North Carolina Aquariums to Offer Reduced Admission for Low-Income Families

Beginning next month, low-income North Carolina families can enjoy reduced admission fees at North Carolina Aquariums. On Nov. 1, admission fees will be reduced for patrons presenting an Electronic Benefits Transfer, or EBT, card along with a valid form of photo identification. The new prices will be available at the North Carolina Aquariums at Roanoke Island, Pine Knoll Shores and Fort Fisher, and will be available year-round. 

Under the new program, admission for adults will be $3 and admission for children ages 3-12 will be $2. Up to four individuals can be admitted with each EBT card presented. There is no charge for children ages 2 and younger.

The project is a joint initiative between the North Carolina departments of Natural and Cultural Resources and Health and Human Services, and was inspired by the national Museums for All program, which aims to expand access to museums and other cultural institutions by removing financial barriers to admission.

“We want everyone to have access to the outstanding, fun and educational resources available at our North Carolina aquariums,” says North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Susi H. Hamilton, “but we recognize that admission fees can sometimes pose a barrier to low-income families. We hope this new program will give more North Carolina families the opportunity to visit us and learn more about the natural world.”

“I’m grateful that even more families can now enjoy all of the benefits the state’s aquariums have to offer,” says Mandy Cohen, secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.   

Source: North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources