Math is hard – especially when there’s a line behind you and anxious kids on either side. We understand the pressure of visiting a museum and trying to determine whether it makes more sense to get a day pass or membership; therefore, we decided to make it easier for you to prepare and compare.

To help you figure out what works best for your family we broke down the cost of a single visit (for a family of 4 – two adults and two kids) and compared it to the annual membership that includes two adults and all children in the household. We are also giving away a FREE family membership to the Michigan Science Center in Detroit.

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum 

Experience the world around you in a whole new way with interactive exhibits that explore the micro to macro and everything in between.

• Museum (1 Day – Family of 4): $50
• Annual Membership (unlimited visits and multiple children): $80

Arab American National Museum 

The only museum in the world celebrating the contributions and accomplishments of Arab Americans.

• Museum (1 Day – Family of 4): $24
• Annual Membership (unlimited visits and multiple children): $75

Charles H Wright Museum 

The first African American museum in the world to celebrate the life and legacy of black leaders in arts, science, and social justice.

• Museum (1 Day – Family of 4): $34
• Annual Membership (unlimited visits and multiple children): $65

Cranbrook Institute of Science 

Journey back in time to when dinosaurs roamed and the pyramids were built at the natural history museum.

• Museum (1 Day – Family of 4): $45
• Annual Membership (unlimited visits and multiple children): $75

Detroit Historical Museum 

From Paris of the Midwest to Motor City and Motown, see where Detroit has been and where we’re going.

• Museum (1 Day – Family of 4): $32
• Annual Membership (unlimited visits and multiple children): $95

Detroit Institute of Arts 

Experience the works of great masters from around the world and throughout time, don’t forget to walk through the Rivera Court.

• Museum (1 Day – Family of 4): $40
• Annual Membership (unlimited visits and multiple children): $110

Admission to the DIA is FREE to ALL residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

Detroit Symphony Orchestra

Bring your littles to Orchestra Hall to Jazz, Wiggle and Giggle and listen to their favorite songs like never before. 

• Single performance (1 Show – Family of 4): $80
• Annual Membership (4 concerts, special events and concessions): $160

Detroit Zoo 

Get your dose of Vitamin Z with a visit to see the lions, tigers and bear.

• Zoo (1 Day – Family of 4): $74
• Annual Membership (unlimited visits and multiple children): $112

The Henry Ford 

Explore the past and get a sneak peak into the future with hands-on exhibits and special interactive events.

• Museum + Village (1 Day – Family of 4): $140
• Annual Membership (unlimited visits and multiple children): $185

Michigan Science Center 

Bring science to life and learn something new at the Michigan Science Center.

• Museum + Theater Show (1 Day – Family of 4): $84
• Annual Membership (unlimited visits and multiple children): $99

Motown Museum 

See where Berry Gordy, the Supremes & Temptations got the world Dancing in the Streets.

• Museum (1 Day – Family of 4): $50
• Annual Membership (unlimited visits and multiple children): $100

Outdoor Adventure Center 

Go fishing, climb a tree, fly a plane and more Pure Michigan fun at the Outdoor Adventure Center.

• Museum (1 Day – Family of 4): $16
• Annual Membership (unlimited visits and multiple children): $50-75

SEA LIFE Aquarium + LEGOLAND Discovery Center  

Come nose to nose with over 250 species including sharks, rays, seahorses and more in 12 interactive exhibits at SEA LIFE Michigan then take a trip to LEGOLAND and experience the ultimate indoor LEGO® playground. 

• Both attractions (1 Day – Family of 4): $124
• Annual Membership (unlimited visits and multiple children): $110 per person

Photo credit: Nick Hagen Model D