Looking for the best family memberships in Milwaukee? Whether your crew loves animals, art, nature, or hands-on play, there are plenty of local spots that offer year-round fun for one flat price.
From the Milwaukee County Zoo to the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, these memberships can save families hundreds of dollars while providing unlimited access to some of the city’s favorite attractions. They also make great gifts and are a perfect way to stay active during Wisconsin’s long winters.
Below you’ll find a full breakdown of Milwaukee’s most popular and worthwhile memberships — updated for 2026 with current pricing, perks, and insider tips.
TL;DR: Best Family Memberships in Milwaukee
In a hurry? Here’s a quick look at the best family memberships in Milwaukee:
| Attraction | Cost | Best For | Key Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Betty Brinn Children’s Museum | From $145/year | Little kids, indoor play | Free daily visits, ACM reciprocity |
| Discovery World | From $130/year | Science & tech lovers | 300+ reciprocal museums, camp discounts |
| Milwaukee Art Museum | From $115/year | Creative families | Free admission, art studio, member events |
| Milwaukee County Zoo | From $175/year (with parking) | Animal lovers | Unlimited visits, reciprocal zoos |
| Milwaukee Public Museum | From $135/year | Science & history fans | Planetarium access, early event registration |
| Schlitz Audubon Nature Center | From $80/year | Outdoor explorers | Year-round trails, camp discounts |
| The Domes | From $65/year | Garden & plant enthusiasts | Free admission, AHS reciprocity |
| Boerner Botanical Gardens | From $65/year | Flower & garden lovers | AHS reciprocity, class discounts |
| Green Meadows Petting Farm | Per-person pass | Frequent farm visitors | Unlimited visits, seasonal event access |
| Little Village Play Café | From $65/month | Indoor play & classes | Unlimited play, discounts, community perks |
Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
Regular Admission:
- Adults & Children: $14
- Seniors (60+): $12
- Under 1: Free
- Members: Free
Memberships:
- 4-Family: $145/year — up to 4 visitors + parking discount
- 6-Family: $200/year — up to 6 visitors + parking discount
- Family+: $225/year — adds 50% off admission at 200+ children’s museums nationwide
- Play Maker: $300/year — includes Family+ benefits + $75 tax-deductible gift
- Bonus: Find out if your family qualifies for a free membership program.
Perks: Free year-round visits, parking discount, and access to museum programs like Kids Yoga and Be A Maker.
💡 Best for: Families with young kids and indoor playdays.
👉 Related: Read our full review of what’s new and current exhibits at Betty Brinn Children’s Museum »
Discovery World
Regular Admission:
- Adults: $25
- Children (3–17): $21
- Under 3: Free
- Seniors (60+): $21
- Military/College: $19
- Access Admission: $7 for qualifying Wisconsin families (WIC, FoodShare, Medicaid, etc.)
Memberships:
- Individual: $60
- Dual: $85
- Family: $130
- Family Plus: $170 (adds 1 guest)
- Family Access: $50 (discounted for qualifying families)
- Grandparents: $130 | Grandparents Plus: $170
Perks: Free admission for one year, reciprocal access to 300+ museums, two guest passes per year, and discounts on camps, parking, and the café.
💡 Best for: Science- and tech-loving families. The Field Museum reciprocity is a huge bonus.
👉 Related: Read our full review of what’s new and current exhibits at Discovery World »
Milwaukee Art Museum
Regular Admission:
- Adults: $27
- Students/Seniors (65+)/Military: $20
- Kids 12 & under: Free
- Wisconsin K–12 Teachers: Free with school ID
- Thursday Nights (4–8 p.m.): Pay what you wish
Memberships:
- Access: $20 (discounted for WIC, FoodShare, Medicaid participants)
- Student: $40
- Individual: $75
- Family/Dual: $115
- Art Advocate: $250 (adds reciprocity to 500+ museums + event perks)
- Donor: $500 | Patron: $800 | President’s Circle: $1,500+
Perks: Free admission all year, early exhibition previews, discounts on parking, dining, and classes, and national museum reciprocity at higher tiers.
💡 Best for: Creative families who love art, hands-on programs, and free Kohl’s Art Studio activities.
Our two cents:
Kids 12 and under are always free, but if you have older kids or want to save on adult admission, this makes sense. Storytime in the Gallery & Family Sundays are fantastic programs.
👉 Related: See the top things to do with kids at the Milwaukee Art Museum »
Milwaukee County Zoo
Regular Admission:
- County Residents: Adults $11.50 | Kids (3–12) $9 | Seniors $12
- Non-Residents: Adults $14.75 | Kids $11.75 | Seniors $13.75
- Under 2: Free
- Parking: $15
Save $3 when you buy tickets online.
Memberships:
- Individual: $145 with parking
- Couple: $160 with parking
- Family: $175 with parking (2 adults + kids/grandkids under 18)
- Affiliate: $345 (adds guest passes + class certificate)
- Benefactor: $450 (adds behind-the-scenes tour + more guest passes)
Lower-cost, no-parking options available.
Perks: Free admission all year, reciprocal zoo access nationwide, shop discounts, and priority registration for zoo camps and events.
💡 Best for: Animal-loving families and outdoor adventures. A family of four only has to visit the zoo twice for this pass to be worth the price. The Zoo Pass Plus includes parking. (Our family LOVES the Zoo Pass!) It’s great for families with animal lovers & families looking for outdoor fun.
👉 Related: Read our full Family Guide to the Milwaukee County Zoo »
Milwaukee Public Museum
Regular Admission:
(Includes one Planetarium program; Dome Theater films sold separately)
- Adults (18–64): $25
- Teens (14–17): $24
- Youth (4–13): $19
- Seniors (65+): $21
- Military/College: $21
- Members & Kids (3 and under): Free
Memberships:
- Dual — $85
2 adults OR 1 adult + 1 guest.
Includes basic benefits + $5 Dome Theater tickets. - Family — $135
2 adults and their children/grandchildren (17 & under).
Includes basic benefits + $5 Dome Theater tickets. - Sustainer — $250 (Best Value)
2 adults + kids OR 1 adult + 3 guests.
Adds free Dome Theater shows, 4 guest passes, early program registration, and caregiver privileges. - Affordable Adventure — $65
Discounted Family Membership for Wisconsin families participating in BadgerCare, FoodShare, Medicaid, or WIC.
Includes all Family-level benefits. - Donor Levels — $500+
Support museum research and education while receiving expanded benefits and special invitations.
All Members Get:
Free admission to MPM and the Daniel M. Soref Planetarium, free access to 300+ museums worldwide, $5 parking in MacArthur Square, members-only events, early registration, discounts on dining and shopping, and weekend morning access.
💡 Best for: Families who love science, history, and the planetarium experience. The Sustainer level is a great value if you plan multiple visits per year.
👉 Related: Read our full review of what’s new and current exhibits at MPM »
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
📍 1111 E. Brown Deer Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53217
🕒 Open daily, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Regular Admission:
- Adults: $10
- Ages 3–17: $7
- Under 2: Free
- Military: $7
- Members: Free
Memberships:
- Individual — $65
Admission for one adult. - Family — $80
Admission for two adults + all children or grandchildren under 18. - Student — $45
One individual with valid student ID. - Military — $45
Two adults + all children or grandchildren under 18. (Active duty or veterans; proof required.) - Add +2 Guests — $20
Add up to two guests per visit to any membership.
Member Benefits:
Free year-round admission, discounts on programs and events, priority registration for the Nature School and summer camps, a subscription to Panorama magazine, and reciprocal benefits at nature centers across the U.S. and Canada.
💡 Best for: Nature-loving families who enjoy outdoor adventures year-round. It’s an easy favorite for hikes, birdwatching, and hands-on programs.
👉 Related: See the top things to do with kids at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center »
The Domes (Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory)
Regular Admission (per entry):
- Adults: $9 | $8 (Milwaukee County residents)
- Seniors (60+): $9 | $6 (residents)
- Military (active duty & veterans): $6
- Adults with disabilities: $6
- Students (with ID): $6
- Juniors (ages 3–12): $6
- Children (2 & under): Free
💡 Milwaukee County residents must show ID for discounted rates.
Memberships:
- Household — $65
Admission for all members of one household. - Individual + 3 Guests — $50
Admission for one member plus up to three guests. - Senior + 1 Guest — $30
For members 60+, includes one guest. - Student + 1 Guest — $30
Must present student ID.
Higher “Conservatory Circle” levels ($125–$10,000) add exclusive perks like event access, animal sponsorships, VIP admission, workshops, and recognition on The Domes’ donor board.
Member Benefits:
Free year-round admission (including holiday and train shows), member-only events, 10% gift shop discount, quarterly newsletter, and reciprocal access to 300+ American Horticultural Society gardens (including Bookworm Gardens, Boerner Botanical Gardens, Green Bay Botanical Garden, and Chicago Botanic Gardens), use of member lane during peak times, and free parking.
💡 Best for: Families who love gardens, plants, and year-round indoor beauty—especially when it’s too cold to explore outdoors.
👉 Related: Read our full review of what’s new and current exhibits at the Domes »
Boerner Botanical Gardens
Regular Admission:
- Adults (18+): $9 | $8 (Milwaukee County residents)
- Seniors (60+): $6 (residents)
- Students (with ID): $6
- Military/Disability (any age): $6
- Children (ages 3–12): $6
- Under 2: Free
💡 Groups of 10+ receive a small discount ($7 resident adults / $8 non-resident adults).
Memberships:
- Student — $15 (ages 16–22)
One card + 1 guest pass. - Educator — $25
One card + 1 guest pass. - Individual — $35/year or $65/2 years
One card + 1 guest pass. - Individual + 1 — $50/year or $90/2 years
Two cards + 2 guest passes. - Family — $65/year or $120/2 years
Two cards + 3 guest passes (2 adults + 3 children under 17).
Membership Plus Levels:
- Garden Friend — $100: Adds 5 guest passes + recognition in annual report.
- Associate — $250: Includes VIP tour + recognition.
- Affiliate — $500: Includes VIP tour + recognition.
- SEEDS — $1,000: Adds 10 guest passes, donor dinner, 20% gift shop discount, and name on donor wall.
Member Benefits:
Unlimited free admission, 10% off gift shop purchases, discounts on classes and events, newsletter updates, a member appreciation event, and reciprocal access to 300+ American Horticultural Society gardens (including Bookworm Gardens, The Domes, Green Bay Botanical Garden, and Chicago Botanic Gardens).
💡 Best for: Families who love flowers, gardens, and peaceful outdoor spaces. Be sure to check out Margie’s Children’s Garden! The Family membership pays for itself quickly and supports one of Milwaukee’s most beautiful spots.
Green Meadows Petting Farm
Annual Pass:
- Passes are sold per person (no family pass option).
- Valid for unlimited visits during open hours for the calendar year purchased (expires December 31).
- Includes free admission to all Green Meadows Farm special events, such as:
- Easter Egg Hunts
- Barnyard, Band & Booze
- Free Pumpkin in October
- Trail of Jack O’Lanterns (admission only; extra activities not included)
- Santa’s Farm Fest
- Passholders also qualify as a paid admission for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Grandparents Day specials.
Good to Know:
- Everyone ages 2+ must have an Annual Pass or paid admission.
- Passes are non-transferable and non-refundable.
- Photo ID may be required for entry.
- Stickers are issued at each visit and must be worn visibly.
Your Pass Supports:
Animal care and veterinary visits, feed and bedding, staff education, and maintenance of the barns, fences, and grounds.
💡 Best for: Families who love animals and plan to visit often. The pass pays off quickly if you enjoy seasonal events or spontaneous after-school visits.
Little Village Play Café
Membership Perks:
- Unlimited free play
- 10% off everything in-store
- Exclusive Village VIP newsletter
- Member-only private playdates & Facebook group
- “First dibs” on all classes & events
- Discounts on private event rentals
- Guest, class, and event passes
- Food & drink credit
Membership Options:
- Playmakers — $65/month
Unlimited play and all member perks.
✨ Pays for itself after about four visits! - Daydreamers — $78/month
Unlimited play + one monthly Little Learners class ($60 off value). - Wondermakers — $275/month (Most Popular)
Unlimited play, unlimited classes, unlimited events, and the best perks—plus two guest passes per month and $30 monthly credit.
💡 Best for: Families who love community connection, imaginative play, and frequent visits. The memberships quickly pay for themselves and make it easy to turn Little Village into a regular family hangout.
Are you a member anywhere? Do you know of any other memberships we should include? Email us at hello@mkewithkids.com.
In 2013, Calie Herbst, a former teacher with three little ones, saw a need for a “One Stop Shop” for family fun in Milwaukee. So she founded Milwaukee With Kids. Her goal was to find the best this city has to offer families and share it with other parents. In one place.
In 2019, she published “Exploring Milwaukee WIth Kids”, a comprehensive Milwaukee travel guide for families and kids.
She appears regularly on WISN News, Fox 6’s ‘Real Milwaukee’, B93.3, and Wisconsin Morning News. She has been featured in Medium, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, NPR, the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle, and on CBS 58 News.
Calie is available for hosting, moderating and media appearances.
