🎟️ The Ultimate North Shore MA Family Membership Guide: A Year of Family Fun!
Museums, Zoos, Nature Centers, Beaches & More That Offer Family Memberships
Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained throughout the year without spending a fortune on every outing? Family memberships are one of our favorite ways to save money while enjoying everything the North Shore has to offer!
From hands-on children's museums and fascinating aquariums to beautiful nature trails, historic landmarks, and indoor swimming pools, there are plenty of places offering memberships that make family adventures more affordable.
Whether you're shopping for a birthday or holiday gift, looking for activities during school vacations, or hoping to make more family memories, we've rounded up some fantastic family membership opportunities on Massachusetts' North Shore and nearby.
Membership prices and benefits were researched in October 2026 and are subject to change. Always check directly with each organization before purchasing.
🧸 CHILDREN'S MUSEUMS & HANDS-ON LEARNING
🎨 North Shore Children's Museum — Peabody
📍 10 Main Street, Peabody, MA
Perfect for families with toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary-aged children!
The North Shore Children's Museum offers hands-on exhibits designed to encourage imagination, creativity, and learning through play.
Membership Options:
- You & Me Membership: $100 annually (1 adult and 1 child)
- Up to 3 Membership: $140 annually
- Up to 5 Membership: $180 annually
Membership Benefits:
- Unlimited museum visits for one year
- 10% discount in the museum gift shop
- Discounts on special events
- Reciprocal discounts at participating children's museums with qualifying memberships
💡 Why families love it: A wonderful indoor activity for rainy days, cold winter afternoons, and school vacations!
🚂 Wenham Museum — Wenham
📍 132 Main Street, Wenham, MA
The Wenham Museum is a North Shore favorite featuring historic toys, model trains, dolls, interactive exhibits, and opportunities for children to explore history through play.
Membership Options:
- Family 4 Membership: $175 annually
- Family 6 Membership: $250 annually
Membership Benefits:
- Unlimited museum admission for named members
- Discounts on select programs
- 10% museum gift shop discount
- Special member events
- Reciprocal children's museum benefits with qualifying family memberships
💡 Why families love it: It's a great destination for families with young children, especially those who love trains, toys, and imaginative play.
🐠 AQUARIUMS, MARITIME MUSEUMS & OCEAN DISCOVERY
🐟 Maritime Gloucester — Gloucester
📍 23 Harbor Loop, Gloucester, MA
Explore the fascinating world of marine life and Gloucester's rich maritime history at Maritime Gloucester.
Families can discover marine animals, explore interactive exhibits, and learn about the importance of our coastal environment.
Membership Benefits Include:
- Unlimited admission to exhibits and aquarium
- Access to children's drop-in programs
- Discounts on classes and programs
- 10% discount in the museum shop
- Invitations to special member events
💡 Why families love it: Kids can learn about the ocean while exploring one of the North Shore's most beautiful working waterfronts.
⚓ Custom House Maritime Museum — Newburyport
📍 25 Water Street, Newburyport, MA
The Custom House Maritime Museum offers families a chance to discover Newburyport's maritime history through exhibits, artifacts, and hands-on learning opportunities.
Membership Options:
- Household Membership: $100 annually
- Household Plus Membership: $150 annually
Membership Benefits:
- Unlimited museum admission
- 10% museum store discount
- Invitations to member events
The Household membership covers two adults and children under age 13.
💡 Why families love it: A fun educational stop during a family day exploring downtown Newburyport and the waterfront.
🎨 ART, HISTORY & CULTURAL MUSEUMS
🖼️ Peabody Essex Museum — Salem
📍 161 Essex Street, Salem, MA
The Peabody Essex Museum offers incredible art, cultural exhibits, and family-friendly programming throughout the year.
Family Membership: $150 annually
Membership Benefits Include:
- Free admission for two named adults
- Children under 16 admitted free
- Four guest admission passes
- Special family programming communications
- Exhibition previews
- Discounts at the museum shop and café
💡 Why families love it: The museum offers opportunities to introduce children to art, history, and cultures from around the world.
🎨 Cape Ann Museum — Gloucester
📍 Gloucester, MA
The Cape Ann Museum celebrates the art, history, and culture of Cape Ann.
Families can explore exhibits highlighting local artists, maritime traditions, and the history of Gloucester and surrounding communities.
Membership Options Include:
- Dual Membership: $100 annually
- Contributor Membership: $145 annually
Membership Benefits:
- Free general admission for covered adults
- Guest passes
- Museum shop discounts
- Invitations to exhibitions and programs
- Reciprocal museum admission at qualifying membership levels
💡 Why families love it: A wonderful opportunity to explore local history and art together.
🚢 Essex Shipbuilding Museum — Essex
📍 Essex, MA
Discover the fascinating history of wooden shipbuilding and the important role Essex played in America's maritime history.
Membership Options:
- Individual Membership: $50
- Family Membership: $75
Families interested in local history, traditional craftsmanship, and shipbuilding will enjoy exploring this unique museum.
💡 Why families love it: A different kind of educational experience that connects children with the history of the North Shore.
🌳 NATURE, OUTDOOR ADVENTURES & BEACHES
🦉 Mass Audubon — Multiple North Shore Locations
A Mass Audubon Family Membership is a wonderful option for families who enjoy hiking, wildlife, birdwatching, and outdoor adventures.
North Shore locations include:
🌳 Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary — Topsfield
🐦 Joppa Flats Education Center — Newburyport
Family Membership: $85 annually
Membership Benefits:
- Free wildlife sanctuary admission
- Covers two adults and their children or grandchildren under age 21
- Discounts on family and children's programs
- Access to camp and preschool registration
- Discounts at participating shops
💡 Why families love it: One membership opens the door to outdoor adventures throughout Massachusetts!
🏖️ The Trustees of Reservations — Multiple North Shore Locations
The Trustees of Reservations manages some of Massachusetts' most beautiful beaches, farms, historic properties, and natural spaces.
Popular North Shore properties include:
🏖️ Crane Beach — Ipswich
🌾 Appleton Farms — Ipswich
🌳 Long Hill — Beverly
🏞️ Castle Hill on the Crane Estate — Ipswich
Membership Options:
- Household Membership: $80 annually
- Contributing Membership: $140 annually
- Supporting Membership: $180 annually
Membership Benefits:
- Free or reduced admission to many Trustees properties
- Discounts on programs and events
- Advance ticketing opportunities
- Discounts on summer camps
- Discounts on Crane Beach admission
Important: Crane Beach benefits vary significantly by membership level. The $80 Household membership provides 50% off day passes rather than unlimited free beach access.
💡 Why families love it: From beach days to farm visits and holiday events, there's something to enjoy during every season.
🐻 ZOOS & ANIMAL ADVENTURES
🦊 Stone Zoo — Stoneham
📍 149 Pond Street, Stoneham, MA
Located just outside the North Shore, Stone Zoo is a favorite destination for families who love animals.
A membership also includes admission to Franklin Park Zoo in Boston!
Membership Options:
- Family Membership: $130 annually
- Family Plus Membership: $155 annually
Membership Benefits:
- Free daytime admission to both zoos
- Family membership covers two named adults and up to four children under 18
- Discounts on events and programs
- Discounts at zoo gift shops
- Reciprocal benefits at participating zoos nationwide
💡 Why families love it: One membership gives families two zoos to explore throughout the year.
🏊 SWIMMING, FITNESS & FAMILY RECREATION
🏀 YMCA of the North Shore — Multiple Locations
The YMCA of the North Shore offers family memberships that provide access to fitness facilities, swimming pools, recreation, and discounted children's programming.
North Shore locations include:
🏊 Ipswich Family YMCA — Ipswich
🏀 Greater Beverly YMCA — Beverly
🏊 Glen T. MacLeod Cape Ann YMCA — Gloucester
🏋️ Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA — Marblehead
Family Membership Options:
- 1 Adult Family: $94 per month
- 2 Adult Family: $124 per month
- 3 Adult Family: $144 per month
Membership Benefits:
- Access to YMCA facilities
- Swimming and recreational opportunities
- Group fitness classes
- Discounts on children's programs
- Savings on camps and lessons
- Access to participating YMCA locations
Income-based flexible pricing is available for qualifying families.
💡 Why families love it: A great option for year-round family recreation, especially during the colder months.
💰 HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST FAMILY MEMBERSHIP
Before purchasing a family membership, consider how frequently you'll visit and which benefits your family will actually use.
For families with toddlers and preschoolers: Children's museums are excellent choices because they offer opportunities for repeat visits and indoor play.
For outdoor-loving families: Mass Audubon and The Trustees offer access to nature trails, wildlife, beaches, and outdoor activities.
For animal lovers: A zoo membership can make repeat animal adventures more affordable.
For active families: YMCA memberships provide year-round recreation and opportunities for both children and adults.
For families who love history and learning: Local museums offer educational experiences that can grow with your children.
🎁 Family Memberships Make Wonderful Gifts!
Looking for a birthday, holiday, or grandparent gift idea?
Instead of buying more toys, consider giving a family membership that provides experiences throughout the year.
A membership can mean rainy-day adventures, weekend outings, educational experiences, and memories that last long after the wrapping paper is gone.
💡 Macaroni KID Money-Saving Tip
Before purchasing, check whether the membership offers reciprocal admission benefits.
Some memberships provide free or discounted admission to participating museums, zoos, and attractions across the country.
Also, don't forget to check your local library! Many North Shore libraries offer discounted museum passes, which can be a great alternative if your family only plans to visit once or twice.
❤️ Explore More, Spend Less, and Make Memories!
We are fortunate to have so many incredible places to explore right here on Massachusetts' North Shore.
Whether your family loves art, animals, history, science, swimming, or outdoor adventures, a family membership can provide a full year of opportunities to spend time together.
Do you know of another North Shore business, museum, or attraction offering family memberships? Let us know! We'd love to continue adding to this guide and helping local families discover new places to explore.
Please note: Membership pricing, benefits, hours, and availability may change. Contact each organization directly for the most current information.
