With two young “science-crazy” sons, Calgary mom Risa Kawchuk said she was looking forward to the new Telus World of Science, until she checked the prices.

Kawchuk said at the old centre, she purchased an annual family pass, which she and her husband, along with her sons Daegan, 9, and Gareth, 6, used frequently.

“I went to the new science centre website and I was just shocked by how expensive it was,” she said.

Instead of a family pass, the centre has moved towards a system that allows families to build their own packages. “This flexible pricing structure allows you to build your own membership for your individual family unit,” said Telus World of Science spokesperson Rida Rehmani.

The former annual family pass for two adults and two children under 12 cost about $160, while the cost for the same-size family at the new centre ranges from $204 to $320 depending on which package is purchased.

“When we were pricing this out, it was completely based on other Calgary attractions and it’s a completely fair system,” said Rehmani, adding parking is $5 at the new facility compared to $18 at the old location.

Kawchuk said they would visit the new facility before deciding if they’d like to purchase an annual pass. “I just think it’s become out of the reach for many, many families in this city.”