Do you or a family member have a favorite spot you go to over and over? Or you’d like to be regulars if the price was a little lower? So many fun places around town have memberships available, which help you save money and help your favorite place stay open.
Whether you’re looking for a gift idea or just want to support your favorite places around town (and visit more often!), consider a membership that is fun for the whole family.
In This Post
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
We are members of the Wildflower Center even though we live on the opposite side of town. It means we can go to Fortlandia as many times as we want! It’s a lovely place to walk (or run) around, see different plant life, and play in the children’s area.
Prices: Start at $50 for an individual and $100 for a family (see website for other options)
Zilker Botanical Garden
Because the Zilker Botanical Garden is reciprocal with Wildflower Center (and slightly cheaper!), it is a great membership if you live on the north side or more centrally. It’s right in the middle of town, and has a children’s area, koi ponds, fairy houses in the summer, glimpses of the skyline and a dinosaur garden.
Prices: Start at $50 for an individual and $80 for a family (see website for other options)
Thinkery
This is another membership we’ve had at one time or another. There are so many spaces to explore and grow with your kids in Austin’s childrens museum; it’s a membership you’ll want to renew for years! The water area, pretend play, light room, outdoor playground and more.
Prices: Start at $125 for a family of 2. $195 for a family of 4. Kids 24 months and under are free. (See website for other options)
Austin Zoo
If you have a kid who loves animals (or you live on the west side of town), this rescue zoo is a great choice for a membership. While it’s not a big zoo like you’ll find in other big cities, it does have some cool animals like monkeys, wolves, big cats, capybaras, and a petting zoo.
Prices: Start at $75 for an individual and $150 for four people (see website for other options)
Altitude
The Round Rock location of the Altitude has the best price for indoor play memberships! There’s no limit to how many times you can jump for just $10 a month. This location has tons of trampolines, foam block pits and even a 3-story indoor playscape.
Prices: $10/month or $99/year (plus $10 activation fee)
Texas State Parks Pass
Outdoor lovers will be thrilled to explore all the natural beauty the state has to offer. You get unlimited free entry for you and your guests, as well as discounted camping.
There are a dozen state parks within a couple hours of Austin!
Prices: $70 ($25 for a second pass for a person who lives in the same household)
Travis County Parks Pass
Travis County residents can buy a pass to most of the Travis County Parks so they don’t have to pay the Day Use fee all year long! It’s not valid for Hippie Hollow or Hamilton Pool Preserve.
Price: $80 (for Travis County residents only)
We Luv Video
There’s nothing like renting a video (in person!) and grabbing a bowl of microwave popcorn to enjoy a Friday night in! You can get a taste of that nostalgia from We Luv Video, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving cinema and video rental culture. Members can rent videos from their collection (and rent media players like VCRs too!) and get a discount on screenings!
(My 13-year-old nephew has a membership here and has been enjoying watching the classics (and more).)
Prices: From $10 to $50 per month (depending on how many videos you check out at once)
Rock Climbing Gyms
If your kids are always climbing the walls or finding their way to the highest points on playgrounds, consider a membership at your closest rock climbing gym. Austin has a few well-known options to choose from: Crux, Austin Bouldering Project and Mesa Rim.
Crux Climbing has locations in South Austin, Central Austin and Pflugerville. Austin Bouldering Project has locations in East Austin and South Austin. Mesa Rim is in Northeast Austin.
Ninja gyms
Ninja gyms are another good option for kids who have a lot of energy! They provide lots of opportunities to climb, jump, swing, hang, run, build confidence and get stronger.
Some options with memberships include Ninja Nation and The Jungle Movement Academy
Pogo Pass
Maybe you don’t want to go to the same place over and over, but would like to try out a bunch of places for a flat price. Check out the Pogo Pass! You get access to all kinds of family-friendly spots in Waco, Austin and San Antonio, all included in your annual pass.
Use code AUSTINWITHKIDS for half off.
Looking for more gift ideas? Check out these local Austin stores.