Buy a membership from one location,
and get FREE or DISCOUNTED admission to
HUNDREDS of other places!
Reciprocal Admission Programs are one of the many benefits your family can take advantage of to save money while traveling!
How does it work?
Basically, when you purchase a qualifying membership from a participating zoo, aquarium, museum, or other organization, one of the benefits may be receiving FREE or reduced admission to other attractions that are members of the same program.
For example, if your local zoo is a member of the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums), and you purchase a membership from that zoo, you may be eligible to save money when visiting other zoos around the country that are also members of the AZA.
Being able to choose from hundreds of FREE or discounted attractions while traveling is SUPER COOL, because you can see and do so much more without breaking the budget to do so!
Below, you will find links to the different Reciprocal Admission Programs available.
Zoos, Aquariums, Science Museums, Children’s Museums, History Museums, Gardens, Arboretums, Historic Sites, National Parks, State Parks, and even Amusement Parks!
How fun is that?
Each program has its own rules, and those rules and the participating organizations CAN and DO change throughout the year. So, you’ll always want to double check these lists and CALL AHEAD to the organization you’d like to visit to ensure they are still currently participating at the benefit level listed.
Each program will vary slightly, but basically, it’s going to work a little like this:
Step 1: Start with SPGFAN for all your vacation planning needs! You can learn more about each attraction by clicking on their links. Clicking on the City / State listed will take you to loads of other AWESOME destination ideas in that area!
Step 2: Research the Reciprocal Admission Program that best suits your family’s travel plans and interests. We’ve done our best to provide all the links you’ll need to do that! Make sure you read and understand all the rules, regulations, number of people in your party eligible to receive discounts, possible geographic exceptions, schedules, and black-out dates if applicable.
While we at SPGFAN are dedicated to bringing you as much information as possible, you’ll definitely need to get the official scoop straight from the source for each program you’d like to use!
Step 3: Purchase the qualifying membership package from your choice of participating organizations. Most places will mail your membership cards and materials, and that might take a few weeks, so you’ll need to plan your purchase accordingly! Give yourself enough time to receive membership materials BEFORE you start your travels!
Step 4: Receive your official Reciprocal Membership Card and prepare to bring it, along with your photo ID, when you travel!
Step 5: Don’t forget to call ahead to ensure the organization you’d like to visit is still currently and actively offering their free or discounted admission to members of the program. Rules and participation can and will change throughout the year!
Step 6: ENJOY!
AZA Reciprocal Admissions Program – Association of Zoos & Aquariums
ACM Reciprocal Network – Association of Children’s Museums
ASTC Travel Passport Program – Association of Science & Technology Centers
ANCA Reciprocal Membership Program – Association of Nature Center Administrators
SERM Southeastern Reciprocal Membership Program – Southeastern Museums Conference
NARM North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association
COMING SOON:
AHS
ROAM
Time Travelers
MARP
Audubon
Mod/Co
HNSA
Smithsonian
CAJM
Met
WMG
Art Museum Reciprocal Membership Program
Art Museum Reciprocal Network
AMG
College and University Art Museum Reciprocal Program
Connections
CAMM
And MORE!