Eau Claire (WQOW)- Many families are shelling out cash to keep their children busy this summer. Sports and educational activities add up. The average American family is expected to spend around $600.00 per child, that's according to a new survey done by American Express.
To help offset the cost of summer fun the Children's Museum of Eau Claire is offering discount entry to families that do not have the means to afford a membership on their own.
"We would take a EIC folder or an EBT card or a qualifying letter for reduced or free lunch program. With any of those documents they would get the access membership," says Darcy Way, executive director of the museum.
Under an access membership a one time fee of $10.00 provides museum entry to the whole family.
Way adds that a quarter of the museum's members, or around 350 families,are enrolled in the access membership program. "I think it's a number that's grown over the last couple of years but I just think it's a sign of our economy. Our board of directors is committed to make sure that all families have access to the museum"
And here's an added bonus for all families. Thanks to a new partnership a reciprocal membership at the children's museum now allows families free admission to 400 science and technology museums across the country. "We've had families go down to the field museum in Chicago and get free admission," chimes in Way. "So that $125.00 for a reciprocal membership is great value for their money."
Fundraising activities over the course of the year help cover the cost of memberships for families who can not afford them on their own.
