1. Zoos and Aquariums

Cost: Roughly $100 per year.

Zoo and aquarium memberships aren't always cheap, but with perks like free parking, guest passes and behind-the-scenes tours, it can take just a couple of visits for the savings to offset the fee, says Allen W. Nyhuis, co-author of "America's Best Zoos: A Travel Guide for Fans and Families." (Bonus: Because you're joining a nonprofit, most zoo and aquarium memberships are tax deductible.) Your membership may even be good at other locations, he says. Joining the Pittsburgh Zoo ($50 and up), for example, gets you free or discounted entry to more than 100 other parks participating in the Association of Zoos & Aquarium's Reciprocal Admissions program.

Sample Savings: A family of four visiting the San Diego Zoo for the day would pay $132, including one-day admission ($28.50 per adult, $18.50 per child) and rides on the Journey Into Africa tour ($10 per adult, $3 per child) and Skyfari air tram ($3 per person). Signing up for a family membership costs just $5 more -- and comes with a year of free entry, free rides and other perks.

(For ways to save on museum admission, read our story here).

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