It’s finally summer, and with the hotter months of the year comes a certain pressure to have fun. Whether you’re working around the clock or enjoying scaled-back hours, you may be wondering how you can fill in whatever free time you have — without breaking the bank. When considering how to maximize your fun this summer, consider the power of the pass: memberships that allow you to unlock unlimited or discounted access to entertainment, cultural spots and outdoor adventures all season long.
Curious but not sure where to start? Below are some activities you can use a pass for that will make you want to ditch the couch and get out into the world this summer.
🎦Go to the movies
There’s no better way to escape the heat than by popping into a matinee — and with so many summer blockbusters to see, it’s a great time to go to the movies. I’m a card-carrying AMC Stubs A-List member, which means that for a monthly fee of $27.99 (the price varies by market; I’m in a pricier one in Los Angeles), I can see up to four movies per week, in whatever format of my choosing. The pass more than pays for itself if I see more than one movie per month, and I rack up points I can use on concessions.
No AMC near you? Most movie theater chains now have their own version. Regal Cinemas offers an unlimited movie pass for 2D films, while Alamo Drafthouse allows you to see up to one movie per day with its own seasonal pass options.
🏊Head to the pool
Want to go for a dip this summer? A community pool is an easy way to cool down and often comes at low costs, such as $100 for a summer membership.
But if there’s no community pool in your area and you’re looking to take a dip, consider a day pass to a hotel pool through the service ResortPass. This pay-per-day service allows you to enjoy hotel pool amenities without paying for a room. While pricier than your community pool, it’s a great idea if you’re seeking a more luxe staycation.
🏞️Visit a national park
If your idea of summertime fun includes plenty of nature, consider the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. For $80 a year, you’ll receive access to national parks, forests and wildlife refuges — all without paying entrance fees each time you visit. The pass covers one private vehicle or four entrance fees.
📕Check out a book — and many other benefits — at the library
Your local library is a great, totally free place to visit in the summer. Not only will you get to hang out in the AC, you’ll also be able to pick up your new favorite beach read. But books and DVDs aren’t the only things you can get at the library; many also offer free passes to visit state parks as well as museums and other cultural experiences. Ask your local librarian about any perks.
🎢Take a ride, or hit the slide
Amusement park junkie? If you’re obsessed with thrills, you may want to consider an annual pass to your favorite park of choice.
Six Flags, which has 27 amusement parks and 15 water parks across the United States, Canada and Mexico, offers annual passes that allow you to visit your favorite park an unlimited number of times for a flat fee — it’s $170 for the highest tier and comes with discounts on food and merchandise as well. Plus, where applicable, you’ll get access to Six Flags’ water parks as well.
Live near Universal Studios? Universal Studios Hollywood offers annual passes for $299 per year, while Universal Studios resort in Orlando includes two-park pass options for $425 and $475 per year.
🏋️Work out — or get your nails done
If you love workout classes, consider ClassPass this summer. It’s a service that allows you to spend credits, which you pay for each month, on boutique classes like, say, that bungee exercise class you’ve been seeing all over social media. You’re guaranteed to spend less per class than you would out of pocket at the studio.
And you can do more with ClassPass than just get a sweat in. ClassPass has also expanded beyond workout classes to things like manicures, facials and even food items, making it a real “treat yourself” app. The price ranges depending on which market you’re in, but in Los Angeles, 95 credits per month will set you back $189.
🖼️See some exhibits
Museums are an excellent place to absorb culture and art. Purchasing an annual pass means you can pop into one whenever the mood strikes, whether you want to check out a new exhibit or just escape a heat wave. If you’re a New York City resident, for example, you can buy a $75 annual pass to the Museum of Modern Art, which is tax-deductible.
🐒Say hello to some animals
If your ideal way to spend a Sunday includes observing wild animals, consider purchasing an annual pass to your local zoo. An annual pass to the Bronx Zoo, for example, will set you back $95 per year for one person, and you’ll also score discounts for additional guest tickets and special events.
