Frugal Family: Tis the Season for Season Passes

Summertime and the livin's easy or so the saying may go. When you’re a parent it may not be that easy trying to figure out what to do with the kids for those few months. After a few trips to the playground, fish hatchery and the movies what is left and what’s on the list of those frugalistas out there?

The Lehigh Valley area is lucky to have quite a few area attractions and many offer season passes or memberships to help entice you to visit more. Are season passes really worth the money? Let’s find out. We’re basing all ‘families’ on two adults and one child five years of age.

• First up we have Dorney Park and WildWater Kingdom. They recently redid their kid’s area to include Planet Snoopy with new rides and thrills. When you have little ones who tire easily it may not be worth it to pay for a single day admission only to leave after a couple of hours because they’re ready for a nap.

Season Pass/Membership: $264.97 (2011 Dorney Park Season Pass Regular $99.99 x 2 + Junior/Senior Pass $61.99 + $3 online processing fee)

Single Visit: $107.97 (Single Day Admission Regular $39.99 x 2 + Junior /Senior $24.99 + $3 online processing fee)

Is it worth it? If you plan to go more than once this Summer then ABSOLUTELY. Along with the season pass you receive perks. Present your Season Pass card when you purchase Beagle Bucks at Guest Services or the Family Care Center and receive them for 10% less than face value! You also receive free parking, free admission to Boo Blast and Halloween Haunt for the 2011 season among many other perks. For the entire list of member perks click here

• The Lehigh Valley Zoo is truly a hidden treasure. The Mexican Gray Wolves arrived a few months ago though our favorite area to visit is the penguins, especially at feeding time. With the Zoo open year round, seven days a week weather permitting you’re really getting your money’s worth.

 Season Pass/Membership: $90 Family Membership(two adults and children under 18)

Single Visit: $27.27 (Adult Admission $9.75 x 2 + Children’s Admission $7.75)

 Is it worth it? You have an entire year to go just four times to consider it a 'deal.' It’s totally worth it. Members also receive free admission to Guest Enrichment Activity Days at the Zoo, discount for Zoo camp, family programs and birthday parties, a 10 percent discount at the Nature Store and Outdoor Café, and free or discounted admission at more than 100 AZA-accredited zoos and Aquariums. For more information on membership click here

• The Crayola Factory in Easton is another popular choice for Summer fun. The self-guided layout allows kids to go where they choose to create and have fun. Learn how markers and crayons are made and afterwards head upstairs to the Canal Museum for some water fun.

Season Pass/Membership: $177.45 ($169 + 5 person City of Easton admission tax) Purple Passport entitles two adults, two children and two guests unlimited admission for a year among other benefits.

Single Visit: $30.72 (Adult/Child age 3-64 $9.75 + 5% city of Easton admission tax)

Is it worth it? It depends. If you have two adults, two kids and two guests along it only takes three visits to make this passport worth it otherwise you may want to look into one of the other available passports such as the Red Passport. For $69 it gives one adult and onw child six visits each which is a great deal. For more information on passports click here

• The DaVinci Science Center is referred to as an outstanding destination for families and all fun-loving, curious minds. 

Season Pass/Membership: $90 Family Membership (two adults and children under 18)

Single Visit: $32.85 (Adult Admission $11.95 x 2 + Child Admission age 4-12 $8.95)

 Is it worth it? For another place that’s open year round you only need to visit three times, which isn’t a difficult task, it’s a hit. Exhibits are always changing to keep things interesting and they often have special events going on. Their hands-on displays keep kids of all ages interested. From what I’ve heard kids love it and for another indoor choice on those hot Summer days it’s a definite for that what-to-do list. For more information on membership click here.