Have you ever watched a child as they walk through a long dark hallway, the only light along the hallway moves and bounces around as if it’s alive. The child walks or runs, depending on their unique personality, staring in awe through the glass cases of the many exhibits at the underwater world that normally only lives in the imagination. Or, have you ever seen a child as they watch a polar bear swim about, batting at a ball. The bear is massive compared to the child staring up at it with wonder. This article is all about analyzing the best membership in North Carolina and what it includes.
I personally believe the best membership to get is the the Aquarium membership, but I will go through both memberships and their perks and downfalls (there’s not many!). This list will also consist of places in NC where you can get 50% off admission. There’s quite a few.
Zoo Membership
Price: Varies from $69-$590, but the family membership is $109 for a year.
Benefits: Free membership to the North Carolina Zoo and free admission to all four North Carolina Aquariums (Roanoke Island, Fort Fisher, Pine Knoll Shores and Jeanette’s Pier), along with 10% off at the gift shop.
You will also receive a free subscription to the Alive magazine.
Invitation to members only events and discounts on behind the scenes tours, programs and research camps.
Aquarium Membership
Price: Varies from $59-$1,000 (Offshore Club), but the family membership is $89 for a year.
Benefits: Free admission to all four North Carolina Aquariums (Roanoke Island, Fort Fisher, Pine Knoll Shores and Jeanette’s Pier). Free admission to the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, NC.
10% off Aquarium field trips, programs and events throughout the year.
Free copy with the purchase of a Foto FX photo package.
Free gift from the North Carolina Aquarium Society.
50% Off Admission
With either the North Carolina Zoo Membership or the North Carolina Aquarium Membership you receive Free or 50% off AZA Reciprocity Zoo’s and Aquariums. You can check out the list here: AZA List
In North Carolina this includes:
Western North Carolina Nature Center in Asheville, NC
Museum of Life and Science in Durham, NC
Greensboro Science Center in Greensboro, NC
Sylvan Heights Bird Park in Scotland Neck, NC
If you enjoyed this article please check out A Day at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (10 Exciting Things To Do While You’re There)