Tired of mountains of presents that seem to bring joy only on the day they are opened and then go unused for the other 364 days of the year? Me too! This led me to look into the option of gifting experiences over trinkets. In my research, I discovered annual memberships are where it’s at. Not only does this free your floors of unwanted debris, but it is truly a gift that keeps giving all year long!
Consider These Factors
Here are some things to consider as you look into gift memberships.
- Does the cost of the membership make sense for your family? I find most memberships are very cost effective if you are going to visit more than two times.
- What are the perks? This is one of my favorite parts of having a membership. The perks! Many memberships offer member-only hours or events, discounts on food and merchandise, and more.
- For the most up-to-date prices and benefits, please check the links.
Fort Worth Area Annual Memberships
Epic Waters ($239 per pass). There are a couple of pass options at the Grand Prairie indoor water park, including a family four-pack, Grand Prairie resident discount, military, and senior discounts. Children three years and younger are free. Perks for an annual pass holder include food, beverage, merchandise, and cabana rental discounts, 20 early admission dates, two late night after-hour annual pass parties, and a $20 arcade card for each pass holder.
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History ($195 five-person membership). While this membership is what I would choose for my family, there are multiple options with different levels available. Basic benefits include free parking, store, cafe, birthday party, and special exhibition discounts, free stock show, and National Cowgirl Museum admission, varying numbers of free guest passes, Omni theater and planetarium tickets, and more.
Fort Worth Zoo ($250 annual fund donation, or $52 per adult and $23 per child annual memberships). Children two and younger are free. The $250 annual fund donation provides a complimentary membership for two adults and up to four children while providing funds to help grow and improve the zoo. Membership perks include free parking, discounts on guest admission, Safari Splash, merchandise, train rides, carousel tickets, most food locations, birthday parties, zoo education programs, special events, invitations to member-only events, and more.
Fossil Rim Wildlife Park ($189 family of four one-year membership). Multiple pass options are available to fit your family’s size. Military, senior, and AAA discounts can be applied. Located in Glen Rose, this drive-thru zoo is one of my family’s favorites. Membership perks include discounts on additional guests, food, animal feed, merchandise, tours, and lodging, invitations to member-only events, a car decal, and more.
Friends of Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge ($100 family membership). This membership is good for two adults and all children in the same household. Perks include invitations to member-only events, discounts for the gift shop, Nature Center programs, and more. Additional benefits are available with increased membership levels.
Legoland Discovery Center and Sea Life Aquarium ($60 ultimate annual pass offered at each location). This midrange pass offers unlimited admission, discounts on guest tickets and merchandise, and access to members-only events. There is a budget-friendly $45-per-person value pass option, but it is only valid Sunday through Friday (no Saturdays) and has blackout dates including spring break and winter break. A unique transferable annual pass is also available for $155 and is good for one adult and one child. This pass allows for an adult-share option that is perfect for sharing with nannies and grandparents. For $110 per person, you can enjoy the combo annual pass with unlimited admission into Sea Life AND Legoland Discovery Center with the same perks of the ultimate pass.
Pogo Pass ($99.95 per person annually). Discount Alert! Use the discount link and the promo code FUN2SAVE to get it for only $39.95! This option is a little different. It offers admission to different venues all over DFW. The pass is good for one year from activation, assigned to a pass holder, and is non-transferable.
Seaquest Aquarium ($139.95 family annual passport). The family passport is good for two adults and up to three children. There are single, dual, and ultimate passport options. Perks include discounts on guest passes, summer camps, birthday parties, and gift shop items, access to special member-only events, and more.
Six Flags (prices vary). So many options. This is the only membership I found that offers monthly payments. These start as low as $6.99/month per membership and go up from there. While all the memberships offer discounts on food, drinks, and merchandise, the better the membership, the better the discount. Some even offer unlimited soft drinks on every visit. You will really have to review the options and decide what matters to you. Do you want preferred parking, ride photos, or premium seating at shows? Like I said, so many options.
Looking for more? Check out these other awesome spots.
Know of other Fort Worth area annual memberships? Email Mindy at [email protected].
