buying a local membership will open up possibilities across the country for free and discounted admissions on similar museums, parks or zoos.
Here is a rundown on some of the Memberships that you might find appealing for your family.
McWane Science Center –
FREE admission all year long and much, much more!
- FREE parking in McWane Science Center’s parking deck
- FREE or discounted admission to over 270 science centers worldwide Click here for a full list of participating Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC).
- SAVE up to 30% on camps & classes
- SAVE 20% in the Café
- SAVE 20% in the gift store
- DISCOUNTS on birthday parties
- SAVE $1 Off guest tickets
- FREE Eureka! subscription, McWane Science Center’s quarterly newsletter
- FREE E-Newsletter every month
- $1 OFF IMAX Feature-Length Hollywood Movies
For pricing and membership options visit the McWane Science Center website
Birmingham Zoo
Share the wonders of the Birmingham Zoo with your family and friends! Membership benefits include:
- Unlimited visits 363 days a year
- FREE admission to 17 nights of ZooLight Safari
- FREE or discounted admission to over 150 participating Zoos and Aquariums nationwide for one year
- FREE one year subscription to Animal Tracks magazine
- 10% off merchandise in the gift shop
- Discounts on over 100 Zoo classes, camps, events and birthday parties
- Invitations to member only events, previews and so much more!
For pricing and membership options visit the Birmingham Zoo Website
Birmingham Museum of Art
Because the museum is free to the public, membership support is vital to continuing to provide exciting exhibitions, educational activities, and social events for which the Museum is known.
Members of the Birmingham Museum of Art enjoy an array of benefits ranging from discounts on art classes to curator-led gallery tours to international travel opportunities. Whatever your interest, they strive to create a personal, engaging, and memorable experience.
Individual memberships start as low as $50 per year and allow you Free or discounted admission to 75 museums across the Southeast.
For pricing and membership options visit the Birmingham Museum of Art website
Alabama Theatre – Friends of the Alabama
Beginning is January 2012, the Alabama Theatre will be offering memberships through a program called “Friends of the Alabama” and will range in price from $25 for the Paramount Membership that will get you 6 free tickets to the Summer Movie series –
up to $1500 for the Spotlight Membership that will get you a Friends of the Alabama membership card, Alabama Theatre e-mail updates, 10 Summer Film Series tickets, 2 Holiday Film Series tickets, 4 free soft drink and popcorn passes good for any movie, Alabama Theatre t-shirt, Alabama Theatre coffee mug, Mighty Wurlitzer cd, Alabama Theatre lapel pin, a personal message on the side of the marquee or personal message on-screen before a theatre sponsored movie, complimentary tour of the Alabama Theatre for you and up to 50 of your guests during theatre business hours as long as there is no event scheduled, nameplate on a seat of choice in theatre, and a 2 hour rental of The Spotlight Lounge or The Loft.
Best of all with the Friends if the Alabama you are helping support a historic landmark. For more information on the program you can call Jessica Cannon at 205-252-2262 ext 118 or e-mail jessica@alabamatheatre.com
Southern Museum of Flight
Dedicated to investigating, preserving, and promoting the rich stories of Southern Aviation and to providing exciting, interactive educational programming for people of all ages. Through collaborative partnerships with the community, the Southern Museum of Flight provides a continuum of exhibitions, displays, and educational services with a sincere devotion to cultural and historical literacy.
Membership will allow you unlimited Visits For the Year and Discounts on Birthday parties.
For pricing and membership options visit the Southern Museum of Flight website
Vulcan Park and Museum
Vulcan’s roots reach deep into Red Mountain, yet the mountain alone will not keep him standing. Membership to Vulcan Park and Museum is a commitment to upholding a proud Birmingham tradition, offering special privileges and benefits for you and your family.They offer special events, such as Thunder on the Mountain and exhibits in the Linn-Henley Gallery throughout the year to enrich your experience and to make sure you’ll keep coming back to visit Vulcan!
Benefits include:
- Annual pass to Vulcan Center Museum and Observation Balcony
- Free admission to Vulcan’s Annual Birthday Bash
- Discounted admission to VPM events throughout the year
- Invitations to special events
- 10% discount in Vulcan’s Gift Shop
- Set of four Vulcan postcards
- Subscription to Voice of Vulcan monthly e-newsletter
- Contribution is fully tax deductible
For pricing and membership options visit the Vulcan Park and Museum website
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Members are eligible for FREE member classes, a discount on additional classes, a 10% discount at the gift shop and cafe, reciprocal privileges at over 180 U.S. gardens, invitations to members-only events, one pass to the members’ preview at the Spring Plant Sale, and many more benefits depending on the level you choose.
For pricing and membership options visit the Birmingham Botanical Gardens website
Aldridge Gardens
All memberships receive these basic benefits:
- Subscription to quarterly newsletter In Bloom
- Hydrangea Sale Previews10-30% discount at Hydrangea Sales
- 15% discount in gift kiosk
- 25% discount on concerts
- 25% discount on seminars
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Invitation to members-only events
- Reciprocal benefits at more than 200 botanical gardens across the country
For pricing and membership option available visit the Aldridge Gardens website
Memberships are a great way to show support in your community and save you money down the the road.
If you know of a membership opportunity for an area attraction that we haven’t listed we would love to hear about it!
Sloss Furnaces
Ranging in price from $35 up to $175, Sloss Furnaces has many options available when it come to memberships, included a kids club. Perks for membership includes free admission, free parking, discounts on special events, discounts in the gift shop and much more.
The money brought in from memberships will be used for educational programming, site development and preservation. For more information on memberships to Sloss Furnaces, visit their site.
What local Membership is a must for your family?
