A few questions we ask ourselves before we purchase a Family Membership or an annual pass to something:
Is it a good value for our family? Will we really use it? Will we get our money’s worth out of it?
We’re here to tell you that the answer to each of those questions is probably going to be YES. Family memberships are surprisingly affordable and come with a fun array of perks, like guest passes, free parking, and access to exclusive events.
With most memberships, you’ll get your money’s worth out of it in just a few trips, PLUS you’ll make some great memories together. Purchasing a membership is also a great way to support some of North Texas’ coolest organizations, not to mention a fantastic gift idea for birthdays or holidays.
Ready to join the club, Frisco? Here’s a rundown of some of our favorite annual memberships for Frisco families – and WHY we think it might be right for you! Please add your favorites in the comments section.
Best all-around local membership: Frisco Athletic Center
What you’ll find: Frisco’s premier fitness facility, featuring more than 100,000 square feet of indoor wellness opportunities, a state of the art aquatic center, and an indoor/outdoor water park. Includes basketball gyms, racquetball courts, 22,000 square feet of strength and cardio equipment, a childcare center, and much more.
Why we love it: The FAC is a high-quality facility, offering opportunities for the whole family at a great value. In the summer months, the outdoor (and quite impressive) Frisco Water Park is a spectacular benefit for family fun in the sun.
Best for: Everyone!
Family membership cost: $70 per month
Value: Outstanding! For a family of four, that’s less than $20 per person per month. When you consider the cost of FAC vs. an individual private gym membership, summer water park admission, and general recreation, the FAC is a no-brainer for Frisco families.
Best educational pass: Frisco Museum Pass
What it includes: Admission to all of Frisco’s museums: National Videogame museum, Sci-Tech Discovery Center, Frisco Discovery Center, Frisco Heritage Center, and the Museum of the American Railroad/TrainTopia.
Why we love it: Frisco has a wonderful variety of museums that are fun, educational, and family-friendly. This pass encourages residents to visit each of our museums at an attractive discount.
Best for: Elementary age kids, teens, and adults. (This would be an ideal “experience gift” for grandparents and older children to share together.)
Pass cost: $25 per person.
Value: The Frisco Museum Pass is currently offered at a 25% discount (and is more than “paid for” by visits to just three of the five included museums). Even better, the pass lasts for a year, giving holders plenty of time to visit each of Frisco’s worthwhile museums.
Best bang for your buck: The Dallas Zoo
What you’ll find: The largest zoo in Texas, with 106 acres to explore, thousands of animals to see, and a wide variety of family activities.
Why we love it: The Dallas Zoo is a great place for the whole family to get outdoors and explore. It’s a first-rate zoo experience with world-class exhibits and great walkability.
Best for: A “must-have” membership for families with young children (but the great value makes it a good choice for everyone).
Family membership cost: $129/year
Value: For a family of four, the cost of one visit to the Zoo is $72. With membership priced at $129, your family will cover the cost of your membership in less than 2 visits. So if you think you’d enjoy visiting the Zoo just twice this year, the family membership is a great deal!
Perks: Basic membership offers free parking, discounts at the zoo, discounts for special events like Zoo lights, and reciprocal membership at more than 150 zoos across the country. Higher levels of membership have additional perks, like guest passes and ride tickets.
Best Pass for Sports Fans: Frisco RoughRiders | FC Dallas | Texas Legends
What you’ll find: Fun for the whole family at a great value! Frisco’s MiLB and MLS teams offer terrific experiences for fans of all ages at accessible prices.
Why we love it: What’s not to love?! This is the perfect gift for sports fans of all ages, combining high-quality live sports, convenience, value, and tons of fun. Our local sports teams offer a first-rate experience that’s great for hardcore sports fans but is also engaging for young kids and not-so-serious fans. The ‘Riders and the Legends each have a “Kids Club” with tons of fun added to the youngest fans’ experience.
Best for: Everyone.
Membership cost: Various levels and costs tiers are available, offering different perks and experiences
Value: Given the convenience, frequency, and quality of Frisco RoughRiders, Texas Legends, and FC Dallas games, the value is outstanding. Plus, you can customize your membership to find the value that works best for your family.
The Best Pass for all ages: The Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary
What you’ll find: A 289-acre wildlife sanctuary with over 6.5 miles of nature trails, animal exhibits, and hands-on opportunities for kids.
Why we love it: Hiking the trails of The Heard is a fantastic experience for all ages. The trails are easy enough for young children and older adults, but still engaging for experienced hikers. The Heard also has fun special events including Dinosaurs Live!, trick-or-treating, night hikes, zip-line days, and educational programs for all ages.
Best for: Everyone
Family membership cost: $85 for basic family membership with other levels available
Value: Excellent! A family of four can cover the cost of the membership in just two visits. With the special events, variety of trails, and seasonal environmental change, the Museum offers plenty of fun to keep members coming back. The lower overall sticker price also makes this membership a good gift choice for friends and family.
Best Pass for Preschoolers: Crayola Experience
What you’ll find: 60,000 colorful square feet of attractions with 25 unique, hands-on exhibits that encourage creativity, learning, and exploration.
Why we love it: The Crayola Experience is fun for kids of all ages and offers a totally one-of-a-kind adventure. Crayola combines creativity and movement, with special areas catered to older and younger kids, to create a vibrant and engaging attraction.
Best for: Kids of all ages, but this is a must-have for preschool age kids who aren’t in school full time and can enjoy visits at off-peak hours. It’s great place to meet up for playdates, offering little ones a place to create and explore.
Membership cost: $25 per individual for unlimited admission (with discounts available if you buy multiple passes)
Value: Since general admission is $20 per person, this is an absolute no brainer. At certain levels of membership, discounts are also available on concessions, birthday parties, and more.
Best Pass for Staycations: Six Flags | Hurricane Harbor
What you’ll find: Our premier regional theme park loaded with thrill attractions, plus access to Hurricane Harbor waterpark
Why we love it: Located less than an hour away, Six Flags is a vacation-worthy theme park for thrill ride enthusiasts. With fun seasonal events like Hallowfest and Holiday in the Park, plus Hurricane Harbor admission, the pass is a blast all year long.
Best for: Families with elementary age kids and older. Although younger children can enjoy Six Flags, the height requirements for rides make this pass ideal for older kids.
Membership cost: As low as $59.99 each (depending on how many passes you buy).
Value: If you enjoy fast-paced rides and theme parks, this pass is a fantastic deal. It pays for itself in just two visits. This ideal gift for older kids and teens offers great value, especially if you plan to visit Hurricane Harbor in the summer.
The Best Pass for all seasons: The Dallas Arboretum
What you’ll find: One of the top botanical gardens in America, with 66 acres of gorgeously designed natural spaces along the shores of White Rock Lake.
Why we love it: The Dallas Arboretum is a true North Texas treasure and a joy for visitors of all ages. With its hands-on children’s garden, science exhibits, winding trails, beautiful views, and dining options, it’s a perfect destination for families. The Arboretum also has fantastic seasonal displays, including Dallas Blooms, the Pumpkin Village, and the 12 Days of Christmas.
Best for: Ideal for younger children, adults, and grandparents, but great for everyone!
Family membership costs: $141 for basic membership, with other levels available
Value: Great value with extra perks, including free parking, children’s garden admission, and 6 tickets per visit (good for larger families or for sharing the experience with grandparents or friends). The cost for a family of four with a regular admission visit is $80. So once again, if you visit twice, this is a win! Also, members have access to special seasonal events (like a members-only Easter egg hunt), early admission hours during peak season, and discounts on other offerings!
