Free First-Time Parent Membership

The First-Time Parent Membership is a free membership program for parents and their first child (or children, if twins or other multiples). Each membership includes three named adults (spouse or caregiver such as a grandparent or babysitter) and their first child (or children, if twins or other multiples). The membership is valid through the child’s first 18 months of life and includes free general admission to the Museum, access to member-only events, a 20% discount on weekend birthday parties, 10% discount on Discovery Store purchases and Museum rentals.

We know the first 18 months of life are a critical time for learning and development, and we want to make sure no first-time parent encounters a financial barrier to playing and learning together with their child at Discovery Museum.

Our Brain Building Together gallery is special space for caregivers and their children aged birth through three to play and spend time together—two powerful ingredients for healthy development according to current brain science. Explore objects, make things happen, share stories, investigate with your senses, snuggle, play peekaboo, and observe your child’s own unique ways of playing. All of these and more are Brain Building Moments!

The gallery features a pre-walker space, Messy-Sensory area, gross motor area, story sharing space, and a private infant feeding/nursing space. Information resources and Museum staff can support parent-child learning.

First-Time Parent Memberships expire at the end of the month in which the qualifying child turns 18 months old. (For example, if your child turns 18 months old in October 2024, your membership will expire on October 31, 2024.)

We do need for you to wait to register until your child is born, as we cannot process memberships without your child’s birth month and year information.

The First-Time Parent Membership covers two adult members and one child under 18 months, or multiple children under 18 months if the children are the same age. Parents of multiples are welcome to sign up. 

The First-Time Parent Membership covers two adult members and one child under 18 months, or multiple children under 18 months if the children are the same age. If you have more than one child under 18 months, but they are not the same age, only the eldest child would be covered by the First Time Parent Membership, and younger children would not receive member benefits. However, children under 1 year of age always receive free admission to Discovery Museum.

Yes, of course! 

The Wonderfund access card provides fun and enriching opportunities offered by Massachusetts destinations – just for MA DCF Foster Children and their Families. Wonderfund access card participants can visit Discovery Museum for free for up to 6 people. Check out their website for more information. 

Yes, a grandparent can be listed as one of the adults on the membership and bring the child to Discovery Museum. Grandparents raising grandchildren may be eligible for a different free membership program. Please contact our membership manager smackie [at] discoveryacton.org (Sarah Mackie) via email or phone 978-264-4200 ext. 135 to learn more.

Thank you for supporting Discovery Museum as a valued member. Full-price memberships come with valuable benefits that are not included with the free First-Time Parent Memberships, such as yearlong access to institutions within the ACM reciprocal museum network. Purchased memberships cannot be returned or refunded.

If you have questions about your specific situation, please contact our membership manager smackie [at] discoveryacton.org (Sarah Mackie) via email or phone 978-264-4200 ext. 135