Frugal Family: Do the Math

Volume discounts don’t pertain solely to consumer goods. They apply to services and  memberships as well. They key is to plan ahead and pre-purchase the ones you’ll actually  use.  Read on for local examples of fantastic savings.

The Discovery and Science Museums in Acton offer several different levels of membership. With daily admission to the museums priced at $10.50 per person, these memberships quickly pay for themselves. For example, the four-person family membership costs $110 per year. At $42 per visit, the money spent to join is recouped halfway through the third visit. Parents planning to visit four times or more will find themselves entering for “free” for the majority of the term of the membership. In addition, they will receive  discounts on classes and programs that normally charge an extra fee, 20 percent off birthday  parties, 10 percent off store purchases and rentals, and free admission to Association of Children’s Museums institutions (which offer a reciprocal arrangement.)

Drumlin Farm, which is part of Mass Audubon, is located in Lincoln.  A short trek from  Acton, it offers something unique—a chance to see animals up close. Admission per day is $6 for adults and $4 for children ages 2-12.  Families can purchase a membership for  only $29 through June 30, 2011. Using a family of four (two kids and two adults) as an example, membership pays for itself halfway through the second visit.

NARA Park’s Beach is open for swimming and boating through August 26, 2011. Daily fees for Acton residents are $5 per person or $20 per family (up to six members.) For a  season pass, the rates are $105 for an individual and $185 for a family. A family of four will be ahead of the numbers game by the time they log their tenth day of waterfront fun. With lifeguards on duty until 7 p.m. starting June 18th, it should be easy to do that—even working parents can take the kids over to cool off after a day at the office.

Have a ballplayer in your house? I’ve got two, so we spend lots of time at AtBats Training Center in Boxborough. Hitting time in the batting cages runs $20 for each half-hour session and $35 per full-hour session. Discounted passes (6 visits) cost $99 for half-hour and $174 for full-hour slugging fests.  That’s the  equivalent of almost 20 percent off or getting the sixth session free. The cards don’t expire, so it makes sense to buy them.

Are your kids clamoring to go to Six Flags ?  Springfield’s amusement park is a popular summer destination for Acton families. Although it’s a hike to get there, it’s great fun once you arrive. Show up at the ticket window without doing your  homework and it’ll cost you $44.99 for everyone over 54 inches in height and taller.  Season passes cost only $15 extra when purchasing four or more. Second trips can be enjoyed for a third of the price, and subsequent visits are free! In addition,  season ticketholders enjoy three “bring a friend for free” days and other perks. Discounted season parking passes are available as well.  Purchase passes on the website and save time.