Best St. Louis Memberships to Gift This Holiday Season
When I was a TV reporter, one of the easiest but silliest stories we did on Christmas Eve was last minute shopping. I’d go live at Walgreens at 10pm because that’s where you’d find the serious last minute shoppers. But I promise, there’s a better option if you are down to the wire and need a gift idea. And it’s a gift that will keep on giving: memberships. Plus, no more toy clutter! St. Louis is filled with so many free places but adding a membership to places like the Zoo or the Missouri Botanical Garden can really elevate the experience. Here’s a round up of some of the best options!
Memberships are the gift that keeps on giving!
MAGIC HOUSE
Membership Price & What It Includes:
Family Membership (2 adults + up to 4 children) starts at $175/year.
Includes unlimited free admission for the family all year at The Magic House; 50% discounted admission to 200 other children’s museums in the ACM network, exclusive member gift upgrade options. Upgrading to Family Plus also includes access to MADE
Why It’s Great:
Rather than another toy, this gives experiences, hands-on exploration, revisiting favorite exhibits, trying new programs.
This takes away the pressure to do everything in one visit. We go for just an hour or two!
Exclusive member events and member entrance (saves time to get in!)
TIP: Keep an eye out for their sales, usually around Black Friday and “Christmas in July”
ST. LOUIS ZOO
Membership Price & What It Includes:
Memberships start at $80 and include reduced pricing for parking, free tickets for the train and sea lion show and other experiences at the Zoo. The $100 membership includes the carousel and sting ray exihibit. Some levels include FREE parking. Discounts on food and shops.
Why It’s Great:
This is a membership where you might think, the zoo is free, why pay? If you have little kids who love the train, this is so worth it! We will go and just ride the train, see an animal or two and head out.
It supports the amazing work of our St. Louis Zoo!
SAINT LOUIS SCIENCE CENTER
Membership Price & What It Includes:
Memberships start at $75.
Includes perks like free tickets to paid venues (OMNIMAX®, planetarium), free tickets to Discovery Room free parking, discounts on food/shopping, members-only events
Why It’s Great:
Another amazing free place to visit but the membership unlocks a lot of benefits if you visit often. If you have little kids this one is worth it for the parking and the free tickets to the Discovery Room (one of my favorite play places in town). They also host fun member-exclusive events through out the year!
The Discovery Room at the Saint Louis Science Center is one of our favorite places!
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF TRANSPORTATION
Membership Price & What It Includes:
Membership levels start at $83 a year
Benefits include free admission for member + up to 5 guests per visit, special event invites, gift-shop discount, birthday party & facility rental discounts. Other levels include rides on the train and free entry to Creation Station
Why It’s Great:
Ideal for the kid who loves trains, vehicles, transport history
The membership gives repeated access + guest privileges.
CITY MUSEUM
Membership Price & What It Includes:
Member Pass starts at $39.99 for unlimited visits rest of year + next year.
Includes unlimited visits, discounts on food/retail, parking discounts depending on pass level.
One complimentary Bring A Friend Free ticket to use in 2026
Why It’s Great:
This is definitely a must for bigger kids!
After two visits it pays for itself.
ST. LOUIS AQUARIUM AT UNION STATION
Membership Price & What It Includes:
Passes for an adult and child start at $99
Unlimited aquarium entry for 12 months, complimentary parking, 15% discount at attractions/restaurants/gift shop, presales for special events (including Polar Express tickets!)
Why It’s Great:
The added discounts at the hotel and other Union Station attractions adds a ton of value and helps you save!
A perfect indoor activity
MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDENS
Membership Price & What It Includes:
Membership levels: Individual $55, Family/Garden $85, Friends & Family $140
Free general admission to the Garden, Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House, and Shaw Nature Reserve, Discounted admission to Garden Glow, festivals, and other signature events, Exclusive previews and early entry to floral shows, plant sales, and signature events
Why It’s Great:
This membership is PACKED with benefits including access to their other venues.
The Friends and Family membership includes unlimited entry to the Children’s Garden which is the BEST during the summer months.
The Missouri Botanical Garden is a perfect membership for all ages!
SAINT LOUIS ART MUSEUM
Membership Price & What It Includes:
Individual membership starts at $75 and $95 for a family membership
Free admission to main exhibitions and family membership includess access to events, art classes and workshops for kids
Why It’s Great:
This is perfect for anyone on your list! For families, especially for older kids, this is a great option!
Plus it supports our amazing arts community!
We are so fortunate to have free museums and activities in St. Louis but memberships help unlock amazing access and time saving perks! If you also want to experience MORE in 2026, these make the perfect gifts.