This Hack Can Get You Into Museums and Aquariums for Free

Although they're often maligned with the dreaded "educational" label, museums, science centers, zoos, and aquariums can actually be tons of fun for the whole family. (I don't care how old you are, sharks and dinosaurs are always cool!)

They can also be a great way to have an adventure without hitting your personal finances too hard. For one thing, most of these institutions are fairly affordable for a one-time visit. They also typically offer something even more economical: annual memberships.

An annual membership with your local institution typically gives you unlimited access. This can be a huge savings if you're going to visit at least a few times a year (these spots make awesome rainy-day getaways!).

However, that's not the only -- or, arguably, even the best -- reason to join. A membership with a local museum, zoo, or aquarium can also unlock free or discounted tickets to hundreds of reciprocal institutions around the country -- and even the world.

Reciprocal associations

Many of these institutions are part of larger organizations that participate in reciprocal networks. In other words, if you're a member of a participating institution, you can receive reciprocal benefits -- including free or reduced-price admission -- to any other institution in the organization.

Here are some of the most popular reciprocal programs:

• Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
• North American Reciprocal Museum Association (NARM)
• Association of Children's Museums (ACM)
• Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)

Typically, your reciprocal benefits will mean you get 50% or 100% off admission prices. If the reciprocal institution is already free to the public, you may get other valuable perks, such as gift shop discounts.

For example, the Museum of Science in Boston, Massachusetts is a member of the AZA that offers a 100% discount at any other institution in the AZA reciprocal program. This means getting an annual membership at the Museum of Science would get you free admission to hundreds of participating institutions, from the Toronto Zoo to the Shedd Aquarium.

Investing in cheap fun -- and a good cause

The cost of a membership can vary a lot from place to place, and is based on the membership tier and/or number of people. Most institutions have plans for singles and couples as well as families. (Or, if you're feeling particularly generous, you could get a sponsor-level membership that comes with extra perks at your local institution.)

In general, expect to pay $50-$100 per adult, per year, to become a member. While this might sound a little pricey on the surface, a membership often pays for itself in just two or three visits.

Even if you don't manage to make up every penny of your membership every year, I don't consider it a waste of money. Why? Because that money usually goes right back into the institution. So, your membership fee helps feed the fish, preserve the artifacts, and educate the masses.

Other ways to save

If the cost of a museum membership still feels a bit prohibitive, there are a few other ways you can save. For example, many institutions will run deals on discounted memberships for students, as well as offers for returning members.

And don't forget about credit card rewards. A good entertainment card can earn you 3% to 5% in rewards on your membership, as well as for food and gift shop purchases.

Folks who don't want to join their local institution -- or who may not have one nearby -- can instead look into CityPass. This program bundles tickets to a variety of destinations in the same city, usually at a great discount.

As exciting as theme parks and sporting events can be, don't underestimate the entertainment value of destinations like museums, science centers, zoos, and aquariums. Not only are they far more fun than we give them credit for, they can also be a fantastic deal for hours of quality entertainment.