Museum accessibility breaks income barriers for Toledoans
TOLEDO – If you can get a child interested in going to museums at a young age, you might just be instilling a habit that continually opens their worldview for the rest of their life. For some families on a tight budget, that doesn’t always seem like a viable option because of the cost of admission at many institutions. That’s where the Museums for All program comes in.
An initiative of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Museums for All launched in 2014 to promote museum accessibility for food-insecure households. Officially, this means that households who receive SNAP benefits can present their EBT card and gain admission with a maximum of $3 per person, but most places will also accept a WIC card. It is a nationwide program that can be used across state lines.
There are five museums in the Toledo area who proudly participate in the program, and you can search for others through the Museums for All database. We did some digging about our local institutions, all of which accept both SNAP and WIC, to help Toledoans enjoy the savings. Visitors must bring one of these cards to receive the discount.
Visit Ohio’s War of 1812 battlefield, fort, and museum. Both self-guided and guided tours are enhanced by historic figures dressed in period clothing who all hold a wealth of knowledge about the site.
General admission regular price is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $7 for students, and free for kids aged five and under.
Museums for All discount: $1 for adults and free for those 18 and under. Must present Either WIC or SNAP cards are accepted to receive the discount.
National Museum of the Great Lakes
Marvel at the rich history of the Great Lakes region with a trip to this national museum. It features a fascinating documentary to begin your journey, followed by exhibits that explore everything from cruise ships to maritime technology. There are also many interactive exhibits for kids of all ages.
General museum admission regular price is $11 for adults; $10 for seniors, military and first responders; $8 for children aged 6-17; and free for kids aged five and under.
Regular price for those visiting the museum and touring the Schoonmaker and Ohio vessels: $17 for adults; $16 for seniors, military, and first responders; $14 for children aged 6-17; and free for kids aged five and under.
Museums for All discount: If touring only the museum, admission is free for all ages. If touring the museum and boats, visitors aged six and older pay $3 each.
Per their website, “Imagination Station believes that science is for everyone, and Museums for All is focused on removing financial barriers.” Regardless of income, all Lucas County children are admitted for free on Saturdays, so you can save even more money that day!
General admission regular price for Lucas county residents is $15 per adult, $14 for seniors, and $13 for children three and older. Kids under two are free. Non-residents of Lucas County pay $2 more for regular admission.
Museums for All discount: $3 each for up to eight visitors.
The Fulton County Historical Society oversees the museum that highlights the stories of Fulton County residents throughout the years that have shaped our region’s history. There are also special rotating exhibits and interactive features for all ages.
The regular price for general admission is $8 for visitors aged 16 and older, $7 for seniors, $3 for children aged 6-15, and free for those aged six and under. Also free for military and veterans.
Museums for All discount: $1 per visitor.
Step back in time at Sauder Village, where visitors can immerse themselves in the life of early 1800s settlers and Indigenous peoples to life on 1920s Main Street that features an old-timey soda shop and speakeasy with a secret entrance (Psst: it’s in the candy shop).
The regular price for general admission is $25 for adults, $23 for seniors, $19 for students aged 4-16, and free for kids aged three and under.
Museums for All discount: $3 per person up to 6 people.
These options are an easy drive from Toledo if you’re in an adventurous mood:
- Henry Ford and Greenfield Village
- Ford Rouge Factory Tour
- Arab American National Museum
- Outdoor Adventure Center
- Belle isle aquarium
- Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD)
- Michigan Science Center
- Ford Piquette Avenue Plant
- University of Michigan Museum of Art
