Showing posts with label Museum Discounts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Museum Discounts. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

2011 Free Fun Fridays in Massachusetts

The Highland Group is sponsoring Free Fun Fridays this summer. The program provides free entrance each Friday to different musuems, zoos, theater and other attractions to residents and visitors in Massachusetts during the months of July and August. The first event was July 1 the last is August 26. You can check out the Free Fun Fridays Website for the schedule of attractions on each date.

I would also suggest checking with the attractions to find out if there are any additional costs for specific programs you may be interested in at the location. I know with other offers only admission is covered additional programs are generally at the cost of the person attending. With some venues all that is required is admission and you have full access to everything. With others, like the Musuem of Science there is plenty to see for the cost of admission, but more available at an additional cost. I have not read anything about specific events associalted with attendees of Free Fridays. Calling ahead can provide you with more information.

For those who plan on utilizing other pass or discount options, you may also want to be aware of these dates as you can expect there to be higher traffic on these dates. If you have other options, you may want to choose another date for your visit to find a less crowded venue.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Blue Star Museums

I recently heard about this initiative and wanted to pass on the information. The Blue Star Museums program started in the summer of 2010. The program is continuing this summer. Blue Star Museums are museums that offer free entrance to active duty personnel and their families from Memorial Day, May 30, 2011 to Labor Day September 5, 2011. The FAQ page states five immediate family members may attend with appropriate documentation. If you click on the FAQ link, you can get information about the documentation required and answers to other questions you may have.

The NEA provides a map of the covered museums by state. This can help you find out which museums in your area or places you plan to visit this summer are participating. If you have military family visiting this summer, you also may want to check out which museums are participating, as this can be an inexpensive way to have a family outing. As I wrote about previously the more discounts you use, the more outings you can afford to have on your vacation.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

PBS Member Discounts

While some people take advantage of the privileges of membership, some are not aware that becoming a PBS member offers more than just a charitable donation. It also can provide discounts depending on how well your local station markets itself to donors.

Our area is served by three stations. The Boston Station WGBH is the largest and offers an extensive lists of discounts available to members through their Perks program here. The discounts include activities for adults and families as well as shopping.


New Hampshire has a smaller list, but should be checked for updates. Click on the Member Card Website for an updated list. Some of the museums and other attractions popular in this state are covered for members.

Rhode Island surprisingly has a list that is highly competitive with Boston's. In fact, there are many Massachusetts’ attractions on Rhode Island's discount list.

Like the AAA discounts, they are not always as good as the library passes, but if you or family member is a member of your local PBS station, you should be using these discounts. Review your options and take the best discounts you have available to you. It is not a reason to join, but if you have spent the money, get the best value for your money by using the discounts for trips or shopping you already plan on doing.