Washington Pavilion memberships now offer even more ways to save

This paid piece is sponsored by Washington Pavilion Management Inc.

If a family trip to the museums is what comes to mind when you think of a Washington Pavilion membership, you’re not wrong – but you’re also likely going to surprised about what a membership will do for you no matter what your age or interest.

“We’re excited about what we can do for our members,” said Cameron Ostrom, membership services and sales manager. “And we want to make sure we keep our members as we welcome new ones, so in the last year we’ve added new benefits, and we’re working on even more.”

This definitely is the time of year to consider a Pavilion membership for yourself or as a gift – more on that later – and when you do, you’ll find they’re fun, flexible and filled with ways to save in Sioux Falls and beyond.

“Our memberships are deliberately flexible,” Ostrom said. “You can purchase a membership for up to two named adults to access two free passes per day – one member plus a guest – or five, allowing two named adults to access up to five passes per day, for one member and up to four guests.”

Along with year-round, unlimited access to the Visual Arts Center, Kirby Science Discovery Center and Wells Fargo CineDome, Pavilion members also enjoy early access to purchase tickets to select shows before the general public, waived handling fees on select shows ordering tickets online or by phone, plus 10 percent discounts on classes, camps and birthday parties along with Leonardo’s Cafe.

But, you might have known all that already.

Here are five more ways to put a Pavilion membership to work for you that might surprise you:

Visit 600+ museums worldwide for free or at a discount

This is a lesser-known benefit for Pavilion members – and it’s a big one. Through the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) passport program, Pavilion members enjoy serious savings when they travel and visit member museums worldwide – including many destination museums not far from Sioux Falls.

“This is maybe the biggest benefit other than coming to our museum,” Ostrom said. “When you travel, if there’s a museum of any kind – not just science centers but natural history museums – you’re likely going to be able to show your member ID or new digital member card and receive free or discounted admission. So if you have membership for five here, it likely will cover the same benefit at other museums.”

That means if you’re traveling to Omaha or the Twin Cities, their children’s museums will accept your Pavilion membership.

“There are some situations where it’s not universal, but with most, you get in for free,” Ostrom said. “So if you’re in Chicago or New York, there’s likely a museum nearby where you’ll receive free admission. So it’s an amazing perk.”

Enjoy member-only events

At least once a month, Pavilion members will have access to a special event just for them. On the third Thursday of each month, members can come in from 5 to 7 p.m. and enjoy a CineDome movie and explore the museums without a crowd during off-hours.

“Families get busy on weekends during the school year, so we like to be able to offer this extra window to visit,” Ostrom said.

“We held a summer member barbecue bash. And we’ve also been showing members-only Hollywood films for free in the CineDome each month on the last Saturday. Now that we’re in the holiday season, we’ll be doing holiday movies for everyone, but members will get perks at concessions.”

Watch for more member-only events next year.

Find extra perks galore

And speaking of saving on food, Pavilion members now can save when they shop, dine out and more thanks to nearly 20 local business partnerships.

“We want you to come to the Pavilion again and again for all the experiences we offer here, but practically speaking, these perks alone will cover the cost of your membership,” Ostrom said. “So it’s an extra way to save and support a lot of locally owned, outstanding businesses in our community.”

For instance, Pavilion members receive:

• A free small coffee or soda with a purchase at both  Bagel Boy locations.
• A free single flavor item with a $10 purchase at Candy Cloud Factory.
• 25 percent off at Dakota Snow.
• $5 off $25 at Nothing Bundt Cakes.
• 25 percent off at Sub Zero Desserts.
• Buy one get one half off beverages at Woodgrain Brewing Co.
• $10 off $100 at Great Outdoor Store.

You’ll even save on dental and orthodontic care! Click here for the full list of perks. 

Enjoy savings between museums, other attractions

With so many fun places to visit in Sioux Falls, you now can save by supporting them all. The Great Plains Zoo, Butterfly House & Aquarium and Washington Pavilion each offer 10 percent off memberships to one another’s members.

“It really gives people a nice way to package things together and take advantage of partnerships all the way around,” Ostrom said.

You’ll also save $5 off Sunday through Thursday daily admission at Wild Water West, BOGO open gym at 605 Ninja and daily savings at Sky Zone.

Plus, when you sign up for a Pavilion membership, you’ll receive two free laser tag passes at Galaxy Gaming.

Ask your employer — which might help you save too.

The Washington Pavilion works with about 40 corporate sponsors, and their employees receive 20 percent off their Pavilion membership all year.

“So make sure you check if your employer offers that benefit, and either receive your promo code from work or let us know when you purchase your membership,” Ostrom said. “And if you’re a GreatLIFE member, your membership also saves you 20 percent on Pavilion membership anytime.”

 More savings soon

There are even bigger savings in store for all visitors, new and renewing members soon.

Black Friday, Cyber Monday and beyond will offer special ways to save at the Washington Pavilion. Click here for a breakdown of all the deals and perks.

Mark your calendar

Speaking of the holiday season, don’t miss the Washington Pavilion’s annual holiday tree lighting.

Meet at 5:45 p.m. Nov. 25 before the Parade of Lights at 11th Street and Main Avenue for entertainment and free cookies and cocoa, sponsored by Hy-Vee. The lighting of the city’s largest Christmas tree, sponsored by POET, will be at 6:25 p.m. and will feature special guests, including Mayor Paul TenHaken.