To select a museum, click “Details/Reserve”, then select which Pass to reserve.
Boston Children's Museum
308 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210
617-426-6500
http://www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org/
[Details/Reserve]
Founded in 1913 by the Science Teachers' Bureau, the Boston Children's Museum is the second oldest children's museum in the world and one of the few that maintain a collection. Designed for both children and families, the Museum exhibits focus on science, culture, environmental awareness, health & fitness, and the arts, emphasizing hands-on engagement and learning through experience, and employing play as a tool to spark the inherent creativity, curiosity, and imagination of children.
Categories: Children, Crafts, Family, Technology
Pass Type: Printable/Digital Coupon Pass (link delivered by email)
Pass Benefits
Admits up to 4 (adults or children) at half price per person.
This pass is sent to you by email. If you don't provide an email address, you will need to pick up a printed pass at the library before reserving your discounted tickets.
After receiving a library discount pass, you must reserve a visit online with the Boston Children’s Museum. Instructions are included on the pass.
The pass is valid only on the date it is reserved for.
Provided by the Friends of the Ventress Memorial Library.
Christian Science Plaza
210 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
617-450-7224
https://www.christianscience.com/find-us/visit-the-mother-church/visit-the-christian-science-plaza
[Details/Reserve]
The Christian Science Plaza is home to The Mother Church, The Christian Science Publishing Society, The Mary Baker Eddy Library, and the interactive How Do You See the World?™ experience with the Mapparium® globe. The How Do You See the World?™ experience explores stories about global progress—how individuals worldwide have overcome challenges and found hope. Walk through the iconic Mapparium® globe, and explore surrounding exhibits that feature stories from The Christian Science Monitor and the history of its founder, Mary Baker Eddy, who also discovered Christian Science.
Categories: Children, Family, History
Pass Type: Printable/Digital Coupon Pass (link delivered by email)
Pass Benefits
This pass is provided by email and may be presented at the institution either on a phone or on paper. To get a paper pass, please visit the library and we can print it for you.
With this pass, we welcome up to four adults free of charge to the Mapparium™ globe in the How Do You See the World? experience (value $6/Adult). Youth 17 and younger are always free.
All other exhibits in the How Do You See the World? experience are always free, as are weekend church tours, and neither require a ticket.
Heritage Museums & Gardens
67 Grove Street, Sandwich, MA 02563
508-888-3300
https://heritagemuseumsandgardens.org/
[Details/Reserve]
Heritage Museums & Gardens is located on 100 acres on the banks of Shawme Pond in Sandwich, MA. The gardens feature internationally important collections of rhododendrons, a comprehensive collection of hydrangeas, a collection of over 1,000 varieties of daylilies, hostas, herb, heather gardens, and more than a thousand varieties of trees, shrubs and flowers along paths. An outdoor “Nature Explore Classroom” facilitates encounters with nature and STEM concepts for children ages 2 through 10. In addition, three gallery buildings house permanent exhibits of world-class automobiles, a working vintage carousel, American folk art, and special exhibitions. There is a café and gift shop on the premises.
Categories: Children, Family, History, Nature
Pass Type: Printable/Digital Coupon Pass (link delivered by email)
Pass Benefits
Half-price admission for up to 6 individuals (cannot be combined with a group tour plan). Not valid for special events, including Sandwich Halloween Festival and Gardens Aglow.
This pass is sent to you by email. If you don't provide an email address, you'll need to pick up a printed pass from the library before purchasing your tickets.
To purchase your tickets at the discounted rate, you can show this pass at the museum to purchase tickets onsite, or purchase tickets in advance online. Instructions are included on the pass.
Not valid for special events, including Sandwich Halloween Festival and Gardens Aglow.
Provided by the Friends of the Ventress Memorial Library.
The House of Seven Gables
115 Derby Street, Salem, MA 01970
978-744-0991
https://www.7gables.org/
[Details/Reserve]
The House of the Seven Gables, one of the oldest surviving timber-framed mansion houses in continental North America, was the setting of Nathaniel Hawthorne's famous 1851 novel of the same name. The historic site which includes the house (a National Historic Landmark District) includes a guided tour of the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion (the House of the Seven Gables) and visits to the Nathaniel Hawthorne Birthplace, the Colonial Revival seaside gardens, and the Counting House, with a maritime discovery zone called “Kids' Cove at The Gables.” (An audio tour of the gardens, grounds, and waterfront is available through the UniGuide App.) Lectures and seasonal living history labs are scheduled throughout the year, and a changing annual exhibition examines various aspects of the institution's 350 years of history. There is a gift shop on the premises. The website has virtual field trips and interactive exhibitions that can provide helpful background information before a visit.
Categories: Children, Family, Science
Pass Type: Coupon Pass (must be picked up from the branch, but does not require returning)
Pass Benefits
Coupon provides a discount of 50% off for up to four people.
After picking up the pass at the library, visitors will need to purchase tickets online using the discount code provided on the pass. Visitors must then present both their tickets and the library pass when they visit the museum.
Provided by the Friends of the Ventress Memorial Library.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
25 Evans Way, Boston, MA 02115
617-566-1401
http://www.gardnermuseum.org/home/
[Details/Reserve]
The Gardner Museum houses the collection of Isabella Stewart Gardner, a local patron of the arts who died in 1924, in a building she commissioned to look like a 15th century Venetian palazzo. The center of the original building showcases courtyard plantings that reflect the seasons as they evolve throughout the year. In addition to her collection, which remains displayed exactly she arranged it per her will, there are changing exhibitions, concerts, lectures, family events, and an artist-in-residence program. In 2012, the museum opened an addition designed by Renzo Piano that houses a space for their concert series.
Categories: Art, Family, Music
Pass Type: Printable/Digital Coupon Pass (link delivered by email)
Pass Benefits
Admits up to 4 people at $5 per person.
This pass is sent to you by email. If you don't provide an email address, you will need to pick up a printed pass at the library before reserving your discounted tickets.
You must purchase a ticket online for a specific entry time before your visit, then show both the ticket and the library pass at the museum. Instructions are included on the pass.
For more information about the museum, including health and safety requirements, please visit isgm.org/welcome
Provided by the Friends of the Ventress Memorial Library
Massachusetts State Parks (Department of Conservation and Recreation)
251 Causeway Street, Suite 900, Boston, MA 02114-2104
617-626-1250
http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/
[Details/Reserve]
The Massachusetts State Parks have locations in all regions of the Commonwealth, from Pittsfield to Boston, and from Gloucester to Provincetown. They include beaches, wooded parks, parkways, and reservoirs, each with its own unique activities and amenities like hiking, biking, swimming and boating, camping, and more.
Categories: Children, Family, Nature, Recreation
Pass Type: Circulating Pass (must be picked up and returned to the branch)
Pass Benefits
Admits one vehicle at no charge to any Massachusetts State Park.
This is a returnable pass that must be hung on the rearview mirror. The pass may be picked up on the day of or day before use, and must be returned in the book drop before we open the next day.
List of Massachusetts State Parks where this pass may be used (state parks not listed here do not charge for parking)
Museum of Fine Arts
465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
617-267-9300
http://www.mfa.org/
[Details/Reserve]
The Boston Museum of Fine Arts, in existence since July 4, 1876, is one of the most comprehensive art museums in the world, with a collection of almost 500,000 works of art, ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary painting, sculpture and video. In addition, there are always special exhibitions on view, opportunities to take advantage of educational programs—some right in the galleries—and a contemplative Japanese garden.
Categories: Art, Family, History
Pass Type: Printable/Digital Coupon Pass (link delivered by email)
Pass Benefits
Allows the purchase of discounted admission for 2 adults and up to 4 children ages 7–17 at $10 each (general admission and special exhibition). Tickets to the MFA are always free for visitors under seven years old.
This pass is sent to you by email. If you don't provide an email address, you'll need to pick up a print-out of the pass at the library.
Tickets may be purchased at the museum box office, or online in advance. Instructions are included on the library pass.
The Museum of Science in Boston is located on a piece of land that extends the width of the Charles River, connecting Boston and Cambridge. Dedicated to promoting and educating visitors about science and technology, the museum includes a planetarium, the world's largest open-air Van de Graaff generator, an IMAX theatre, a butterfly garden, and permanent and changing exhibits on birds, insects and animals; space; dinosaurs; engineering; nanotechnology; math; biology; and more.
Categories: Children, Family, History, Nature, Science, Technology, Sky
Pass Type: Printable/Digital Coupon Pass (link delivered by email)
Pass Benefits
This pass will admit up to 4 people at a 50% discount on tickets to the Museum’s Exhibit Halls. Children under 3 are not included in the count of 4 and are always admitted for free.
This pass is sent to you by email. If you don't provide an email address, you'll need to pick up a print-out of the pass at the library.
You may show the pass (on a phone or on paper) at the museum box office to purchase discounted tickets.
Provided by the Friends of the Ventress Memorial Library
New England Aquarium
1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110
617-973-5200
http://www.neaq.org/
[Details/Reserve]
The New England Aquarium is home to thousands of aquatic animals, from the giant Pacific octopus to Northern fur seals to little blue penguins. They offer a wide range of exhibits, including a shark and ray touch tank and the Giant Ocean Tank, a four-story coral reef featuring hundreds of Caribbean animals. In addition, they have an IMAX theatre and run whale watch boat excursions in partnership with Boston Harbor Cruises from April through November.
Categories: Children, Family, Nature, Science, Ocean
Pass Type: Printable/Digital Coupon Pass (link delivered by email)
Pass Benefits
Allows 50% off admission for up to 4 people.
This pass is sent to you by email. If you don't provide an email address, you'll need to pick up a print-out of the pass at the library.
Show this pass (on a phone or on paper) at the aquarium box office to purchase discounted tickets.
Please note that the New England Aquarium no longer accepts library passes on weekends during the summer.
Provided by the Friends of the Ventress Memorial Library
Plimoth Patuxet Museums
137 Warren Avenue, Plymouth, MA 02360
508-746-1622
http://www.plimoth.org/
[Details/Reserve]
Plimoth Patuxet Museums offers a living history that tells the story of the English colonists who became known as “Pilgrims” and the Native Americans with whom they interacted. A big draw is the re-creation of the original settlement, populated with interpreters in period dress with whom one may interact that are based on actual historical figures. Native People from various nations in historically accurate dress provide information about the Wampanoag—the first tribe the Pilgrims encountered—at a home site based on how the group would have lived in the 17th century. In addition to the two settlements, the museum includes a visitor center, the Craft Center, barns that contain rare and heritage animal breeds, and a grist mill that manufactures cornmeal. Plymouth Patuxet Museums is also responsible for the replica of the Mayflower, the ship that brought the Pilgrims to the New World.
Categories: Children, Crafts, Family, History
Pass Type: Printable/Digital Coupon Pass (link delivered by email)
Pass Benefits
This Library Pass must be presented to Plimoth Patuxet Museums guest services staff upon arrival at the Museum for Ventress Memorial Library patrons to purchase of a Heritage Pass, Combination Pass, or Plimoth Patuxet Only pass for up to six individuals at the reduced rate of $18 per adult; $12 per child ages 5-17.
This pass is sent to you by email. If you don't provide an email address, you'll need to come to the library to pick up a printed copy of the pass.
Provided by the Friends of the Ventress Memorial Library
Salem Witch Museum
19 1/2 Washington Square, Salem, MA 01970
978-744-1692
http://www.salemwitchmuseum.com/
[Details/Reserve]
Based on actual trial documents and using life-size stage sets with figures, lighting, and narration, the museum's principle exhibit examines the 1692 Salem witch trials. In a second exhibit, “Witches: Evolving Perceptions,” guides take you through changing interpretations of witches, the truth behind the stereotypes, witchcraft practice today, and witch hunting. A gift shop is on the premises.
Categories: Children, Family, History
Pass Type: Circulating Pass (must be picked up and returned to the branch)
Pass Benefits
One pass admits up to 6 people at a discounted rate of $13.50 for adults/seniors and $11.25 for children (age 3-14).
Returnable pass must be picked up at the library the day of or day before your visit, and returned in the Ventress book drop before we open the following day.
Tickets must be purchased online on the day of your visit to the museum. To purchase tickets, visit www.salemwitchmuseum.com and enter the code printed on the pass into the coupon code box to receive the discount. You must also present the physical library pass to the museum when you present your tickets.
Please note that the Salem Witch Museum does not accept library passes during the month of October.
Sandwich Glass Museum
129 Main Street, Sandwich, MA 02563
508-888-0251
https://sandwichglassmuseum.org/
[Details/Reserve]
The Sandwich Glass Museum is dedicated to the history of the town in which it is located, with a special emphasis on the glass that made it famous in the 19th century. Thirteen galleries display their collection of old and modern examples of glass objects, including roughly 6,000 pieces produced at the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company in the 1800s on the site where the museum sits today. In addition, the museum hosts live demonstrations of glass-blowing. There is a gift store on the premises, which includes work by local glass-blowers.
Categories: Children, Family, History
Pass Type: Circulating Pass (must be picked up and returned to the branch)
Pass Benefits
One returnable pass admits 2 for free.
Returnable pass must be picked up the day before or day of use, and must be returned in the Ventress book drop before 9 am the following day.
USS Constitution Museum
Charlestown Navy Yard, Building 22, Charlestown, MA 02129
617-426-1812
https://ussconstitutionmuseum.org/
[Details/Reserve]
The museum, a part of the Boston National Historical Park, is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard near the ship USS Constitution (“Old Ironsides”) at the end of Boston's Freedom Trail. The museum provides a detailed look at the history of the ship, information about the war of 1812, and the battle between the ship and HMS Java. Stories are told through interactive exhibits, unique artifacts, archival records, and artwork. The museum also includes a research library which houses a strong collection of manuscripts, books, artifacts, and microfilm of primary source material. The ship itself is maintained by the US Navy, and may be visited free of charge on certain days.
Categories: Art, Family, History, Ocean
Pass Type: Printable/Digital Coupon Pass (link delivered by email)
Pass Benefits
One pass allows free admission to the USS Constitution museum for up to 9 people per day.
Note that the U.S.S. Constitution Museum is distinct from the U.S.S. Constitution ship. The ship always has free admittance, but has different open hours and days than the museum. Visitors planning to visit both the museum and the ship are advised to check both websites for up-to-date hours and visiting information.
This pass is sent to you by email. If you don't provide an email address, you'll need to pick up a printed copy of the pass at the library.
Present the pass (on a phone or on paper) at the museum for free admission.
Zoo New England
1 Franklin Park Road, Boston, MA 02121
617-541-5466
http://www.zoonewengland.org/
[Details/Reserve]
Zoo New England operates Franklin Park Zoo, a 72-acre site nestled in Boston's historic Franklin Park, and the Stone Zoo, located on a 26-acre site near Spot Pond reservoir in Stoneham, MA. In addition to animals, both zoos are engaged in wildlife and conservation programs, research, and education.
Pass Type: Coupon Pass (must be picked up from the branch, but does not require returning)
Pass Benefits
Coupon can be used to purchase tickets at the door for up to 6 people for admission of $9.00 per adult, $6.00 per child at either the Franklin Park Zoo or the Stone Zoo.
Provided by the Friends of the Ventress Memorial Library