Unlocking Adventure with the ASTC Passport Program

So, you’ve heard whispers about the ASTC Passport Program, and you’re wondering if it’s as magical as it sounds. Spoiler alert: it absolutely is. The ASTC (Association of Science and Technology Centers) Passport Program is like the Willy Wonka golden ticket for science lovers, offering free general admission to over 300 science centers and museums worldwide. And the best part? It’s all included with your family membership to any participating institution, like the State Museum of PA or the Whitaker Center. Yes, that’s right—one membership, hundreds of destinations, endless opportunities to keep the kids entertained (and learning, but shh, don’t tell them that).

ASTC Passport Museums Near Harrisburg, PA

Now, let’s talk road trips. Specifically, those glorious day trips that don’t require packing a suitcase or booking a hotel but are far enough to make you feel like you’ve actually gone somewhere. Here’s a list of ASTC Passport museums that are less than three hours from Harrisburg. These are perfect for those Saturdays when you want to escape, but not too far.

1. Da Vinci Science Center (Allentown, PA) - 1 hour 15 minutes drive If your kids love to tinker, invent, and explore, the Da Vinci Science Center is a must-visit. It’s packed with interactive exhibits that encourage creativity and curiosity, from building structures to experimenting with light and sound. Plus, who can resist a place named after one of the greatest inventors of all time?
2. Maryland Science Center (Baltimore, MD) - 1 hour 30 minutes drive Head south to Baltimore, where the Maryland Science Center awaits with its three floors of interactive exhibits. From dinosaurs to space exploration, this museum has something for every curious mind. Plus, the IMAX theater will have your little ones’ jaws dropping (and maybe yours too) as they watch science come to life on the big screen.
3. Delaware Museum of Nature and Science (Wilmington, DE) - 1 hour 30 minutes drive Just a short drive away in Wilmington, this museum lets your family dive deep into the natural world. From the mysteries of the ocean to the wonders of the forest, the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science offers a variety of exhibits that are as educational as they are engaging. Plus, the kids will love the Dino Hall—because who doesn’t love dinosaurs?
4. Franklin Institute (Philadelphia, PA) - 1 hour 45 minutes drive The Franklin Institute is the granddaddy of hands-on science museums. With exhibits on everything from the human brain to outer space, it’s no wonder this place has been a favorite for generations. Don’t miss the giant walk-through heart—it’s like anatomy class, but way cooler (and with fewer tests).
5. College Park Aviation Museum (College Park, MD) - 1 hour 45 minutes drive For your budding aviators, the College Park Aviation Museum is a flight into the past. Located at the world’s oldest continually operating airport, this museum lets your kids learn about the history of flight and even try their hand at flying simulators. It’s a high-flying adventure without ever leaving the ground.
6. New Jersey State Museum (Trenton, NJ) - 2 hours drive A bit of a hidden gem, the New Jersey State Museum offers a mix of science, history, and art. The planetarium is a big hit, but don’t overlook the natural history exhibits, where your little ones can come face-to-face with fossils and learn about the ancient creatures that once roamed the Garden State.

The 90-Mile Rule: When Your ASTC Passport Needs a GPS Check

Now, before you jump in the car with your ASTC Passport in hand, there’s one important thing to note: the dreaded 90-mile rule. This rule states that you can’t use your ASTC Passport for free admission at any museum that’s within 90 miles of either your home or the museum where you bought your membership. It’s like the fine print on a coupon—easy to overlook but crucial to know. In other words, you can't use your State Museum Passport at Whitaker, nor your Whitaker Passport at the State Museum. Furthermore, while there are some fantastic museums nearby, don’t even bother trying to use your passport at the Lancaster Science Factory or the North Museum in Lancaster. They’re great places to visit, but your ASTC Passport won’t get you in for free.

But don’t lose hope just yet! Some museums are a little more lenient with the 90-mile rule, making them worth a shot. We’ve had success using our passports at the Lewisburg Children's Museum in Lewisburg, Reading Public Museum in Reading, Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania in State College, and Discovery Station at Hagerstown in Maryland. While we can’t guarantee it’ll work every time (the rule can be a bit unpredictable), it’s always worth trying—after all, who doesn’t love a good loophole?

Why You Need the ASTC Passport Program

Now that you’re ready to hit the road, let’s talk about how to get your hands on this magical passport. The simplest way is to purchase a family membership at either the State Museum of PA or the Whitaker Center. Not only will you gain access to the ASTC Passport Program, but you’ll also support these local gems that offer year-round entertainment and education for your family. Because we utilize both museums, we have both.  

The State Museum of Pennsylvania: A Trip Through Time

Get your Family Membership HERE 

At just $75 for the entire year, a family membership at the State Museum is one of the best bargains our there - you'll spend more taking your family to Franklin Institute a single time! Membership includes (obviously) a year of fun at the State Museum, the invaluable ASTC Passport, and membership in the Time Travelers network - think ASTC but for history.  

Located in the heart of Harrisburg, the State Museum of PA is like taking a time machine through Pennsylvania’s rich history—minus the flux capacitor. From dinosaurs to the Civil War, this museum covers it all. The kids will love the hands on Nature Lab and the Curiosity Connection, a hands-on play area that lets them burn off some energy while you take a breather.

But the real kicker? The planetarium. It’s an out-of-this-world experience that’ll have your kids convinced they’re ready to become astronauts. And for the parents? It’s a nice dark room where you can sit down and maybe close your eyes for a minute. We won’t judge.

We also simply adore the State Museum's special programing - from an epic Halloween bash to a Kid's New Year Countdown to Noon, these extras never disappoint and are usually included with membership.  

Whitaker Center: Where Science and Fun Collide

Get your Family Membership HERE 

For $149 UPMC Science Center Membership provides guests year-long access to our Science Center, the ASTC Passport Program, and special member pricing on camps and educational programs.

Just down the road, you’ll find the Whitaker Center—a one-stop shop for science, art, and entertainment. This place has it all: interactive science exhibits, a digital cinema that makes movies feel like an event, and even live performances. The Harsco Science Center is the star of the show, with three floors of exhibits that make learning fun (even for grown-ups).

If your kids are into technology, the Forces of Nature exhibit is a must-see. They can experience what it’s like to be in an earthquake, see a tornado up close, and even make their own weather forecast. Who knows? Maybe they’ll start giving you the weather report every morning.

Whitaker is known for it's educational program for kids of all ages, and if you've got a preschooler you'll be sure to catch us every Wednesday at Little Learners.  These programs are usually steeply discounted for members.  

Final Thoughts: Why the ASTC Passport Program is a Must-Have

In a world where family outings can quickly turn into a financial black hole, the ASTC Passport Program is a lifesaver. It opens the door to endless adventures, all while keeping the budget intact. With just a short drive from Harrisburg, you can explore some of the best science museums in the region, turning any weekend into a fun-filled learning experience.

So go ahead—grab that family membership at the State Museum of PA or the Whitaker Center, hit the road, and get ready for a year of science, fun, and memories that will last a lifetime. And hey, with all the money you save on admission, you can finally afford that coffee in the gift shop. Or two.