If you follow us on social media, you know we are obsessed with "learning on the road." This past year, we visited over 10 museums across 6 states—from the neon lights of the Omaha Children’s Museum to the hands-on homestead at the Scott Family Amazeum in Arkansas.
The question I get asked most is: "Where do you find all those places?"
The answer is simpler than you think. We use Reciprocal Networks.
The Three Memberships Every Homeschool Family Needs
We maintain three "home" memberships in St. Louis that act as our golden tickets across the country:
The St. Louis Science Center (ASTC Network): This gives us access to the ASTC Travel Passport Program. There are over 350 science and technology centers in this network that offer FREE general admission to members.
The Magic House (ACM Network): This connects us to the ACM Reciprocal Network. This network includes over 200 children’s museums that offer 50% OFF admission for up to six people.
The St. Louis Zoo (AZA Network): This allows us to use the AZA Reciprocal Admissions Program with over 230 zoos and aquariums that offer 50% OFF admission fees.
The Master Lists: Where Can You Go?
I’ve compiled the direct links to the most up-to-date lists for 2026. I recommend bookmarking these on your phone so you can check them whenever you’re planning a road trip!
Click Here for the ASTC Science Center List (Free Admission) Click Here for the AZA Reciprocal Admissions Program List (50% Off)
The "90-Mile Rule" (Don't Skip This!)
The biggest mistake people make is driving to a nearby museum and expecting it to be free. Most reciprocal benefits only kick in if:
The museum you are visiting is more than 90 miles from your "home" museum.
The museum is more than 90 miles from where you live.
Always call ahead to verify!
Why We Do It
We are fortunate to be able to travel frequently. Having these memberships gives us the ability to access them at "home" any time we want, but also using the reciprocal benefits! Homeschooling isn't just about the books at the kitchen table; it's about the curiosity that happens when your kids see a real tractor or run their own pretend grocery store. These memberships paid for themselves after just two trips. Now, every trip we take is a "bonus" lesson for our kids and a huge win for our family budget.
Where are you headed first? Let me know in the comments!