How to find Homeschool student discounts on attractions or teacher discounts/freebies

We recently took a family trip to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, TN, and since my daughter is old enough to now enjoy and do a lot of attractions and museums, we looked into doing some of the local attractions. I was pleasantly surprised to find that there were MANY homeschool discounts we could get which allowed us to afford to do several things instead of just one or two and count some field trip days during our trip!

I had seen a post about homeschool discounts in that area in a homeschool Facebook group and did some quick googling to find some more information. So as far as finding discounts I would ask in any homeschool or local group that you are in what discounts others have found. Also, try googling your local area or the area that you are traveling to to see if you can find discounts. And it also wouldn’t hurt to try calling ahead or even asking at the ticket counter if they offer any kind of discounts. Some attractions/museums have certain days set aside on their calendar designated as “homeschool days” and you’ll need to attend during those dates to get the discount – others may offer the discount all year long.

As far as how to get the discount – many places will require proof. We live in GA and have to file a declaration of intent to homeschool with the GA Department of Education each year – I just printed off that form as proof. It is a legal document that you can use to get a driver’s license, etc. Every state will have different rules and requirements and most places will take that as proof of being enrolled as a homeschooler. You can also join the Home School Legal Defense Association and get professional teacher and student ID cards through them. Which should allow you to get most of the teacher discounts/freebies offered at many retail stores and restaurants.

I am going to keep a running list of student and teacher discounts you can get as a homeschooler in this post and keep adding to it as I find more. If you have a discount you know about in your area or in an area you vacationed in, please comment and I’ll be glad to add it!

Homeschool attraction discounts (prices effective as of 2024 and subject to change)

(I have linked the websites of each of these attractions – please double check dates/rates and if you need to reserve ahead before going.)

Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, TN area

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg – offers up to 60% off homeschool tickets all year long. We LOVED this attraction and the price was very affordable with the discount. Student tickets- reg $19.99 – but $10.99 with homeschool discount, adult tickets – reg $39.99, but $19.99 with homeschool discount.
Wonderworks – offers homeschool days and rates during January-February – this was a lot of fun too with some scientific and weather experiments. Regular price $33.99 a ticket but only $13.99 with homeschool discounted tickets/
Wilderness of the Smokies – offers several discounted homeschool days throughout the year
Dollywood and Dollywood Splash Country – offers a month’s worth of homeschool days in the fall with deeply discounted tickets up to 60% off! Student tickets regularly $92 – but only $41 with homeschool days discounted tickets.
All Ripley attractions in Pigeon Forge/ Gatlinburg offer discounts.- Believe It or Not!: $15.00+tax
– Mirror Maze: $6.00+tax

– Haunted Adventure: $9.00+tax

– Super Fun Zone Laser Tag: $9.00+tax

– Super Fun Zone Indoor Mini-Golf: $7.00+tax

– Davy Crockett mini golf: $9.00+tax

– Old MacDonald mini golf: $9.00+tax

– Moving Theater: $9.00+tax
Alcatraz East Crime Museum – offers discounted homeschool rates during the month of January and February on weekdays when school is in session.
Titanic Exhibit – offers special rates to homeschool and also an education guide.
Top Jump and Crave Golf Club – offer free homeschool days in the fall – find info on their facebook page.

Sweetwater, TN

The Lost Sea Adventure – offers homeschool discounts from August through May

Athens, TN

Mayfield Farms – offers discount homeschool tickets and field trips

Knoxville, TN

Muse Knoxville – offers homeschool registrations for educational programs

Greenville, SC

Big Air Jump – discounted days and times during the week for homeschoolers

Myrtle Beach, SC

Ripleys Aquarium – offers discounted homeschool tickets – Child (3–5): $6 per person, Child (6+): $15 per person, Adults: $25 per person

Atlanta, GA

Georgia Aquarium – offers discounted tickets and programs on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from September through March – called Tuesdays in the Field. Must reserve in advance and show letter of intent or proof. Homeschool Child: $17.00. Homeschool Adult: $31.95
Friends of GA state parks – discounted membership which has many benefits statewide at state parks
Atlanta History Center – offers homeschool discount days and programs throughout year
Atlanta Zoo – offers discounted rates year-round for homeschoolers – must buy tickets ahead. $17.99 a student.
Atlanta Botanical Garden – May 17 homeschool day with $10 tickets
Atlanta Monetary Museum – free for groups of 10-30 people – must reserve ahead.

Kennesaw, GA

MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND HOLOCAUST EDUCATION– offers free homeschool days – must register ahead.

Orlando, FL

Legoland – offers discounted tickets – ELIGIBLE DATES: August 21, 2023 – May 31, 2024 on Monday – Fridays, excluding holidays and peak times. Blockout dates may apply. Starting at $19.99 + tax (if applicable) per student Starting at $34.99 + tax (if applicable) per adult