ACM Reciprocal Program
Join your local museum to get a membership with ACM Reciprocal Program benefits. Rated by Real Simple Magazine, Nick Jr. Magazine and others as one of the best values for families.
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Welcome families!
The ACM Reciprocal Program is a network of ACM member museums open across the U.S. and Canada that offer free or discounted admission to one another's members that hold premium family memberships. Currently, almost 200 museums participate in the network and provide admission for up to four (4) individuals from the same household, unless otherwise specified. Since local restrictions may apply and are subject to change, please call the museum you plan to visit ahead of time and verify their admission policies for the ACM Reciprocal Program.
If your family would like to purchase a museum membership with ACM Reciprocal Program benefits, call or visit your hometown children's museum. In addition to ACM Reciprocal Program benefits, joining your local children's museum may offer many other benefits such as:
- Unlimited admission for the entire family to the museum all year
- Invitations to members' events, exhibit openings, and special events
- Discounts on education programs, activities, and field trips
- Discounts at the museum store
- Free or reduced parking
- Free subscriptions to the museum newsletter and more
Effective April 1, 2013, the Reciprocal Program admission benefit will change from free admission to 50% off general admission for up to six (6) people. Plus, no more local restrictions.
Admissions Policies
Families must present a valid Membership Card with ACM Reciprocal Program benefits (indicated by the program logo) to receive free or discounted admission at museums participating in the ACM Reciprocal Program Network. Remember, local restrictions may apply and policies are subject to change. Please call ahead to verify reciprocal admission. In addition:
- Card holder must be present with other household individuals. ID may be required.
- Most museums participating in the Reciprocal Program offer free admission for up to four (4) individuals from the same household. A few museums admit more than four family members, these admission policies may vary from museum to museum.
- Some local restrictions may apply and policies are subject to change.
- Reciprocal admission privileges do extend to special exhibits.
- Reciprocal privileges do not extend to discounts for gift shop or café purchases, museum special events, programs, summer camps or birthday parties.
A valid Family Membership Card with ACM Reciprocal Program benefits should include:
- The ACM Reciprocal Membership logo in color.
- An expiration date on the card that has not passed.
- The name of at least one adult family member on cards issued after July 5, 2009. Cards issued before July 5, 2009, are not required to list at least one adult family member by name.
Please note that while a majority of children's museums do participate in the ACM Reciprocal Program, some do not. Additionally, a few ACM Reciprocal Program museums restrict admission benefits under specific circumstances.
Questions or Complaints about Your Family Membership with Reciprocal Program Benefits
ACM does not sell family memberships with Reciprocal benefits, nor does it issue refunds for these memberships or admissions. Please call the membership department of the museum where you purchased your family membership with ACM Reciprocal Program benefits.
ACM as Program Administrator
As administrator of the program, ACM staff works with the Board of Directors to develop and disseminate program policies, keeps the record of participating museums and monitors their compliance with program policies. ACM serves families that want to visit participating museums and/or purchase a membership with Reciprocal benefits by making every attempt to keep the list of participating museums current.