Looking for an alternative to traditional gift-giving this holiday season? For a fun, creative option for children and families, purchase gift memberships to museums, zoos, clubs and parks.
Memberships provide great learning experiences and create powerful memories -- and they last all year. Here are nine Atlanta memberships that stand out:
Zoo Atlanta -- The zoo has six levels of membership starting from $99. All membership levels include unlimited free daytime admission, invitations to member-exclusive events, discounts on admission to select AZA zoos and aquariums nationwide (such as the Chehaw Wild Animal Park in Albany and the Birmingham Zoo), and more.
Although the zoo is open to all ages, this family membership is best suited for ages 1 to 13. Purchase memberships and find more information at zooatlanta.org.
Children's Museum of Atlanta -- The museum has three options of membership starting from $75 (prices of memberships will increase Nov. 14). The Children's Museum has been closed for renovations since Aug. 1, but it's slated to reopen Dec. 12, just in time for the holidays. The renovation includes a second floor dedicated to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math), a new hands-on exhibit called "Gateway to the World," and a new art and music room.
Memberships include free entry into the museum and discounts on parties, summer camps and special events. The recommended age range is 1 to 8. Purchase gift memberships and find more information at childrensmuseumatlanta.org.
Center for Puppetry Arts -- The center has six levels of membership starting from $75. A visit to the Center for Puppetry Arts usually includes a puppet performance and create-a-puppet workshop, but now the most exciting part of the center might be its brand-new museum. The World of Puppetry Museum, opening Nov. 14, will feature puppets from around the world as well as the most comprehensive collection of the work of Jim Henson.
All membership levels include free admission to the museum, discounts on puppet show performances and free admission to film screenings. The recommended age range is 5 to 12. Find more information at www.puppet.org. To buy a gift membership, call 404-881-5151.
High Museum of Art -- The museum offers many levels of membership starting from $35. All memberships include unlimited admission to museum collections and special exhibitions, invitations to members-only previews and events, and discounts on select tickets to the Alliance Theatre and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. The museum recently expanded its family program offerings.
Membership offers a gift of the arts, and it's a great way to enjoy the museum, theater and symphony at a discount. Recommended for all ages. Purchase gift memberships and find more information at www.high.org.
Atlanta BeltLine -- The BeltLine offers three levels of membership starting from $35. All memberships include a Member Discount Card, which is good for discounts at restaurants and businesses along the Atlanta BeltLine, as well as access to members-only communications and event discounts.
While enjoying the BeltLine is free every day, a membership supports the organization's efforts for expanded greenspace, additional trails, increased mobility, new jobs, more affordable housing and healthier lifestyles.
The BeltLine hosts several special events, bike tours and Running Series races for which members get special deals. A BeltLine membership is recommended for ages 5 and up. Purchase memberships and find more information at beltline.org.
Atlanta Botanical Garden -- The 30-acre garden offer several levels of membership starting from $69. All memberships offer free, unlimited admission for 12 months at both Atlanta and Gainesville garden locations.
Memberships also include free and reduced admission to special garden events and exhibitions, invitations to members-only events, and discounts on educational programs (including classes for adults and children). Recommended for all ages. Find more information at atlantabg.org. To purchase a gift membership, call 404-591-1539.
Georgia Aquarium -- The aquarium offers individual and family memberships from $52.95 to $239.95. Membership includes free and discounted admission to special events and discounts on aquarium programs. With additional discounts, aquarium memberships usually pay for themselves in only two visits. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Purchase memberships and find more information at www.georgiaaquarium.org
Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites -- Individual memberships are $55 and family memberships are $80. The benefits of membership are redeemable at more than 60 properties managed by the parks division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. These benefits include free park camping, an annual ParkPass good for free parking at state parks and historic sites, and discounted admission to Georgia State historic sites.
Recommended for all ages. Purchase gift memberships and find more information at friendsofgeorgiastateparks.org.
Atlanta History Center -- The center offers five levels of membership starting from $50. Membership includes free access to permanent and special traveling exhibitions; the center's three historic houses including the Smith Family Farm, Swan House and Margaret Mitchell House; and six beautiful historic gardens and trails.
Members also receive free admission to annual family programs such as Sheep to Shawl and Fall Folklife Festival, as well as Magic Mondays, a monthly toddler program. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Purchase membership and find more information at atlantahistorycenter.com.
For more ideas about gifts, decorating, where to eat and what to do, check out our complete Atlanta Holiday Guide.
