Policies

Therapists and Caregivers

Therapists and caregivers receive a complimentary admission ticket when accompanying a paying patron who requires medical or physical assistance during their visit to the Museum. Please call our Front Desk at (910) 254-3534 to reserve the complimentary admission ticket before your visit.

Museum Resources

museum Map 

Our Museum map marks the general noise levels expected throughout the Museum. Please note, the busier the Museum gets, the louder the exhibit spaces become.

See our front desk if someone in your party is needing a quiet space during their visit or is interested in checking out our noise-canceling headphones or Power Packs. 

Museum Map, click here.

Speech Therapy Play Guide

This guide is a product of having a local speech-language pathologist walk through the Museum and describe how they would use the space for speech therapy. The purpose is to provide an outline for how children can work on their speech development during their visit to the Museum. The guide is not comprehensive but offers a starting point for how each exhibit can be used. Click here.

Social Stories 

Our social stories are designed to help your child, friend, or family member prepare for their visit to the Museum. English version available here. Spanish version coming soon.

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Noise Canceling Headphones

We currently have two adjustable child sensory headphones at our front desk available for check out on a first come, first serve basis. 

Sensory SUNDAYS 
 

From 10am - 12pm on Sundays, June 5th, August 7th, October 2nd and December 4th, the Museum will offer a sensory friendly experience for visitors with sensory sensitivities. This includes adjusting exhibit lighting and audio, providing sound maps and sensory signage throughout the Museum, and designating calming spaces. Learn more.

Power packs 
 

We teamed up with Therapize to create 4 sensory bags that are available for check out free of charge. The bags include sunglasses, sound cancelling headphones and various tactile items that will help guests regulate sensory processing during their visit. 

Facility

Accessible Entrance

We have an accessible Museum entrance on 2nd St. between Orange St. and Ann. St.  Buzz the doorbell and a staff member will answer and open the door for you.  If you need a wheelchair or further assistance for your visit please call us at 910-254-3534.

Accessible parking 

The nearest marked accessible parking spaces for patrons with a valid accessible parking license plate or hanging tag are in the Hannah Block USO paid parking lot located at 118 S. 2nd St. Spaces are priced at $1.00 per hour for the first five hours and $8.00 for 24 hours.

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Patrons with valid accessible parking license plates or hanging tags may also park for free at any on-street metered space for an unlimited time. Residential restricted permitted streets are excluded.

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For accommodations, questions, or comments, please contact us at 910-254-3534 ext. 106! Learn more about our accessibility here.

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Service Animals

Certified Service Animals are always welcome to accompany their handler at the Museum. We do not allow emotional support animals or pets in the Museum.

Nursing nook & Calming cave

The Nursing Nook & Calming Cave are located next to the Exploration Station exhibit on the 3rd level. This space provides a private room for nursing as well as a quiet space for children to calm themselves if they feel overstimulated. The Calming Cave includes a black out curtain, light and sound machine, bean bag, weighted blanket, and sensory board.  

Therapeutic Play Guide 

Coming Soon!

We are in the process of creating a therapeutic play guide with a local Occupational Therapist. This play guide can be used by families and therapists to integrate therapeutic play approaches while visiting the Museum. The guide will not be comprehensive, but offers a starting point for how each exhibit can be used.

Online Ticketing

Tickets are encouraged to be purchased online for your convenience here.

Lockers 

The Museum has free locker storage available with dimensions of 12x12x16". A key can be requested by the front desk on a first come, first serve basis. 

Restrooms

Restrooms are available on each level of the Museum. Select restrooms have baby changing stations.

Food 

We have snacks and water available for purchase at our front desk. Outside food and drink are welcome to be eaten in our Courtyard or Bonus Room upon request.

Elevator

We have an elevator and ramps that serve all levels of the Museum, inside and outside.

Wheel Chair Lift

A wheelchair lift is available for access to our pirate ship, Art Room, and Bonus Room. Please ask the front desk for assistance.