Prices Are Rising at Museums and Attractions, How to Avoid Paying Full-Price

By Samantha Butts

Prices are going up everywhere, there is almost no way to escape it. However, there are ways to get discounts and deals.

In 2021, DealA created several lists highlighting the museums and attractions with the highest ticket price increases from 2017 to 2021, as well as those that have stayed the same. We decided to borrow some of the attractions on their lists and show how you can save at these locations in 2022.

1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met is the largest art museum in the Western hemisphere. It presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world.

The Met used to have free admission, however, now tickets are $25. This is no reason to fret, for Bank of America cardholders.

As a part of their “Museums Matter” initiative, Bank of America has partnered with museums across the country to allow their cardholders the opportunity to visit participating locations for free.

If you are with another bank, there are still ways to save. Purchasing a CityPASS can get you admission to museums and attractions all throughout New York City. This allows customers to get overall discount prices. The Met also offers discount prices for students in the area.

2. Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

The Modern collects and showcases art from the 1940s to the present. The museum houses more than 3,000 post-World War II artworks.

The price of admission has increased from $10 in 2017 to $16 in 2021. However, the museum has special days that help its customers save money. Every Friday, admission is free for everyone, and on Sundays, admission is half-off.

3. Crocker Art Museum

Crocker Art Museum features the world’s foremost display of California art. Their collections hold European master drawings and international ceramics.

The Crocker Art Museum’s prices rose from $10 in 2017 to $15 in 2020.

Crocker Art Museum, like the Met, is partnered with Bank of America, meaning cardholders can visit this museum for free. The museum has “Pay What You Wish Sunday.” This allows customers to gain entrance by only paying what they want.

4. Fun Spot America

At this theme park, there is something for everyone, and it’s perfect for kids (and adults) of all ages. The park has roller coasters, a splash pad, go-karts, and more!

Since 2017, the price of tickets has increased from $40.95 to $54.95. However, Florida residents and senior citizens can receive $5 off a single pass. First responders can receive $11 off a single pass.

5. Nickelodeon Universe

This indoor amusement park located inside the Mall of America includes rides and games based on popular Nickelodeon tv-shows and movies.

With prices rising from $35.99 in 2017 to $44.99 in 2022, deals are a must.

The park offers “Toddler Tuesdays” which is a weekly program that provides entertainment and discounts specifically for toddlers and their caretakers.

A Toddler Tuesday wristband costs $14.99. The park also offers a military discount of $10 off an All Day Unlimited Ride Wristband.

6. Canobie Lake Park

A summer hot spot, Canobie Lake Park has over 85 rides, games, and attractions.

While offering family fun, the price of admission has increased from $29 in 2017 to $35 in 2022.

The amusement park does, however, offer a military discount which reduces the price to $28.

The park also has parent-specific deals. On Mother’s day, mothers can enter Canobie for free. On Father’s Day, fathers can enter for free as well.

7. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

This Boston art museum houses examples of Asian, European, and American art.

The collection includes paintings, sculptures, and tapestries, and the museum itself includes both internal and external gardens.

In 2017, admission cost $15 compared to the 2022 cost of $20. There are many ways to get a discounted or even free ticket, however.

The museum has an “Isabella” specialty. Anyone with the name “Isabella” receives free lifetime admission. If your name is not “Isabella” there are still ways to save. U.S. military and family members may receive free admission.

College students with valid IDs can get a discount admission of $13. You can also save by purchasing a Go Boston Card.

This all-inclusive pass allows you to experience the very best of Boston while not spending full price for each attraction.

8. SeaWorld Orlando

A theme park and marine zoological park, SeaWorld has much to offer to all of its visitors.

In 2017, tickets cost $99.99, now tickets cost $118.99. However, customers can easily purchase their tickets for $89.99. When purchasing tickets online customers can choose the “Single-Day Ticket.”

Purchasing this ticket requires the customer to choose a specific date rather than coming to the park on any random day. The Single-Day ticket allows customers to save over $25!

9. Chihuly Garden and Glass

The Chihuly Garden and Glass is located in the Seattle Center directly next to the Space Needle. The exhibit showcases the studio glass of Dale Chihuly.

In 2017, admission cost $24, in 2022 it’s $32. With a Seattle CityPASS, customers can receive up to 47% off the admission price. Purchasing city passes are perfect for exploring new cities, they allow you to visit many attractions all for one price.

10. Albright–Knox Art Gallery

The Albright-Knox Art Gallery’s fine art collection, with more than 150 years in the making, holds extraordinary modern and contemporary art pieces.

Unlike the others on this list, the gallery’s admission has actually dropped. In 2017, admission cost $12. Now, admission is “pay what you wish.”

These are only a few ways to get discounts at these popular locations, however many of these destinations have sales frequently so be sure to check their websites for more deals and offers.

City passes can be a great way to discover new cities and save while doing it.