Membership Benefits

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Membership Benefits

  • Unlimited General Admission

    Visit the Connecticut Science Center free for an entire year with no blackout dates.

  • ASTC Passport Program

    Access to hundreds of science centers and museums for you to explore across the country. 90+ miles from home residence and the museum you belong to.

  • Tax-Deductible

    As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, your Membership purchase price is considered as a tax-deductible donation.

  • Flat Rate Parking

    Members receive $5 flat rate parking in the Science Center Garage when visiting the Science Center! Special rate applies only on days, and during the hours, the Science Center is open.

  • Local Partner Reciprocals

    On occasion we partner with local attractions to offer you free, or reduced price, admission to their venue for a limited time.

  • NEW Exhibit Previews

    Exclusive member-only preview events for new exhibits before they open to the public.

  • Member Events

    Join us for a whole year of exciting special events. Your admission to many of these events is already included.

  • Express Entry

    A dedicated Member line during our busiest times. Available on busier days, certain times of the year.

  • 20% Program Discount

    Members save 20%, or more, off most Science Center programs like Science@Home Kits, Adult Programs, Workshops, and more.

  • 10% Birthday Party Discount

    We've got the formula for an astronomical birthday party at a discounted rate!

  • 10% Gift Shop Discount

    Take some fun home with you and save some money too! Show your card to save.


    • All listed benefits are subject to change anytime, without prior notice. While currently being offered, these benefits are not guaranteed for the duration of your membership. We work hard to bring our Members the most robust benefits package we can, and we will do our best to replace removed benefits with something new. Compensation (in any form) for removed/revoked benefits will not be granted. Parking benefit is only valid with a Member parking sticker that can be obtained from our Ticketing Counter when you check-in for your visit.

    ADOPT A BUTTERFLY


    Symbolically adopt a tropical butterfly and support our mission and programs. You will receive a certificate, photo, and information about your species. Butterfly adoption makes a unique and thoughtful gift - and the perfect accompaniment to any Membership.

    ADOPT A BUTTERFLY

    Current Reciprocals

    Beardsley Zoo
    50% off General Admission
    January 1 - December 31

    Our good friends at the Beardsley Zoo are excited to welcome Connecticut Science Center Members all year long with a 50% savings on their General Admission tickets. To take advantage of this unique opportunity, you must follow these rules:

    • At least one of the Primary cardholders on the Membership MUST be present with the Membership card and a photo ID.
    • Your Membership must be active on the date(s) you attempt to use it at The Beardsley Zoo. Before your visit, membership renewals can be done through the Connecticut Science Center Membership office.
    • 50% off General Admission will be provided for up to the number of people based on your Membership level, with a maximum of 6 people. A reminder that the Caregiver add-on does not increase your membership level.
    • The Beardsley Zoo cannot look up any Connecticut Science Center Members – you must come prepared with the proper documentation (your Membership card and photo ID).
    • The Beardsley Zoo does not require you to reserve your tickets before your visit.
    • Replacement Membership cards or proof of Membership purchase MUST be requested at least 48 hours before your visit to The Beardsley Zoo through the Connecticut Science Center Membership Office by calling 860-520-2160 or emailing membership@ctsciencecenter.org. The Membership office is NOT OPEN ON WEEKENDS, so you must plan ahead. Office hours are Monday-Friday from 9AM-4PM, all phone calls and emails will be responded to only during these hours.
    • This offer is valid for current (active) Connecticut Science Center Members between January 1, and December 31, during The Beardsley Zoo's regular operating days/hours. After-hours special events, such as Glow Wild, are not included in this offer. Additional blackout dates or restrictions may apply. Beardsley Zoo can choose to terminate or change the terms of this offer anytime and/or has the right to refuse entry to anyone who does not follow the rules.
    • Please check The Beardsley Zoo website prior to visiting for their current hours of operation.


  • START HERE to confirm The Beardsley Zoo operating hours for the day you wish to visit. Reminder that this offer is only valid during The Beardsley Zoo's regular operating days/hours. After-hours special events, such as Glow Wild, are not included in this offer. Additional blackout dates or restrictions may apply.
  • At least one of the primary cardholders on the Membership MUST be present.
  • When you arrive on the day of your visit, proceed to the Ticketing Counter with your current active Connecticut Science Center Membership card and photo ID.
  • You can only get 50% off General Admission tickets for the number of people covered by your Membership up to a maximum of 6. (i.e. a 4 person Membership equals 4 tickets)
    • Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center
    FREE General Admission
    November 1-30, 2024

    Our good friends at The Mashantucket Pequot Museum are excited to welcome Connecticut Science Center Members during the month of November (2023) for free. To take advantage of this special opportunity you must follow these rules:

    • At least one of the Primary cardholders on the Membership MUST be present with the Membership card and a photo ID.
    • Your Membership must be active on the date(s) you attempt to use it at The Mashantucket Pequot Museum. Before your visit, membership renewals can be done through the Connecticut Science Center Membership office.
    • Free admission will be provided for up to the number of people based on your Membership level (i.e. a 4 person Membership equals 4 tickets), with a maximum of 4 people admitted free. A reminder that the Caregiver add-on does not increase your membership level.
    • The Mashantucket Pequot Museum cannot look up any Connecticut Science Center Members – you must come prepared with the proper documentation (your Membership card and photo ID).
    • The Mashantucket Pequot Museum does not require you to reserve your tickets before your visit. Please see below for instructions.
    • Replacement Membership cards or proof of Membership purchase MUST be requested at least 48 hours before your visit to The Mashantucket Pequot Museum through the Connecticut Science Center Membership Office by calling 860-520-2160 or emailing membership@ctsciencecenter.org. The Membership office is NOT OPEN ON WEEKENDS, so you must plan ahead. Office hours are Monday-Friday from 9AM-4PM, all phone calls and emails will be responded to only during these hours.
    • This offer is valid for current (active) Connecticut Science Center Members between November 1, 2024, and November 30, 2024, during The Mashantucket Pequot Museum's regular operating days/hours. Blackout dates may apply. The Mashantucket Pequot Museum can terminate or change the terms of this offer anytime and/or has the right to refuse entry to anyone who does not follow the rules.
    • Please check The Mashantucket Pequot Museum website before visiting for current hours of operation.

  • Advance tickets (reserved online) are NOT REQUIRED. Members can simply show up to the ticketing counter at the museum following the steps below:
    • 1 - START HERE to confirm The Mashantucket Pequot Museum operating hours for the day you wish to visit.
    • 2 - At least one of the primary cardholders on the Membership MUST be present.
    • 3 - When you arrive on the day of your visit, proceed to the Ticketing Counter with your current active Connecticut Science Center Membership card and photo ID.
    • 4 - You can only get free tickets for the number of people covered by your Membership up to a maximum of 6. (i.e. a 4 person Membership equals 4 tickets)
    • 5 - Free admission will be provided for up to the number of people based on your Membership level (i.e. a 4 person Membership equals 4 tickets), with a maximum of 4 people admitted free. A reminder that the Caregiver addon does not increase your membership level.

    ASTC PASSPORT PROGRAM


    Through the ASTC Passport Program, Connecticut Science Center members can enjoy exclusive perks, including FREE GENERAL ADMISSION to a wide range of participating science centers and museums throughout the country (90+ miles from your home residence and the museum you belong to). Benefits may vary by location, and certain restrictions may apply. Click below for the current comprehensive list of participating venues, visit details, and requirements by location.


    VIEW PARTICIPATING VENUES

    Admittance policy for ASTC Passport Program members visiting the Connecticut Science Center: Two (2) people per day, per membership, are eligible for free general admission, one of whom must be a named adult cardholder on the membership (valid membership card and state photo ID must be presented at the time of entry). Additional guests pay regular admission. 90+ miles from your home residence and the museum you belong to. This offer is valid for general admission only, and no other discounts apply. Passport visitors are also eligible receive a 10% discount in our Gift Shop.

    Upcoming Reciprocals

    Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center
    FEBRUARY & NOVEMBER 2025
    Mystic Aquarium
    MARCH & OCTOBER 2025
    Connecticut River Museum
    JUNE 2025
    Connecticut Trolley Museum
    JULY 2025
    New Britain Museum of American Art
    AUGUST 2025
    Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk
    SEPTEMBER 2025