Family Memberships in DFW—More Bang for Your Buck!

2022 prices may be a little different from those listed in this awesome post, but the ideas and tips are still great. After reading here, check out our more recent post on the subject: DFW Family Membership Deals: Waterparks, Zoos, Museums & More!

With the weather in the metroplex getting more bearable, I find myself wanting to go to places that all my kids will enjoy. But let’s be real, I really just need places to take my kids to get us out of this house and NOT bankrupt me! Naturally, my focus has fallen onto places that offer family memberships for a reasonable price AND that allow me to bring my gigantic family of seven as many times as I possibly can—more bang for my buck!

In addition to admission, family memberships often include free parking, special members-only events and hours, discounts at gift shops, and more. In my searching, I’ve found these incredible family memberships throughout the metroplex that pay themselves off in only a few visits!

Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, McKinney

Family memberships cost: $80/year (whole family) *Great for large families

Regular Cost: $11 Adults, $8 Children (Ages three-12), Children two and under FREE

Pays for itself: In about two visits (Family of four)

Includes: Unlimited general admission for your WHOLE family, reciprocal admission to more than 300 participating museums and science centers worldwide, discounts, early invitations to events, and more. See full details and other packages here.

Perot Museum, Dallas

Family memberships cost: $119/year (two adults and ALL children)

Regular Cost: $20 Adults, $13 Children (Ages three-17), Children two and under FREE

Pays for itself: In less than two visits (Family of four)

Includes: Unlimited admission for ENTIRE family, exclusive hours, discounts, reciprocal admission to 360 museums worldwide, two additional guest passes, and more. See full details and other packages here.

Dallas Zoo, Dallas

Family memberships cost: $129 (two adults + four children)

Regular Cost: $15 Adults (Ages 12-64), $12 Children (Ages three-11), Children two and under FREE

Pays for itself: In about two visits (Family of four)

Includes: Unlimited admission, FREE parking (normally $10), discounts, members-only events/hours, and more. See full details and additional packages here.

Sci-Tech Discovery Center, Frisco

Family memberships cost: $80 (Family of four), $120 (Family of six)

Regular Cost: $8.50 General admission (Ages three-64), Children two and under FREE

Pays for itself: In 2.5 visits (Family of four)

Includes: Free admission for family, discounts, early invitations. See full details and package options here.

Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch, Pilot Point

Family memberships cost: $115 (two adults, two children)

Regular Cost: $12 Adults (Ages 13+), $10 (Ages three-12), Children two and under FREE

Pays for itself: In 2.5 visits (Family of four)

Includes: Unlimited admission, Safari Tram Ride, entry to petting zoo, animal presentations, and more. See full details and package options here.

Texas Discovery Gardens, Fair Park, Dallas

Family memberships cost: $65/year (two adults and all children) *Great for large families

Regular Cost: $8 Adults, $4 Children (Ages three-11), Children two and under FREE

Pays for itself: Less than three visits (Family of four)

Includes: Free admission to Gardens and Butterfly House, discounts, free one-day admission to State Fair of Texas, and more. See full details and other packages here.

Dallas Arboretum, Dallas

Family memberships Cost: $131 (Member + five guests)

Regular Cost: $15 Adults (Ages 13-64), $10 (Ages three-12), Children two and under FREE

Pays for itself: In less than three visits

Includes: Year-round admission, free parking, discounts, members-only invitations, and more. See full details and other packages here.

Things I learned: 

  • Children two and under are FREE at most places. You can get an individual (cheaper) membership and bring your little one for free!
  • Many family memberships are tax deductible! Look at the websites for details and discuss with your tax professional.
  • It may be best to do a trial run with your kids before you make a commitment.

Also Consider:

Don’t forget family memberships for your Christmas list this year! Did we miss any great deals? Please share them with us in the comments.

Nadia Sherwin
Nadia was born and raised in Collin County and currently lives in Wylie. She is a former Kindergarten teacher, but is staying at home for the first time this year with her own little students: 2 year old TWINS and 5 month old TRIPLETS. Yes, you read that right, 5 children under 3 years old! Though her hands are very (literally) full, Nadia wouldn't have it any other way. Nadia always makes time to snap pictures of her littles, have friends over for parties, and go on adventures with her family. You can often find her falling asleep sitting up, nursing/pumping for the triplets, binge watching terrible TV shows in the wee hours of the morning, or surfing Pinterest for meals she'll never cook and crafts she'll never make. Nadia's new-found love is exercising and taking steps day-by-day to become the best version of herself. You can follow our family's shenanigans on Facebook or our blog, Sherwin Full House. "