(updated 03.22.21)
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Visitation
What are your new hours? Currently, the museum is open Wednesday 9:30 am – 11:30 am & 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm, Friday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9:30 am – 3:30 pm. Timed tickets are available for purchase online and in person. Tickets may be purchased one week in advance. Please do not arrive before 10:00 am on your scheduled visit day.
What time should I check-in? Please check-in within the first hour of your two-hour visitation time. You can check in any time during the two hours on your ticket, but please do not arrive before your scheduled visit time. For example, Sharon bought a ticket for Saturday 11:30 am – 1:30 pm. She plans to bring the family to the museum anytime between 11:30-12:30. They arrive at noon and are able to do everything they wanted to do especially saying hi to Seneca and all the animals in the Wildlife Sanctuary 🙂
What is the cost for non-members? The cost of admission for non-members is $8 for adults, seniors, and children (ages two and up).
Are coupons accepted? No discounts, coupons, or guest passes will be accepted at this time, as our pricing has changed. Library passes and reciprocal memberships will be honored, but you must call ahead to reserve and process.
Which exhibits are open? When the Earth Shakes, Sonic Sensations, Wildlife Sanctuary, Dinosaurs in Your Backyard, Lizard Lair, Conny the Whale, Kids Can Compost.
How much time should I allow for a visit? Please arrive at least 45 minutes prior to the end of your selected visit time in order to experience all we have to offer.
Are masks required? YES, masks are required for all visitors ages 2 and up. There will be no exceptions at this time. You will need to wear a mask at all times while visiting, both indoors and outdoors. For your protection, our staff will also be wearing masks. Please be sure your mask covers both your nose and mouth. Museum staff reserve the right to ask non-compliant visitors to leave the facility.
Are face shields permitted? YES, face shields are permitted, however, they MUST be worn in combination with a mask underneath. There will be no exceptions at this time.
How are you maintaining a safe environment? The museum is following state and federal guidelines for increased cleanliness and other measures to keep our staff and guests safe. Cleaning schedules and procedures have been heightened and will be done throughout the day. Some of these measures include reducing our capacity (done by using timed tickets), one-way museum flow, removal of some high touch exhibit spaces, and requiring masks to be worn. Staff members take their temperatures and ensure they are not sick before starting each shift and wear a mask throughout the day.
Can I bring a stroller? No. Because of space and safety concerns, strollers are not allowed in the museum during this first stage of reopening.
Is food allowed? At this time, the vending machines and indoor eating areas are closed. You are still welcome to bring a snack and eat it in the courtyard, at the picnic tables. Weather permitting. Proper social distancing must be maintained. You are required to distance yourself and your family at least six feet away from another family while in the picnic table area. There will be no reentry so if you have a snack please bring it with you when you arrive.
Is water provided? Per required opening guidelines by the State, water fountains are shut off. You are encouraged to bring your own water bottle for your visit.
Is the gift shop open? Currently, our gift shop is not open at full capacity. A touch-less gift shop display is open with a variety of gift shop items for sale.
What time are animal demos? At this time, in order to follow safety precautions and reduce the chances of crowds gathering, there will be no animal demonstrations.
Are you doing any virtual/online programming? We are! Please follow our Facebook page for current information about the online offerings we have available. Are you a school teacher or program coordinator? Please visit our Online Resources Guide for all the programs we can virtually bring to your classroom.
Timed Ticketing
What is timed ticketing? To limit the capacity of guests in the museum, entry is permitted only through timed tickets, reserved online, even for members. This will help ensure everyone can access the museum in a safe way while following state guidelines. There is a limit of six guests per order. MEMBERS: Please note you will have to sign in and/or register when you click the timed tickets link in order to get your discounts.
Further instructions for members can be found here.
Do I need to register for the site? If you are not a member, you do not need to register for our site but we suggest you do. Members will need to register to get their discount.
Further instructions on how to register can be found here.
I am a member- do I need a ticket? Yes, everyone needs a ticket so that we may maintain our capacity limits. Admission for members is always free but you must reserve your visit time!
Follow these instructions on how to get your member ticket!
I have ACM/ASTC reciprocity, how do I get my discount? Please call the Museum at 860.231.2824 to receive your discount code, which is needed to receive your discounted timed tickets. One of our staff members will be able to instruct with the next steps. Please bring your ACM/ASTC membership card for check-in at the museum. If you are not able to show your ASTC/ACM membership card, you will be required to pay for any discounted admission before you will be admitted into the museum.
I have a library pass, how do I get my discount? After you have reserved or checked out a library pass from your library, please call the Museum at 860.231.2824 to receive your discount code, which is needed to receive your discounted timed tickets. One of our staff members will be able to instruct with the next steps. Please bring your library pass for check-in at the museum. If you are not able to show a valid library pass, you will be required to pay for any discounted admission before you will be admitted into the museum.
Do children need tickets? Yes, everyone in your party needs a timed ticket, with the exception of infants, if they are being worn.
Do I have to print my tickets? You do not need to print your tickets but please have the email with the ‘printable’ timed tickets available to be scanned on your mobile device prior to arriving at the front desk. If you are not able to access your email on your mobile device, please print your tickets.
How do I use a coupon with timed ticketing? No additional discounts, coupons, or guest passes will be accepted at this time. Thank you for understanding.
Registering for an Account
Why should I register for an account? If you are a member, registering is required to receive your discount when reserving timed tickets. For non-members, registering will simplify the process for your next visit, camp sign-up, program registrations, and making donations online.
How do I register? Click here for instructions on how to register.
What are the password requirements? There are no password requirements to register for the site. We suggest you use something that will be easy for you to remember.
What happens if I forget my password? If you forget your password, click ‘sign in’ on the top of any ticketing, programming, or donation purchase page (these pages will start with the URL ‘blackbaud.com’). At the bottom of the sign-in popup box click ‘Forgot your password?’ You will be instructed on how to reset your password.
Members
Do members need a timed ticket? Yes, everyone needs a ticket so that we may maintain our capacity limits.
How do I use my guest passes with timed ticketing? At this time, guest passes will not be accepted. Discounted admission for guests is not available as our admission rates have changed. Thank you for understanding.
What do I need to bring on my visit? Please bring your e-ticket (either on your mobile device or a printout), masks for all guests in your party over two years old, your membership card, and your photo ID. You may wish to bring a water bottle since our fountains have been shut off for safety reasons. Library members must bring a valid library pass and their photo ID. Reciprocal members must bring their participating museums valid membership card and their photo ID.
Will I get a new card with the new, extended expiration date? No, at this time, you will not be getting a new card but all memberships have been extended by four months. Over time, through renewal, you will receive an accurate membership card.
Are reciprocal memberships accepted? Yes, we accept ACM/ASTC reciprocal memberships. Please call to receive your discount code when reserving your tickets online and be sure to bring your card when you check-in for your visit. Note: ASTC’s 90-mile rule still applies. You must travel outside a 90-mile radius ‘as the crow flies’ from your museum to be able to use the ASTC reciprocal program.
If you have more questions, please email info@thechildrensmuseumct.org or call 860.231.2824
