EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer. It’s an electronic payment system which allows eligible families to receive state funds. More organizations are beginning to see the benefits of opening their services to this population. We listed the ones we think all Boston families should know about …
Amazon Prime Membership (Online)
EBT cardholders only pay $6.99/month (regularly $14.99/month) for an Amazon Prime membership. While your EBT card can be used to buy eligible groceries through Amazon, you’ll have to use other payment methods (like a credit card or gift card) to purchase the actual Prime membership. Please know, you do not need a Prime membership to buy groceries using your EBT card on Amazon, but being a Prime member adds tremendous value especially for families. Benefits include grocery delivery, free same-day shipping on millions of items (like diapers), a try before you buy program, and more.
Boston Children's Museum (Boston)
$3 per person, up to 4 people. EBT card and photo ID must be present.
Boston Harbor Islands (Varies)
EBT cardholders pay $4 per person, for up to 4 people.
Boston JerkFest Caribbean Food Festival (Allston)
Half off on Saturday July 8, 2023 ONLY. Children under 12 are free. Must email info@bostonjerkfest.com with the subject: CULTURE CARD and they’ll send a link to purchase your discounted tickets.
Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation (Waltham)
EBT cardholders get 20% off admission. Children under 5 are always free. From June 21, 2023 until September 22, 2023 all EBT cardholders will receive FREE admission Wednesday-Friday to the Charles River Museum during regular Visitor Hours.
Design Museum Everywhere (Various)
Free admission to public exhibitions, programs, and events.
Discovery Museum (Acton)
$1 per person up to 6 people (including EBT cardholder). EBT card and cardholder must be present.
Eustis Estate Museum (Milton)
$2 per person, for parties up to 4 with an EBT card. Many landscapes are free and open to the public until dusk.
Frankin Park Zoo (Boston)
$4 per person, up to 4 people. EBT card must be present and tickets should be purchased onsite. EBT cardholders can also buy the Family level membership for $40 (regularly $125). Interested parties can email a copy/photo of their EBT card to ZNEMembership@zoonewengland.org. A single use code will be emailed back along with instructions on purchasing online. The EBT cardholder must be named on the membership account.
Harvard Art Museums (Cambridge)
Free for all visitors.
Harvard Museums of Science & Culture (Cambridge)
Free for Massachusetts EBT cardholder plus 5 guests. EBT card must be present.
Institute of Contemporary Art (Boston)
Free admission for EBT card holder plus 1 additional adult. Youth ages 18 and under are always free. Use code “MAEBT” to reserve tickets online.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (Boston)
$2 per person, up to 4 people. Visitors under 18 are always free. Use promo code “MASSEBT” for online discount. EBT card plus photo ID must be present for visit.
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum (Boston)
Free admission per person above age 12, up to 4 people per valid EBT card. Children under 12 are always free.
Mapparium (Boston)
$2 admission per adult up to 2 adults per EBT card. Visitors 17 years and younger are free. This offer cannot be combined with other offers or used for special events.
Mass Audubon’s Blue Hills Trailside Museum (Milton)
Free for up to 4 people. EBT card must be present.
Mass Audubon’s Boston Nature Center (Boston)
Free for up to 4 people. EBT card must be present.
Metropolitan Waterworks Museum (Chestnut Hill)
Free admission and guided tours. $12 per person (regularly $18) on Special Access tours.
MIT Museum (Cambridge)
Free for EBT cardholders plus three family members. Children under 5 are always free.
Mudflat Studio (Somerville)
50% off tuition. EBT cards can not be used to pay for classes, but cash, check, and credit cards are accepted.
Museum of Fine Arts (Boston)
$3 per ticket for Massachusetts residents. EBT card must be present. Youths aged 17 and under are always free. Tickets must be purchased with cash.
Museum of Science (Boston)
Up to 4 free Exhibit Halls admissions per day, with valid MA photo ID — all year long.
New England Aquarium (Boston)
$5 per person, up to 4 people. Not valid with any other offers or discounts. Not valid for whale watches or at the Simons Theatre. The Aquarium does not process EBT transactions — cash or other payment must be provided.
Rose Kennedy Greenway (Boston)
Receive up to 6 free carousel tickets daily upon showing your EBT card. Additionally, receive a $50 discount for Carousel Birthday Parties.
Stone Zoo (Stoneham)
$4 per person, up to 4 people. EBT card must be present and tickets should be purchased in-person. EBT cardholders can also purchase the Family level membership for $40. Interested parties can email a copy/photo of their EBT card to ZNEMembership@zoonewengland.org. A single use code will be emailed back along with instructions on purchasing online. The EBT cardholder must be named on the membership account.
The Sports Museum (Boston)
$3.00 per adult with EBT card. Ages 18 and under are free with an EBT card.
United States Naval Shipbuilding Museum (Quincy)
EBT cardholders can purchase $3 tickets per person, for up to 2 adults and 3 children.
USS Constitution Museum (Boston)
Free admission to EBT cardholders and their immediate family/guests.
Do You Have To Be A Massachusetts Resident For EBT Discounts?
While the EBT program is a nation-wide initiative, some of the EBT discounts listed above are limited to Massachusetts residents. If residency is not specified above, feel free to call the organization if you are visiting from out-of-state.
Do You Need To Bring Your EBT card?
While all offers do not mention having your card present, it’s a good idea to bring it with you. Amazon requires you upload your EBT card or eligibility letter.
When Does The EBT Discount Expire?
The Amazon discount is a pilot program that doesn't mention an expiration date. While we try our best to keep our site updated, you can get the latest details for Amazon’s program here. All of the other EBT offers above are valid until December 31, 2023.
Can You Pay For Tickets and Memberships With Your EBT Card?
The EBT card is a debit-like card that can be used to buy certain foods and plants or seeds to grow food. It can not be used to pay for tickets and memberships. But showing your card at the places above can get you discounted rates. The one exception from our list is Amazon. Amazon allows EBT card holders to use their benefits to purchase groceries. Please remember, the actual Prime memberships must be purchased using other payment methods.
Are There Benefits For Boston Residents That Aren't Eligible For EBT Cards?
Yes! If you do not have (or want) an EBT card, we got you covered!! We made a list of free museum days that anyone can take advantage of. We also have a calendar with FREE (and close to free) things to do in and near Boston.
Until next time…
Love the Journey,
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