What Membership options are available at Discovery Place?

Choose the perfect Membership for your family's adventures:

Single-Location Memberships:
  • Discovery Place Science (Charlotte)
  • Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville
  • Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham
Multi-Location Access:
  • Science + Huntersville Membership: Double your discovery with access to both Discovery Place Science and Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville
  • Discovery Circle Memberships: Our premier donor-level Membership with access to all three Museums

Ready to find your perfect Membership? Text us at 704-337-2661 for immediate assistance or schedule a personal consultation at https://www.dpmembers.org.

What benefits come with my Membership?

Experience amazing benefits based on your chosen location(s):

Discovery Place Science Members enjoy:
  • Unlimited admission all year
  • $8 parking
  • 20% savings at Science Shop
  • 10% off at Bean Sprouts Café
  • Exclusive IMAX documentary ticket discounts ($7 rate)
  • Early access during Member Hour
Discovery Place Kids Members enjoy:
  • Unlimited admission to your selected location
  • Member Hour early access
  • Special Themed Member Hour
All Members receive:
  • Priority camp registration at their home Museum
  • Member-exclusive events
  • 25% off guest admission at your Member location(s)
  • Member discount on Birthday Parties
What is Member Hour?

Start your adventure before the crowds. Members can enter one hour before general admission begins at their Membership location(s).

  • Discovery Place Science: Saturdays and Sundays
  • Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville: Tuesday through Sunday
  • Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham: Tuesday through Saturday
If I visit today, can I apply my admission toward a Membership?

Absolutely! Transform today's visit into a year of discovery. We'll apply your same-day admission cost toward any Membership level.

Visit the Membership Desk on Level 1 at Discovery Place Science or speak with a team member at our Kids locations.

Can't stop by? Text 704-337-2661 or schedule a consultation at https://www.dpmembers.org.

How do I upgrade my Membership?

Elevate your experience anytime! Upgrading costs only the difference between levels and keeps your original expiration date. Three easy ways:

  • Visit your original Membership location
  • Text 704-337-2661 for immediate assistance
  • Schedule a call at https://www.dpmembers.org
When does my Membership expire?

Your year of discovery runs through the end of the same month next year. Example: Join April 2, 2024, and enjoy your Membership all the way through April 30, 2025!

Are there discounts on Membership rates?

Yes! We offer a $20 discount for:

  • Educators
  • Active military
  • Veterans
  • Select corporate partner employees

EBT/WIC benefit recipients from NC & SC receive 50% off

Do you offer corporate Memberships?

Yes! We partner with many corporations to provide employee discounts and special admission options. Check with your employer or text 704-337-2661 to learn more about corporate benefits.

How do I renew my Membership?

Keep the discovery going! Renew:

  • Online using your existing email
  • At any Museum location
  • Text 704-337-2661 for assistance

Renew early to ensure uninterrupted benefits and avoid missing special Member opportunities.

Can I share or transfer my Membership?

Memberships are designed for one household and are not transferable. Family Memberships include 2 named adults and up to 6 dependent children living in your home. Named adults remain fixed during your Membership year.

How do I bring guests with my Membership?

Share the wonder! Members receive 25% off general admission tickets for guests at their Membership location(s). Purchase at any admission desk or online in advance.

What are the age requirements for Museum visits?

For everyone's safety and best experience:

  • Under 14: Adult supervision required
  • Ages 14-17: May visit alone but cannot supervise others
  • 18+: May supervise minors

Adults must be accompanied by children at Discovery Place Kids locations

Can I make changes to my Membership information?

Yes! While Memberships aren't transferable, you can:

  • Update contact details
  • Add children (fees apply)
  • Upgrade your Membership level

Text 704-337-2661 or schedule a consultation at https://www.dpmembers.org

How do I check in?

Entry is easy! Present your digital Membership card and photo ID at admission. No reservations needed - visit anytime during regular hours.

Where do I park?
Discovery Place Science:
  • Discovery Place Science Parking Deck
  • 220 W. 6th Street, Charlotte
  • Connected via enclosed skybridge
  • 50% off parking for Members
Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville:
  • Town of Huntersville Parking Deck
  • 14615 S. Old Statesville Road
  • Free parking
Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham:
  • Free public parking off E. Washington Street
Can I bring food and drinks?
Discovery Place Science:
  • Outside food permitted in designated areas
  • No food in rainforest, labs or special exhibitions
  • Water allowed throughout except where posted
Discovery Place Kids locations:
  • Water allowed on Museum floors
  • Other food/drinks in designated areas only:
    • Huntersville: Comfort Corner near entrance
    • Rockingham: The Hub near entrance
What are the age guidelines for specific exhibits?

We've designed spaces for optimal learning experiences:

Discovery Place Science:
  • KidScience: Perfect for ages 7 and under
  • ThinkerSpace: Ages 8 and older required
Discovery Place Kids locations:
  • I CAN Grow: Ideal for ages 3 and under
  • All other areas: Any age with adult supervision
Are strollers allowed?

Yes! Strollers and wagons are welcome throughout our Museums. Please note elevator access may be limited to one family at a time.

What about accessibility?

We're committed to inclusive experiences:

  • Free admission for essential caregivers
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Accessibility entrance on Level 3 of Discovery Place Science
  • Service animals welcome (Please follow ADA guidelines)
  • Sensory resources available
  • ASL interpretation available with advance notice

Text 704-337-2661 for specific accommodation needs.

What IMAX benefits do Members receive?

Members with Discovery Place Science access enjoy:

  • $7 documentary tickets (regular price: $11.95)
  • No Museum admission required
  • Discovery Circle Members receive additional benefits
What makes our IMAX special?

Experience cinema on a grand scale. We have one of only 18 IMAX Dome Theatres in the US that offer a truly immersive experience:

  • 79' diameter dome screen is the largest in the Carolinas
  • 12,000 watts of immersive sound
  • Latest IMAX laser technology
  • Documentary films: 40-45 minutes
  • Planetarium shows: 15-25 minutes
What Member-exclusive events are offered?

Your Membership unlocks special experiences, and our team is always working to provide more!

  • Member Hour early access
  • Themed Member Hours on a near-monthly basis
  • Preview events for new exhibitions
  • Discounted Science on the Rocks (21+ events)
Do Members get early access to camps and programs?

Yes! Enjoy priority registration or discounts for:

  • Summer camps
  • Birthday parties
  • School break camps
  • Special programs
  • Seasonal events
What is the ASTC Passport Program?

Members enjoy access to 300+ ASTC (Association of Science and Technology Centers) museums nationwide! Note:

  • Valid beyond 90 miles (direct line) from your home address and home Museum
  • Show Membership card and photo ID when visiting
  • Check astc.org/passport for participating museums
Can I use my Membership at the new Discovery Place Nature?

The reimagined nature Museum is being rebuilt and will have new Membership options. Stay tuned for exciting updates about this transformative project!

How do I access my digital Membership card?

We've gone green! Access your card easily:

  • Receive via email upon joining
  • Download to your phone's wallet
  • Request a new copy anytime

Lost your card? Text 704-337-2661 for quick assistance.

How do I stay informed about Museum happenings?

Never miss an exciting update:

  • Member updates
  • Discovery Place updates
  • Social media channels
  • Website event calendars

Email preferences can be updated anytime through our Membership Team.

Can I host a birthday party or special event?

Make memories with us! Members receive:

  • 10% off birthday party packages
  • Discounts on Summer Camp registration
  • Special rates for facility rentals

Contact Members@discoveryplace.org or text 704-337-2661 and we will connect you with our event rental team.

What dining options are available?
Discovery Place Science:
  • Bean Sprouts Café: Healthy, kid-friendly options
  • Members save 10%
  • Open during Museum hours except for Mondays

Discovery Place Kids locations are surrounded by family-friendly dining options in their communities.

What if I lose something during my visit?

Our teams are here to help:

  • Check with staff immediately
  • Visit the admission desk

Note: For health reasons, hats and mouth-contact items are discarded daily. Text 704-337-2661 if you realize something's missing after your visit.

Can I take photos during our visit?

Please do! Capture your discoveries and post them to your social media!

  • Personal photos welcome throughout public areas
  • No flash in animal habitats
  • Some traveling exhibitions may have restrictions
  • Tripods and professional equipment need advance approval

All professional or media photo shoots require advance approval. Contact Alyssa Mulliger at amulliger@discoveryplace.org

What is Discovery Place's photo policy?

Discovery Place occasionally photographs and films during museum hours to share our mission and inspire others. Here's what to know:

  • We capture photos and videos in public areas for promotional use
  • Staff will clearly announce when filming is taking place
  • Look for posted signs indicating active photography/filming
  • Simply let any staff member know if you prefer not to be included
  • Your privacy matters - we'll strive to always honor your preferences
Need assistance with your Membership?

We're here to help! Choose your preferred method:

Have feedback about your experience?

We love hearing from our Members! Share your thoughts:

Your feedback helps us create better experiences for everyone!