Looking for fun for your entire family? There are so many benefits to buying a family membership to different experiences around town. Enjoy discounts, early hours, special experiences, and more! Here are the 7 best family memberships in and around Birmingham…
7 Best Family Memberships In and Around Birmingham
1. Birmingham Botanical Gardens
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens is located in the heart of Birmingham, Alabama—in one of the most biodiverse areas in the United States. It features 67 acres with more than two dozen garden spaces that showcase the many plants that thrive in Southern gardens. Each year, the Gardens welcomes more than 330,000 visitors. Read more about the gardens in our Ultimate Guide to Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
Benefits of Membership:
- Membership card and choice of exclusive new member gift
- Free/discounted admission to 360+ botanical gardens across North America (visit ahsgardening.org for a complete list)
- Choice of complimentary member gift plant at our Fall Plant Sale
- Access to exclusive members-only classes, events, and tours
- Discounts on select classes and workshops for adults and children
- Free admission members-only presale at Spring and Fall Plant Sale
- Free general admission to Antiques at the Gardens
- Priority registration for special events and children’s summer camps
- 10% off lunch at the Gardens Café by Kathy G
- In-city rates on Garden Center rentals
- $35 off Jefferson County Library card for out-of-county residents
- Subscription to the Friends’ exclusive quarterly newsletter, The Garden Dirt
- Invitation to our Annual Member Celebration
- Subscription to the Friends’ biweekly e-newsletter
2. Birmingham Museum of Art
Founded in 1951, The Birmingham Museum of Art is one of the finest regional museums in the United States. It houses a diverse collection of more than 29,000 paintings, sculpture, prints, drawings, and decorative arts dating from ancient to modern times. In 2024, they debuted a new exhibit named Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume that features 70 costumes from the world of Disney movies and shows, spanning nearly half a century.
Benefits of a Membership:
- Enjoy special exhibition previews, professional led tours and invitations to art centered programs
- Free or discounted admission to ticketed exhibitions and events
- Special members-only perks at Museum events, including BMA season events and summer celebration Art on the Rocks
- Discounts and Special Member’s Shopping Days in the Museum Shop
- 10% discount for Studio School
- Reciprocal membership at 100+ museums through the Southeastern Reciprocal Membership program
- Eligibility to become a BMA Support Group Member to explore art more deeply with others
- 10% off Art Camp
- 10% discount in Cafe
3. Birmingham Zoo
The Birmingham Zoo is 122 acres of lots of exhibits that feature animals from all over the world including red pandas, lions, giraffes, orangutans, rhinos, bears, elephants, sea lions, zebras, a jaguar, a hippo and many more. Enjoy several experiences at the zoo like the train, the carousel, the adventure tower, and giraffe feeding. It’s a great experience all year round.
Benefits of a Membership:
- UNLIMITED daytime visits throughout the year
- 25% OFF regular admission tickets for your non-member guests (up to six)
- 10% OFF stroller and wheelchair rental
- 10% OFF gift shop merchandise and food at Nourish 205 and Wild Burger restaurants
- FREE “My Member Perks” Coupon Book worth hundreds in savings at Birmingham Zoo and other local businesses and organizations
- Discounts on admission to approximately 150 AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums
- Discounts on events, camps, classes, and birthday parties
4. Cook Museum of Natural Science
Just a short 86 mile drive up 65 North, the Cook Museum of Natural Science is the perfect place for a day trip with kids. It provides a hands-on, immersive experience where kids can explore, interact with, and learn about the nature around them. Explore the different exhibits such as the 15,000 gallon aquarium, the hands on kinetic-sand table, a recreated cave that includes hidden animals, and more! Read more about the museum in 5 Things You Don’t Want to Miss when Visiting Cook Museum of Natural Science.
Benefits of a Membership:
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Unlimited free admission for a year
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25% discount for additional general admission timed-entry tickets for guests
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$50 off birthday party packages
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10% discount at Nature’s Table
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10% discount at the museum store
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Invitations to exclusive member-only opportunities
5. McWane Science Center
McWane Science Center is a science museum and research center located in the historic heart of Birmingham. With four floors of unique exhibits to explore, there is fun for all ages to enjoy. Some of our favorite exhibits include Itty Bitty Magic city, Shark and Ray Touch Tank, and the Bubble Room.
Benefits of a Membership:
- Free admission
- Free parking
- Exclusive discounts
- Early access to new attractions
- Memberships are also part of the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) Passport Program, unlocking free or reduced admission to over 350 independent science centers throughout the world
6. Vulcan Park and Museum
Vulcan Park and Museum is one of the most iconic spots in Birmingham. Standing at 56 feet tall, Vulcan is the largest cast iron statue in the world and the largest metal statue ever made in the United States. He debuted at the world’s fair in 1904, and came to rest atop Red Mountain in the 1930’s. Read more about visiting Vulcan in ‘8 Reasons to Take Your Family to Vulcan Park and Museum.’
Benefits of a Membership:
Standard…
- Unlimited regular admission to park for one year, for each member
- 15% discount in The Anvil Museum Store, and exclusive member sales
- 15% discount on Vulcan Park and Museum ticketed events
- Advance notice on history exhibits and community events throughout the year
- Subscription to Nuts and Bolts magazine
- Voice of Vulcan e-newsletter
- North American Reciprocal Museum Association Membership
Premium…
- All Standard Membership Benefits
- 2 membership cards
- 10 guest passes
- 20% discount in The Anvil Museum Store, and exclusive member sales
- 25% discount on Vulcan Park and Museum ticketed events
- Invitations to private premiere openings of exhibits and programs
- Recognition in annual report
- Recognition on website
- Subscription to Nuts and Bolts magazine
7. The YMCA of Greater Birmingham
There are many things to enjoy with your family at the YMCA of Greater Birmingham. Members can enjoy access to several programs and offerings including indoor and outdoor pools, exercise classes, swim team, afterschool childcare, summer camps, personal training, and more!
Benefits of a Membership:
- Access to 7 citywide membership branches
- Y Nationwide membership access while you travel
- Hundreds of group x classes per week
- Member only YGT, small group training
- First class cardio and strength equipment
- Year-round swimming pools
- Programming and events for the whole family
- Preferred member pricing and registration on afterschool care, summer camp, swim lessons, swim team, youth sports, YMCA sleepaway Camp Cosby and more
- Financial assistance based on need available for membership and programs
