Many places you visit nowadays offer membership options. Depending on how many times you plan to visit in a year, it often pays for itself in a few visits and has some great perks for you and your family. There are also some great programs and places that you should consider supporting in 2015.
Must Haves
The Bronx Zoo
If you have young children, this one is a given. With just a few visits, this membership definitely pays for itself. The zoo offers individual and family memberships, so that a guest can tag along. Membership to the zoo also gives you access to the Queens Zoo, New York Aquarium, Central Park Zoo, and Prospect Park Zoo. At just $139 for the family membership, after your second visit it has already paid for itself. www.bronxzoo.com
Wave Hill
Wave Hill is a hidden gem in the Bronx. The beautiful public garden and cultural center overlooks the Hudson River and Palisades, giving it breathtaking views year round. Every weekend there are family art projects that are based on nature- the perfect weekend morning activity. There are also lots of great workshops, events, and more. Member perks include free admission, parking passes, invites to member only events, discounts, and more. At $90 for a family membership, you’ll feel good supporting such a beautiful place that you’re sure to frequent often. www.wavehill.org
The New York Botanical Garden
On top of the wonderful holiday events hosted at the garden each year, there is plenty to do at NYBG year round. Besides having the amazing garden grounds as our own personal backyard to walk, run, explore, and relax- there is also the children’s garden which always has fun activities for kids. Family membership, which is just $125, gets your family year round admission, access to special exhibitions, as well as the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory,Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, Native Plant Garden, Rock Garden, and tram tours. www.nybg.org
NYC Parks Recreation Center Membership
The Bronx has 10 Recreation Centers throughout the borough. With programs for people of all ages, some centers have indoor pools, weight rooms, basketball courts, and dance studios, art studios, game rooms, and libraries. Children under 18 are free, and adults pay $150 a year for access to indoor pool (at locations that have), fitness classes, sports programs, fitness machines, and more. nycgovparks.org
Recreational
Bronx YMCA
For families looking for activities to do throughout the year, consider a membership to the YMCA. At $85 a month for the Family Membership, you will have access to family swim time, onsite childcare, several free adult excersize classes, reduced rates on programs, and more. www.ymcanyc.org
Riverdale Y!
The Riverdale Y At $79 a month, a Family Membership includes access to their indoor heated pool, fitness center, sauna, steam room, group fitness classes and receive member discounted prices for wellness programs, camp, early childhood center, after-school programs, family programs, classes, holiday programs, and more. www.riverdaley.org
More…
Showing Support
Bronx River Alliance
The Bronx River Alliance is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving, restoring, and protecting the Bronx River. The Alliance hosts many fun family events throughout the year and works closely with several organizations to maintain its mission. For a $50 Family Membership, your family will receive advance registration for select events on and around the Bronx River, special opportunities to enjoy, maintain and clean-up the Bronx River and Greenway, and more. www.bronxriver.org
More…
- Bronx Museum of the Arts
- Bartow Pell Mansion Museum
- Bronx Historical Society
- Bronx Council on the Arts
- New York Public Library
What are we missing? Leave a comment and let us know which places you will be joining this year.