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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

    Connecticut Trolley Museum
    50% off General Admission
    July 1 - 31

    All Aboard for Half-Off Fun This July! Our friends at the Connecticut Trolley Museum are thrilled to welcome members of the Connecticut Science Center this July—with 50% off general admission.

    • Tickets must be reserved in advance online before attending.
    • Reserve your tickets ONLINE HERE and at checkout use discount code SCIMEM in the "Enter Code" box
    • At least one of the Primary cardholders on the Membership MUST be present with the Membership card and a photo ID. Both are REQUIRED.
    • Your Membership must be active on the date(s) you attempt to use it at the Connecticut Trolley Museum. 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 (i.e. a 4 person Membership equals 4 tickets), with a maximum of 6 people. A reminder that the Caregiver add-on does not increase your membership level.
    • The Connecticut Trolley Museum cannot look up any Connecticut Science Center Members – you must come prepared with the proper documentation (your Membership card and photo ID).
    • This offer is valid for current (active) Connecticut Science Center Members between January 1, and December 31, during the Connecticut Trolley Museum's regular operating days/hours. Special events are not included in this offer. Additional blackout dates or restrictions may apply. Connecticut Trolley Museum 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.
    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)
    • Mystic Aquarium
    FREE General Admission
    March 1-31, 2025

    Our good friends at Mystic Aquarium are excited to welcome Connecticut Science Center Members during the month of March (2025) 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 Mystic Aquarium. Membership renewals can be done through the Connecticut Science Center Membership office in advance of your visit.
    • Free 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 the level of your Membership.
    • Mystic Aquarium cannot lookup any Connecticut Science Center Members – you must come prepared with the proper documentation (your Membership card and photo ID).
    • Mystic Aquarium requires that you reserve your tickets through their website in ADVANCE of your visit. Please see below for instructions.
    • Replacement Membership cards or proof of Membership purchase MUST be requested at least 48 hours in advance of your visit to Mystic Aquarium 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 March 1, 2025, and March 31, 2025, during Mystic Aquarium's regular operating days/hours. Blackout dates may apply at the sole discretion of Mystic Aquarium. Mystic Aquarium 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 Mystic Aquarium website before visiting for current hours of operation.

    • 1 - VISIT HERE
    • 2 - Follow the instructions to reserve your reciprocal tickets
    • 3 - Have these things ready on the day of your visit when you arrive:
      (1) Your Science Center Membership Card
      (2) A Photo ID for one of the named cardholders on the membership
      (3) Your advance tickets printed, or on your phone, for Mystic Aquarium.

    • Choose any visit date between March 1-31, 2025
    • You can only reserve 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)
    • In addition to your online tickets, you MUST BRING with you your Connecticut Science Center Membership card and a photo ID.
    • When your order is complete, you will receive a total of two emails. The first email will be a confirmation that you have a reservation, and the second email will have the PDFs with your tickets. Tickets can be printed or presented on a smartphone.
    • Any issues with online ticket reservations should call the Mystic Aquarium Membership office at 860-572-5955 x233

    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

    ASTC Passport Program Admittance Policy – Connecticut Science Center Members of the ASTC Passport Program are welcome to enjoy complimentary general admission under the following conditions:

    • Eligibility: Up to two (2) individuals per membership per day are eligible for free general admission. One of these individuals must be a named adult cardholder listed on the membership.
    • Identification Requirements: A valid membership card and a state-issued photo ID must be presented upon entry.
    • Residency Restriction: Your home address AND the museum you are affiliated with must be located at least 90+ miles from the Connecticut Science Center.
    • Additional Guests: Any additional guests beyond the two eligible members must pay regular admission rates.
    • Admission Scope: This benefit applies to general admission only and cannot be combined with any other offers, promotions, or discounts.
    We look forward to your visit and appreciate your participation in the ASTC Passport Program!

    Upcoming Reciprocals

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