Discovery Place Makes Museums Accessible to More Families

Discovery Place, the city’s beloved children’s science museum, is making access to its hands-on learning exhibits more accessible to families throughout Charlotte beginning today. The museum is reducing entrance fees for needy families who might not otherwise be able to visit the museum and its satellite centers, including Discovery Place KIDS in Huntersville and the Charlotte Nature Musuem.

The program, called “Welcome” reduces admission to $1 per person (up to six people) for families on public assistance who show an EBT (electronic benefit transfer) or WIC (Women, Infants and Children) card. The reduced admission adjustment comes after collaboration with United Way to determine agencies that serve low-income families, including Loaves and Fishes and Mecklenburg County Social Services. Discovery Place plans to spread the word through these agencies in hopes families who may have once considered the museum out of their reach, now something they can explore with their children. The reduced-rate follows a model set by the Association of Children’s Museums Museums for All initiative that advocates access for all families to museums.

Giving children as many opportunities to grow their minds is a wonderful thing, and this is such a great thing for children who don’t always have to the chance to access resources beyond classrooms. One eye-opening experience can send a child on a path of wanting to learn more and give them motivation for future education. Spread the word.