It starts with a road trip. The kids are in the backseat—snacks in hand, questions flying—asking the inevitable: “Are we there yet?” But instead of another screen-filled afternoon or trip to the mall, you pull into something better: a world where kids climb into a submarine, touch a tornado, and dig up a dinosaur fossil—and somehow learn without even realizing it.
That’s the magic of the ASTC Travel Passport Program.
ASTC Travel Passport Program beginnings
The Association of Science and Technology Centers was founded in 1973 to connect science centers and museums worldwide.
In 1999, they created the Travel Passport Program, turning a single museum membership into a ticket for discovery nationwide. Support one local museum, and you can visit hundreds more free of charge when traveling.
Where Your ASTC Pass Works
Your pass works at museums 90+ miles (as the crow flies) from your home and your home museum, making it the perfect reason for a summer adventure.
Reciprocal benefits include free general admission, and many museums offer extras like a 10% discount in their gift shops or cafés. Always bring your home museum membership card and ID to receive these perks.
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Museums in Michigan
Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Experience
Flight simulators, jet cockpits, rockets and living aviation history—all in one unforgettable day. Family membership: $110/year (two adults + two children).
Portage | (269) 382‑6555
Alden B. Dow Museum of Science & Art
Art and science collide here, sparking creativity through interactive and hands-on exhibits. Family membership: $75/year (two adults + kids under 18).
Midland | (989) 631‑5930
Ann Arbor Hands‑On Museum
A no-rules, touch-everything museum where activities secretly teach science and engineering. Family membership: $100/year (parents, kids, grandparents).
Ann Arbor | (734) 995‑5439
Cranbrook Institute of Science
Dinosaurs, planetarium journeys, and jaw-dropping science demos ignite kids’ imaginations. Family membership: $100/year (two adults + kids under 18).
Bloomfield Hills | (248) 645‑3245
Dennos Museum Center
An art museum that inspires discovery through interactive exhibits and stunning Inuit art collections. Family membership: $75/year (two adults + kids under 18).
Traverse City | (231) 995‑1055
Ella Sharp Museum
Hands-on history, art exploration, and stargazing adventures all wrapped into one museum experience. Family membership: $75/year (two adults + kids under 21).
Jackson | (517) 787‑2320
Flint Children’s Museum
Kids climb, splash and pretend, discovering the joy of learning through interactive play. Family membership: $68/year (two adults + kids under 18).
Flint | (810) 767‑5437
Grand Rapids Public Museum
Ride a historic carousel, stroll century-old streetscapes and explore immersive history exhibits. Family membership: $100/year (two adults + kids under 18).
Grand Rapids | (616) 929‑1700
Impression 5 Science Center
Kids discover science with their five senses through playful, memorable, hands-on experiences. Family membership: $95/year (two adults + kids under 18).
Lansing | (517) 485‑8116
Michigan Flight Museum & Air Adventures
Explore aviation history up close—historic aircraft, interactive exhibits and even real flights. Family membership: $95/year (two adults + kids under 18).
Belleville | (734) 483‑4030
Michigan Science Center
Detroit’s STEM hub: labs, engineering challenges and science experiments that leave kids amazed. Family membership: $99/year (two adults + kids under 18).
Detroit | (313) 577‑8400
Sloan Museum of Discovery and Longway Planetarium
Hands-on science, history exploration and star-filled planetarium shows under one exciting roof. Family membership: $99/year (two adults + kids under 18).
Flint | (810) 237‑3450
University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
Marvel at mastodons, meteorites and fossils in captivating exhibits designed for curious minds. Family membership: $70/year (two adults + children or grandchildren).
Ann Arbor | (734) 764‑0478
USS Silversides Submarine Museum
Tour a real WWII submarine, explore the tight quarters of the crew and uncover fascinating maritime history. Family membership: $65/year (two adults + kids under 18).
Muskegon | (231) 755‑1230
What’s Included with Your ASTC Travel Passport
- Free general admission at reciprocal museums.
- Often, a 10% discount at museum gift shops and cafés (check specific museums for exact details).
- Special access to member-only events and previews at your home museum.
Just show your membership card and ID, and you’re all set.
This summer, let curiosity set your itinerary—and watch your family discover how exciting learning can be. And, don’t forget, the pass is valid for museums nationwide!
