McWane Science Center is Unbeatable Value for Summertime Oasis Both Here and Near

The hunt is on for the best summer in Birmingham can offer, and McWane Science Center has to be on your list. You have no doubt visited the halls of McWane Science Center or attended a party there. But let me bring you in on a little secret: McWane is one of the best values for summer activities, hands down.

A year-long family membership at McWane Science Center costs no more than two meals out at a sit-down restaurant ($90), but gives you tons of options:

Climate Control. Scoff if you will, but when the heat index tops 100 or the thunder is rolling in, you'll be delighted to be strolling among the cool and steady exhibits inside. With four floors to explore, you and the kids can roam for hours and never feel a moment of cabin fever or heat stroke.

Free Wi-fi. If your kids are old enough, you can bring your laptop and watch them out of one eye while you catch up on e-mail or assemble your online photo album. Now, I'm not advocating letting your kids run wild - heaven knows that's not what the McWane staff needs - but if you can supervise them and wedge in a little productive time for yourself, that's a two-fer.

Covered Parking and Elevators. Your hip gets a rest as toddlers can walk on their own and strollers can wheel right out of the elevator and into your trunk. No hot car to pile into! This alone is worth 10 positive points on the Mom's Mood  scale.

Regular Exhibits and Special Programs for All Ages. Besides the regular favorites like the bed of nails or the giant piano keys, there are rotating exhibits of all sorts to keep things interesting. If you're a city girl with no intention of wading in a creek or riverbed, take the kids to the lower level's Cahaba River Tank so you know you've at least introduced them to aquatic life. Let them touch a horseshoe crab while you keep your distance.   

Imax. (Additional charge). All advantages above except children are confined to their chairs in a dark, quiet place. Excellent!

Food. You don't have to leave the building for snacks or lunch. Pizza Hut and Subway are here but there are also deliberately healthy choices like smoothies. Burgers are broiled and fries are prepared with a hot air fryer which doesn't use oils or grease to produce equally crispy results (when will George Foreman license this technology for home use?). Your membership entitles you to a discount in the cafe. Yum!

Discounts on gift shop purchases and summer camps. The gift shop isn't full of the usual allowance-scamming souvenirs. There are science-related toys and games at all price points and your membership means a 20% discount. If your kids will attend a summer camp, your membership fee is easily recovered, since your discount means a $50 difference on a single week of full day camp.

Finally: Reciprocal benefits at educational museums all over the country. This is the membership feature that super-charges your value. Whether your vacations will be a bit more modest this summer or your young children have you foregoing long trips in the car, McWane lets you enjoy other venues that are perfect for the kids. 

Space and Rocket Center - Huntsville - less than a two-hour drive from Birmingham, straight interstate (I 65 to I565). If you haven't been since you were a kid, you will be shocked at how quaint the original space suits appear now.

Gulf Coast Exploreum and Science Center - Mobile - if you're heading to Gulf Shores, here is your rainy day plan, already paid for via your McWane membership.

Emerald Coast Science Center - Ft. Walton Beach - Prefer the Florida Panhandle for your beach vacation? Likewise, your rainy day plan is covered. Send hubby and kids to the Science Center while you explore the equally significant Retail Science Center, i.e., the outlets in Destin. 

Several other reciprocal museums are within a few hours' drive from Birmingham, most in larger cities (Memphis, Nashville, Atlanta) that are likely on your short list for weekend trips already. If you travel to visit family during the holidays, don't forget that you may have privileges at a museum on or near your route, perfect for taking a break and avoiding car fatigue.

You won't beat ninety bucks for this much access to "edutainment." There are other membership levels to suit your needs (grandparents, caregiver, guest, etc.) and increasing benefit options. Enjoy an annual McWane Science Center membership this summer and you'll realize it's one of the best deals in any economy.

 

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Great news for BirminghamMoms! McWane Science Center is offering us a $10 discount on an annual memberships through 12/31/09.

Just reference code bhammom at the ticketing counter or via mail (not available through online membership application).

Now an already great value is even better!