FREE Perks – How to Access the Association of Science and Technology Centers Passport Program

There’s a science to date night—literally! Countless studies by researchers, counselors and the likes have proclaimed date night as beneficial. For example, the Date Night Opportunity study, published by the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia, found regular date nights add value to relationships by generating “higher levels of communication, sexual satisfaction and commitment” among couples.

Well… If you happen to love science, you can put this science to the test by participating in the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) Passport Program.

One of our favorites is MOSI's Date Nights, and now we are sharing how you can visit other science spots in Florida for free!

What is the ASTC Passport Program?

The ASTC Passport Program is an innovative initiative designed to encourage curiosity, foster learning and make science, history, technology, etc. accessible to diverse audiences. This membership-based program enables participants to explore a vast network of centers and museums across the globe, providing unparalleled opportunities and experiences, including date nights.

How does the ASTC Passport Program Work?

The ASTC Passport Program encompasses 300+ centers and museums worldwide, including 19 places in our home state of Florida. Once you become a member of any one of these sites, your membership grants you free general admission at all other participating locations. That’s a 300-to-1 deal!  

Benefits for ASTC Passport Program Membership

1. Free General Admission: Members can visit any participating institution without additional admission fees, offering significant savings for individuals and families.
2. Global Reach: The program’s extensive network ensures that members can benefit from access to science centers and museums, not just locally but also internationally. The program extends across 20 countries, making it a worldly initiative.
3. Flexibility in Travel: Whether on a romantic getaway with your true love, visiting out-of-town loved ones or traveling for work, ASTC passport members can enrich itineraries with visits to nearby centers or museums.
4. Educational Enrichment: With diverse exhibits, interactive experiences and educational programming, members gain opportunities to learn about topics ranging from space exploration and environmental science to engineering and robotics. Plus, many sites have fun special events, like laser light shows.
5. Family-Friendly Experiences: Many participating locations offer family-oriented activities, making the program ideal for couples with children too.

Examples of Participating Institutions

The list of participating institutions spans a variety of formats, including:

• Science Centers: These facilities emphasize hands-on exploration and interactive exhibits.
• Planetariums and Observatories: For those fascinated by the stars and outer space, these institutions offer a glimpse into the cosmos.
• Natural History Museums: Highlighting the wonders of Earth, these venues showcase fossils, wildlife and geological phenomena.
• Aquariums and Zoos: Some participating locations include facilities dedicated to marine life and animal conservation.
• Children’s Museums: Focused on younger audiences, these sites blend play with educational discovery.

ASCT Locations in Tampa Bay

There are 19 ASCT locations in Florida, with a few in the nearby vicinity, including: 

MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry)
4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33617 | (813) 987-6000

Admittance: Free admission to MOSI permanent exhibits for up to five with a valid membership card and photo ID. Excludes fee-based experiences, special exhibitions and special events. Proof of residence is required.

Florida Air Museum
4175 Medulla Rd. , Lakeland, FL 33811 | (863) 904-6833

Admittance: Four people, including family membership cardholder. 

Great Explorations Children’s Museum
1925 4^th St. N., Saint Petersburg, FL 33704 | (727) 821-8992

Admittance: Up to five immediate family members. Proof of residence is required.

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
201 10^th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34205 | (941) 746-4131

Admittance: Four total admissions. Free general admission to the Museum, Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat, Planetarium and Mosaic Backyard Universe. Excludes special fee-based: experiences, exhibits, programs and special events. 

More ASCT Locations in Florida

Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
811 S. Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601 | (352) 371-8001

Admittance: General admission for two adults and all children under 18 living in the same household. Museum store discount of 10%. Some exclusions apply. 

Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee
200 S. Duval St., Tallahassee, FL 32301 | (850) 645-7827

Admittance: Two adults and their children under 18 residing in the same household. Passport visitors receive free admission to one (1) Planetarium show each day. Does not include IMAX Theater. 

Cox Science Center and Aquarium
4801 Dreher Trl. N., West Palm Beach, FL 33405 | (561) 832-1988

Admittance: General admission for two member adults and up to six (grand)children under 18. Additional fees required for special events and planetarium. Proof of residence is required.

Discovery Center
701 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala, FL 34470 | (352) 401-3900

Admittance: Admission to the Discovery Center exhibit for two adults and two children. Additional fees required for Star Lab shows, special programming, merchandise, etc.

Emerald Coast Science Center
31 SW Memorial Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 | (850) 664-1261

Admittance: Free general admission for up to 6 people, with a valid membership card proving ASTC benefits (ASTC Logo) and a photo ID of the named attending member.

Florida Museum of Natural History
3215 Hull Road, Gainesville, FL 32611 | (352) 846-2000

Admittance: Passport visitors receive discounted admission for two adults and two children under 18 to the Butterfly Rainforest exhibit, and a 10% discount at the museum gift shop. General museum admission is free. [Starting March 24, 2025, the public location in Gainesville is temporarily closed for renovations.]

Gillespie Museum
234 E. Michigan Ave., Deland, FL 32724 | (386) 822-7330

Admittance: Museum is free. Passport visitors receive a 10% discount on museum store purchases.

IMAG History & Science Center
2000 Cranford Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33916 | (239) 243-0043

Admittance: Two adults and up to four children under 18 living in the same household. Proof of residence is required.

Loggerhead Marinelife Center
14200 US Highway 1, Juno Beach, FL 33408 | (561) 627-8280

Admittance: Admission is free. Passport visitors receive a 10% discount on store purchases.

Museum of Discovery and Science
401 SW 2^nd St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 | (954) 467-6637

Admittance: Two adults and up to four children. MODS Discovery Pass, an all-in-one-ticket that includes Museum exhibits, live science demonstrations and an IMAX® documentary film. Photo ID required for cardholder. Proof of residence is required.

Museum of Science & History of Jacksonville
1025 Museum Cir, Jacksonville, FL 32207 | (904) 396-6674

Admittance: All members of one household. 

Orlando Science Center
777 E. Princeton St., Orlando, FL 32803 | (407) 514-2000

Admittance: Two adults and children under 18 on the membership. Excludes special events, films, blockbuster exhibits and free parking. Residency rule enforced. Proof of residence required.

Pensacola MESS Hall
418 E Wright St, Pensacola, FL 32501 | (877) 937-6377

Admittance: Up to six people, one of whom must be the cardholder. Proof of residence is required.

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
1101 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33132 | (305) 434-9600

Admittance: Free admission for one adult cardholder and up to three guests. Proof of valid membership and photo ID are required. Special exhibitions may require additional fees. Discounts at the Science Store, Food@Science, parking or on additional tickets is not included. Proof of residence is required.

Science and Discovery Center of Northwest Florida
308 Airport Rd., Panama City, FL 32405 | (850) 769-6128

Admittance: Up to four people living in the same household.

How to Participate

Joining the ASTC Passport Program is straightforward. To access its benefits, individuals need to:

1. Purchase Membership: Sign up for a membership at a participating ASTC institution, including the Florida locations listed in this blog. Memberships often come in various tiers, including options for individuals, families, educators, military, etc.
2. Check Eligibility: Confirm that the membership tier purchased includes Passport Program benefits, as some institutions may offer multiple membership types with different levels of reciprocity.
3. Plan Visits: Review the list of participating institutions on the ASTC website to identify find locations and plan date nights accordingly. It is important to check any restrictions or blackout dates, as these may vary between institutions.
4. Bring Identification: When visiting a participating location, members should bring their home institution membership card and a valid photo ID to gain entry. 

Possible Restrictions and Considerations

While the Passport Program offers many advantages as outlined in this blog, there are a few key points to keep in mind:

• Geographic Restrictions: Some institutions enforce a “90-mile rule,” which excludes free admission to locations within 90 miles of the member’s home institution or residence. This is a smidge of a bummer but not always applicable. 
• Exclusions: Special exhibitions, theater shows and other premium experiences may or may not be included in the free admission benefit. 
• Verification: Participating locations may require proof of residency or other documentation to ensure eligibility, but this is unlikely. 

FYI, you can read over the ASTC’s FAQ page or, for more specific questions, call the site that you’re interested in visiting. 

Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a local explorer, the ASTC Passport Program invites you and your partner to embark on a journey of knowledge, creativity and wonder.