Yearly Family Memberships... A Good Deal?

We are fortunate to live in an area with such an array of family-friendly attractions, but admission prices to those attractions can add up! Often when you figure the cost for a family of four to visit one of these wonderful places, the cost heads upwards of $50. I don't know about you, but $50 or more for one day of learning and entertainment is a bit steep on most days for our family! Enter the wonder that is the annual family membership! If you and your family like to visit an attraction (or several), consider spending a little more up front so that you can enjoy them "free" year round.

One big benefit I've found from having a membership is that I no longer feel "guilty" if we have to leave shortly after arriving (due to a meltdown or temper tantrum, say) because I know we're not wasting any hard-earned money!

Here is a list of some of the wonderful local attractions that offer family memberships. And don't worry - even if you don't live here, it may make financial sense for you to purchase a membership, too, if you plan on another trip to the area before the membership would expire. They're great presents to give, and receive, too (hint, hint)!



• The Audubon Zoo http://www.auduboninstitute.org/zoo.html (closed Mondays)
  


• The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas http://www.auduboninstitute.org/aquarium.html (closed Mondays)

• The Audubon Insectarium http://www.auduboninstitute.org/insectarium.html (closed Mondays)
  


• Louisiana Children's Museum http://www.lcm.org/ (closed Mondays)
  


• Global Wildlife Center (in Folsom, LA) http://www.globalwildlife.com/