Parenthood comes with a long list of challenges: keeping the kids alive, finding socks that match, and convincing your toddler that the dinosaur museum will not eat them. But here's a win you might not know about—your ACCESS or EBT card can unlock an entire world of discounted (or free!) cultural experiences, thanks to the Museums for All program.
Let’s be real: A trip to a museum or zoo can often feel like a luxury reserved for Instagram moms who somehow bring their kids and leave with everyone smiling. But now? Your ACCESS card is your golden ticket. Forget the price tags—it's time to trade couch forts for real-world adventures.
What Is Museums for All?
Think of it as a VIP pass for anyone holding an ACCESS or EBT card. This program allows families to visit over 1,300 participating museums, zoos, gardens, and theaters across the U.S. for $3 or less per person. Yep, that's less than the cost of bribing your kid with a gas station snack.
It’s all thanks to a partnership between the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Association of Children’s Museums, proving that everyone deserves a little enrichment and education—no matter their income.
How Does It Work?
It’s ridiculously simple:
- Show your ACCESS or EBT card at a participating venue.
- Watch the admission price magically shrink.
- Enter as a cultural connoisseur and claim that you definitely know what impressionism is.
Local Gems You’ll Love
Pennsylvania is packed with Museums for All participants, perfect for kids, adults, and anyone who just needs to escape another rerun of Paw Patrol. These family-friendly spots are budget-friendly and packed with fun and learning opportunities.
Hershey Story Museum (Hershey)
Dive into the sweet history of Milton Hershey and his chocolate empire. Explore interactive exhibits, learn about Milton’s life, and maybe even convince yourself that sampling hot chocolate flights counts as a historical activity. Pro Tip: Your kids will love the hands-on chocolate lab, and you’ll love pretending it’s purely educational.
Hershey Gardens (Hershey)
Discover 23 acres of stunning gardens, seasonal displays, and the magical indoor Butterfly Atrium. Bonus: no one will notice your kid’s tantrum in the middle of this wide-open, flower-filled wonderland. It’s basically the parenting equivalent of nature therapy.
State Museum of Pennsylvania (Harrisburg)
Dinosaurs? Check. Pennsylvania history? Check. Endless opportunities to hear your preschooler scream, “LOOK!” at taxidermy? Double check. Don’t miss the planetarium for a cosmic escape from Earth-bound chaos.
Keystone Kidspace (York)
This hands-on museum will turn your kids into mad scientists, budding artists, or engineers of cardboard contraptions. They’ll be so busy experimenting and building that they won’t even realize they’re learning. You, on the other hand, will leave in awe—and probably ready for a nap.
Lewisburg Children's Museum (Lewisburg)
Small-town charm meets big fun at this kid-sized museum. With engaging exhibits designed for young explorers, it’s perfect for those days when you need a break from the usual routine without breaking the bank.
North Museum of Nature and Science (Lancaster)
Dinosaurs, a planetarium, and hands-on science experiments—this place is a trifecta of family fun. Whether your kids want to marvel at fossils, learn about the stars, or touch all the things, this museum delivers.
Susquehanna Art Museum (Harrisburg)
Calling all budding Picassos! This gem offers rotating art exhibits, creative workshops, and plenty of inspiration for artsy families. It’s a perfect outing to unleash your kid’s inner artist—without worrying about crayon marks on your own walls.
Hands-On House (Lancaster)
This interactive wonderland is designed for hands-on play and discovery. Admission is just $3 per person with a SNAP card, making it one of the most budget-friendly stops for fun and learning. Your kids will love running, touching, and exploring—and you’ll love the price.
Lykens Valley Children's Museum (Elizabethville)
This hidden gem is all about fostering curiosity and creativity. It’s the perfect spot for young adventurers to explore exhibits that spark their imagination while you marvel at how much fun they’re having for such a low cost.
Bonus Stops You Need to Know About
While not technically part of the Museums for All program, these standout venues have gone above and beyond to offer incredible discounts for families with ACCESS or SNAP cards. One of them even deserves a standing ovation (you’ll see why).
Da Vinci Science Center (Allentown)
Let’s start with the MVP: Da Vinci Science Center. They’ve dramatically expanded their program to accept most forms of assistance, reducing admission to just $3 per person. But the real showstopper? Families who qualify can purchase a family membership for just $35—and this isn’t just any membership. It includes the ASTC Passport, giving you free or discounted access to hundreds of museums and science centers worldwide. Translation: Your next family vacation can be packed with learning and adventure without emptying your wallet.
From hands-on science exhibits to awe-inspiring live demonstrations, Da Vinci Science Center is the perfect mix of fun and education. Plus, who doesn’t want to feel like a genius for snagging a deal this good?
Whitaker Center (Harrisburg)
The Whitaker Center is a treasure trove of fun for curious kids—and it’s even better with your ACCESS card! Programs like Tiny Tots and Little Learners are completely free for cardholders, offering enriching activities that will leave your little ones buzzing with excitement (and maybe even ready for a nap afterward). Whether you’re exploring STEAM-focused exhibits or catching a family-friendly show in their IMAX theater, this spot is worth every penny (and with ACCESS, that’s often zero).
Hershey Children’s Museum (Hershey)
If your kids love interactive play and hands-on learning, the Hershey Children’s Museum is a must-visit. They offer significantly reduced admission for ACCESS cardholders, making it an affordable outing for families who want to spark creativity and curiosity. From crafting stations to sensory-friendly exhibits, this museum ensures fun for all ages. And yes, it pairs nicely with a stop for chocolate afterward—just sayin’.
Noteworthy Road Trips: Worth the Extra Miles
If you're up for a little adventure beyond the local gems, these Museums for All destinations are worth the drive and will leave your family talking about them for weeks.
Please Touch Museum (Philadelphia)
This iconic children’s museum is a mecca of hands-on exploration. Your kids can drive a bus, create art, splash in a water play area, and generally have their minds blown by all the interactive exhibits. Admission with an ACCESS card is heavily discounted, leaving more money for Philly cheesesteaks on the way home.
Longwood Gardens (Kennett Square)
Imagine a magical oasis of stunning gardens, interactive fountains, and family-friendly treehouses. Longwood Gardens is a feast for the eyes (and tired parent souls). With ACCESS card discounts, it’s an affordable escape that feels like a fairy tale brought to life.
National Children’s Museum (Washington, DC)
Part museum, part play space, this spot combines hands-on fun with STEAM learning. From climbing structures to science experiments, it’s perfect for kids of all ages. Located just a stone’s throw from the National Mall, it’s an ideal stop for a D.C. adventure. Discounted admission makes it even sweeter.
Why These Trips Are Worth It
Sometimes it’s fun to step outside your usual stomping grounds and make a day of exploring someplace new. These destinations offer experiences that are well worth the drive, whether it’s sparking your kids’ creativity, marveling at nature, or diving into hands-on science and play.
So pack the car, load up the snacks, and hit the road. These road trip-worthy spots are waiting to create lifelong memories for you and your family! 🚗✨
Medicaid Recipients: Expanding Accessibility
For many families, having a child with extra needs—such as a qualifying diagnosis like autism—means receiving Medicaid, even if you’re not otherwise income-eligible. This is where programs like Museums for All are stepping up, recognizing that the challenges of visiting a museum aren’t always just financial.
Parents of children with disabilities often face additional hurdles—like preparing for sensory overload, managing meltdowns, or needing to turn around and try again another day. Expanding accessibility through Medicaid eligibility ensures that these families can enjoy cultural experiences in a way that works for them.
Here’s what you need to know if you or your child has Medicaid but don’t qualify for other income-based assistance:
- Request an ACCESS Card:
- Contact your assistance office to request an ACCESS card specifically for this purpose. Pro Tip: If the representative isn’t familiar with the non-income-dependent version, ask for the white ACCESS card (as opposed to the yellow one). This typically jogs their memory.
- What the Card Covers:
- This card often covers the disabled individual plus three immediate family members for reduced admission.
- Participating Museums:
- While it’s not a requirement of the Museums for All program to accept this specific card, most museums do in the spirit of making their spaces more inclusive.
By expanding accessibility to families with children who have disabilities, museums are living up to the spirit of the program—making cultural and educational experiences truly available to all.
Why It Matters
Whether your family qualifies due to income, a Medicaid diagnosis, or both, these programs are a game-changer. They allow families to explore, learn, and connect without the pressure of high costs. For parents navigating extra challenges, this expanded accessibility can make all the difference—transforming museums into welcoming spaces where everyone can belong.
Go Explore!
Grab your ACCESS card, pack some snacks, and head out to one of these incredible venues. From dinosaurs to hands-on play, butterflies to planetariums, the world is waiting to be explored. And thanks to programs like Museums for All and the forward-thinking expansions of venues like Da Vinci Science Center, those adventures are more accessible than ever.
Remember, it’s not just about visiting a museum—it’s about the memories you’ll make, the laughter you’ll share, and the spark of curiosity that will last long after you leave. Happy exploring! 🦖🎨✨
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