Season passes and family memberships are fantastic holiday gifts: clutter free, memory making, educational and fun. Members enjoy free admission, exclusive members-only events, members-only newsletters and often receive discounts at gift shops and concessions, along with other great perks. We love receiving memberships from grandparents and relatives. These are our favorite places for memberships locally and our favorite membership perks.
- Kansas City Zoo 6800 Zoo Dr., Kansas City, MO, 816.595.1234, KansasCityZoo.org/membership Favorite Perk: The zoo offers various levels of memberships so you can select the perks you will use most (e.g., unlimited rides on the train, carousel and Sky Safari), but all members enjoy FREE or reduced admission at more than 150 other zoos and aquariums across the United States.
- Union Station’s Science City 30 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO, 816.460.2020, UnionStation.org/membership Favorite Perk: Free or discounted admission to nearly 300 museums in the United States and around the world, making this a top pick to have on family trips to visit science museums and city museums on vacation.
- Paradise Park 1021 NE Colbern Rd., Lee's Summit, MO, 816.246.5224, Paradise-Park.com/family-adventure-pass/ Favorite Perk: You can choose the level of membership to purchase according to the attractions your family enjoys most. Members are invited to attend exclusive FAP appreciation nights with fun and seasonal activities.
- Powell Gardens 1609 NW US Hwy. 50, Kingsville, MO, 816.697.2600, PowellGardens.org/membership Favorite Perk: Members enjoy free admission to top-notch annual festivals (including the Festival of Butterflies) and free or discounted admission to more than 200 gardens and arboretums and discounted classes and programs for families.
- Wonderscope 5700 King St., Shawnee, KS, 913.287.8888, Wonderscope.org/membership/default.aspx Favorite Perk: They offer varying membership levels. Some members enjoy free admission to swim at Splash Cove, others enjoy 50 percent off admission to almost 200 children’s museums around the country.
- Schlitterbahn 9400 State Ave, Kansas City, KS, Schlitterbahn.com Favorite Perk: Season pass benefits include half price summer admission coupons, great savings on souvenir cups, cabana rentals and food and exclusive early ride times and free fountain drinks on select days.
- The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures 5235 Oak St., Kansas City, MO, 816.235.8000, ToyAndMiniatureMuseum.org/membership/ Favorite Perk: You decide to buy a pass for up to two, six or 12 guests per visit and bring any combination of guests each time you visit. This is a great way to share a favorite local attraction with out-of-town guests.
- The National WWI Museum and Memorial 100 W. 26th St., Kansas City, MO, 816.888.8100, TheWorldWar.org/support/become-member Favorite Perk: May purchase additional museum tickets for guests at half price.
- The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art 4525 Oak St., Kansas City, MO, 816.751.1278, nc.Nelson-Atkins.org/Membership Favorite Perk: FREE admission to featured exhibitions and FREE parking. Upper levels also include free admission to other art museums.
- Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun 8000 NE Parvin Rd. Kansas City, MO, WorldsOfFun.com Favorite Perk: Includes admission to both Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun. With gold level passes you also receive free parking, opportunities for early park entry, special price on bring a friend days and discounts on food and merchandise.
BONUS! LEGO KidsFest Kansas City Convention Center, 301 West 13th Street, Kansas City, MO, LegoKidsFest.com Favorite Perk: May 13-16, 2016 experience over 3 acres of dozens of LEGO activities including race ramps, bridge builds, challenge zones, and much more! The LEGO KidsFest brings all of your favorite LEGO experiences to life! Enter to win FREE passes to LEGO KidsFest.
