Make sure you pack your educator ID when you travel this summer! Whether you’re staying close to home or traveling across the country, that ID can get you into many popular attractions for a steal.
We’ve done the legwork and rounded up some the best educator deals throughout the U.S. Take advantage of discounted (or free!) tickets, admission and tours for teachers.
Note that while some discounts are only offered to educators in their home state, there are attractions that offer deals to all educators. Check the destination before you go, because offers can change.
Also, check your local museums, sports teams and amusement parks, as many offer educator discounts.
1. Kennedy Space Center, Titusville, Florida
The educator discount: Don’t miss the center’s Educator Study Pass, which offers Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands K-12 teachers complimentary access to the Visitor Complex and KSC’s Educator Resource Center. Get tips for field trips, learn about new education programs and find interesting facts to integrate with your science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum.
Need to know: To get the pass, you must show a valid Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico or U.S. Virgin Islands teacher certificate and be currently employed at an accredited school as a full-time, K-12 classroom educator.
2. LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, ICON Orlando 360 (formerly the Orlando Eye), Madame Tussauds and SEA LIFE Aquarium, Orlando area, Florida
The educator discount: The aforementioned resorts offer Florida teachers for grades K-12 one year of free admission with their Florida Teacher Pass. (In fact, there are many more discounts for Florida teachers through the Florida Department of Education.)
Need to know: To receive your free pass, bring your most recent paystub, Florida photo ID and valid professional or temporary FDOE teaching certificate.
3. Fernbank Museum, Atlanta, Georgia
The educator discount: The Educator Corner at this family-friendly museum offers Educator Preview Days, which include complimentary museum and IMAX® admission, plus tours from Field Trip Team members to discuss program offerings and educator resources. The museum also offers educators special prices on select levels of membership.
Need to know: Educator Preview Days are every Tuesday and Thursday between 2 p.m and 5 p.m.
4. The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
The educator discount: Free admission to the museum is available to current Illinois educators, including pre-K–12 teachers, teaching artists working in schools and homeschool parents as part of the museum’s Educator Pass.
Need to know: Register online to receive your complimentary voucher and present it with a valid educator ID.
5. Urban Institute of Contemporary Art, Grand Rapids, Michigan
The educator discount: Educators receive $15 offer the SINGULAR membership at this museum (regularly $40), which comes with free admission to UICA galleries.
Need to know: To receive your discount, register with your school email address or email your school ID, professional resume, business card, or a copy of your driver’s license for verification to membership@uica.org.
6. Science Museum of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota
The educator discount: Educators receive discounted memberships—$75 for dual (normally $89) or $118 for household (normally $139)—at this extraordinary museum. Memberships include free Omnitheater and museum admission, discounts on parking and special exhibitions, 10% off purchases and more.
Need to know: Permanent K-12 teachers, K-12 principals and deans, and homeschooling educators who are registered with the state are eligible for the discounts—be sure to bring a valid staff badge or pay stub or a copy of the Compulsory Instruction Report or Letter of Intent with you when you apply.
7. The Blanton Museum of Art, Austin, Texas
The educator discount: K-12 educators receive free admission. The Blanton also offers K-12 educators $10 off any level of membership, plus a 20% discount on teacher workshops.
Need to know: Educator discounts are available by phone or in person at a museum welcome desk with proof of eligibility. They are not available online.
8. Denver Art Museum, Denver Colorado
The educator discount: Educators receive $10 off memberships (a portion of which is tax-deductible) at this art museum, which entitles you to free general admission for an entire year, free or significantly discounted tickets for select exhibitions, 10% discount in The Shops, member-only previews, events and more.
Need to know: Proof of eligibility must be shown at a museum welcome desk.
9. Exploratorium, San Francisco, California
The educator discount: Not only does this hands-on museum offer $5 teacher discounts off the normal admission price (regularly $29.95), but all California K-12 Public School Teachers can enter for free.
Need to know: To apply for free membership, you must fill out this form.
Lodge for less!
When planning your trip, take advantage of lodging discounts, as well. HomeExchange.com, for example, offers a 25% discount on their annual membership fee (regularly $150; $112.50 for teachers).
And don’t forget your NEA member discounts. As an NEA member, you and your family can take advantage of hotel discounts through NEA Travel.
