Frequently Asked Questions

Masks are optional inside of Port Discovery Children’s Museum for guests and staff. Please kindly show respect for the choice of others to mask or not. We have made this transition based on the latest data and research supporting an easing of masking protocols in indoor settings, and in accordance with Baltimore City guidelines. We fully support anyone who chooses to continue to wear a mask going forward.

Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination is not required for guests. Port Discovery’s staff is fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

All cleaning procedures closely follow CDC updates and recommendations that reduce the spread of germs. Port Discovery staff have been trained extensively on proper cleaning and disinfecting procedures following OSHA guidelines and safety precautions.

Daily Deep cleaning and sanitizing will take place after hours with electrostatic spray disinfection which kills viruses, bacteria, and mold. We strongly suggest that visitors utilize the hand sanitizing stations and regularly wash their hands throughout their visit to help reduce the spread of germs. In addition, the Museum regularly cleans, removes, and replaces manipulatives to help minimize the spread of germs. Find more details on our cleaning practices.

Port Discovery Children’s Museum works to provide a safe and healthy environment for all guests. As part of our effort to create this environment, we ask staff and guests to avoid visiting the Museum when sick or showing signs of illness. Please also avoid visiting if you have been recently exposed to someone with COVID-19-like symptoms or a positive COVID-19 test result. We appreciate your help in maintaining a safe experience for all visitors and staff members. Review our Sick Policy.

General Admission to Port Discovery is $24.95/person for individuals one and up. Children under one and members enter for free. Admission to the Museum is by advance ticket/reservation only, and provides you with several hours of play, learning, and fun! Advance Tickets can be purchased/Reservations can be made at https://tickets.portdiscovery.org/ in advance of your visit. For additional information regarding Port Discovery ticket policies and for information to help plan your visit, explore our Plan Your Visit page.

A children’s museum is designed to benefit both children and the adults in their lives. We purposefully design experiences at the Museum to give children and adults opportunities to play together, to learn together, to make memories together – and to use play as an effective vehicle to help their children discover, learn, interact, and grow. At Port Discovery, we highly encourage adults – whether you are a parent, caregiver, teacher, chaperone, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or friend – to participate and interact throughout your visit. By participating in our programs, experiences, and exhibits alongside your child, you are in fact making the experience even more meaningful and rich for your children and for yourself – and you are learning skills and participating in activities that you can use in your daily lives.

Port Discovery is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children, adults, families, and our community through playful learning experiences. Admission fees are collected to defray the cost of programming, exhibits, supplies, staffing, training, and the cost of the facility and its upkeep. The admission and other earned revenue are supplemented by philanthropy from our generous community of donors. These fees and contributions also allow us to provide critical services to our underserved community – including free and reduced-cost field trips, access programs, military programs, and programs for children and their families with disabilities and special needs.

Port Discovery’s Membership: Get a full year of access to Port Discovery Children’s Museum via a Port Discovery Family Membership, which typically pays for itself in just two visits. Learn more on our Membership page. If you visit the Museum and LOVE it you can apply all or a portion of your admission toward your membership. Just be sure to upgrade to a membership on the day of your visit to take advantage of this great deal. Please note: Admissions must all be on one transaction to take advantage of this offer.

$10 Community Day: We offer a $10 Community Day where all admission tickets to the Museum cost just $10/ visitor (Members and children under one enter for free) during most months.

Discounts for Military Members & Family: We offer free admission for military members each day of the year. Valid ID is required. We also periodically offer discounts to families of military members on certain days.

PlayMakers Access Program: To help ensure that the price of admission is not a barrier to families, through Port Discovery’s PlayMakers program, any Maryland family that qualifies for nutritional assistance and is in possession of a valid EBT/Independence Card or WIC ID can visit Port Discovery for $5 per person (valid for up to 5 tickets per EBT/Independence Card or WIC ID) on any day the Museum is open to the general public. Learn more about the program and how to reserve tickets via the PlayMakers Program.

Large groups (15+ visitors) are eligible to receive discounted admission to the Museum via our Group Visits pricing. Please visit our Field Trips webpages and/or contact Group Reservations at 410-864-2727 or email groupsales@portdiscovery.org for more information on our Field Trip Experiences and Group Visits. Please note: Advanced reservations are required for all group visits. Walk ups will not be accepted.

Special Offers for Email Subscribers, Social Media & Partners: We occasionally offer special discounts on admission and membership via Port Discovery’s email newsletter, social media communities, and select partnerships. Sign up for Port Discovery’s email and follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

Special Offers from Partner Restaurants: Several nearby restaurants offer special discounts to Port Discovery guests and members. Review details and restrictions here.

Advance Tickets can be purchased and reservations can be made at https://tickets.portdiscovery.org/ in advance of your visit. For additional information regarding Port Discovery ticket policies and for information to help you plan your visit, explore our Plan Your Visit webpage.

Port Discovery Children’s Museum is open year-round, though our daily hours of operation may vary throughout the year. Find our current and upcoming hours on our Plan Your Visit webpage.

Tickets are required for admission, and advanced tickets are strongly recommended. Walk-up and day-of tickets are limited and are not guaranteed. Children under one year of age and museum members enjoy free admission but MUST reserve an arrival time as well. Your confirmation will be delivered electronically and will be valid for the date you selected only. You will need to show a matching photo ID upon arrival to the Museum. Once checked in, you will be given wristbands as proof of purchase that can be used for re-entry for the date that you have valid tickets for. For additional information regarding Port Discovery ticket policies and for information to help you plan your visit, explore our Plan Your Visit webpage.

The museum closes it’s doors to admission around thirty minutes prior to close, but families can still enjoy the museum up until close.

Ticket reservations/purchases are non-transferable and non-refundable. This applies to members as well. If you need to reschedule a reservation due to health concerns or other matters, please call the Box Office at 410-864-2744 or reply to your confirmation email by 10 AM the day of your visit and request to reschedule your visit to another date and/or time, subject to availability and a rescheduling fee of $5.00. Visits cannot be rescheduled after your purchased/reserved ticket visit date has passed. For additional information regarding Port Discovery ticket policies and for information to help you plan your visit, explore our Plan Your Visit webpage.

Yes, you may exit and re-enter on the day of your visit by showing your wristband. Be sure to keep your wristband on if you plan to re-enter. For additional information regarding Port Discovery ticket policies and for information to help you plan your visit, explore our Plan Your Visit webpage.

Children cannot visit the museum without an adult. For safety purposes, adult supervision is required to visit Port Discovery. All children must be accompanied by an adult 18 years old or older during the entire duration of the visit.

General admission is offered to parents or guardians bringing at least one child to the museum. Admission for single adults or multiple adults without children is not permitted.

The museum does not have entry times, and is open to the general public during the hours on our website. You do not need to arrive right when the museum opens to keep your tickets.

If you do not arrive on time for a timed activity or workshop, you will not be able to participate. Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be applied to another date.

For the safety & well-being of our guests and staff, the bathrooms in Port Discovery Children’s Museum are not for public use.

Port Discovery is designed to be engaging, inspiring, educational and fun for children from birth to age 10 – and for their caregivers as well. Exhibits and experiences at the Museum are designed to help you and the children in your life bond, learn and play, and make memories together – so feel free to bring the whole family and make sure to get in on the fun while you are here. Explore our full list of exhibits and age recommendations here.

Bring socks and a change of clothes. Socks are required when climbing on the SkyClimber. A change of clothes and shoes may be helpful if your child visits the Wonders of Water exhibit as they may get wet.  Socks are available for purchase at the Box Office should you need them.

Map & Virtual Tour:  If you’d like to familiarize yourself with the Museum ahead of visiting, you may find our Museum Map and/or Virtual Tour helpful.

We Offer Free Lockers & Coat Area: The Museum offers a limited number of free lockers and a small area to hang coats. Please note that these facilities are used at your own risk and the Museum is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.

Private Nursing Station: You’ll find a private Nursing Station located in the toddler-focused exhibit Tot Trails. Families who are nursing and in search of privacy are welcome to use this area.

Family Seating Areas Available: You’ll find family seating areas spread throughout the Museum, offering a place to take a quick rest and break!

Restrooms On Every Floor: You’ll find restrooms on every floor of the Museum. All restrooms are equipped with changing stations. Family restrooms are located on the First Floor (near the PD Presents exhibit) and on the Second Floor (inside of the Tot Trails exhibit).

Tips for Visiting: Find our helpful guides for visiting Port Discovery with babies/infants, with toddlers, and with older children on our blog.

There are a number of areas to park nearby the Museum. The closest parking garage, located directly next door to Port Discovery Children’s Museum, is the Harbor Park Garage, located at 55 Market Place. The Harbor Park Garage offers discounted parking to Museum guests on most days the Museum is open. Discount availability is subject to change without notice. The Museum does not own nor manage the Harbor Park Garage. For questions or concerns related to parking at the Museum, please contact the Harbor Park Garage directly. For more information, visit our Location & Parking page.

You are permitted to bring food and drinks into the Museum, but please note that they are not permitted inside the Museum exhibits. There is a designated eating area at Port Discovery in which you may eat your lunch or snacks. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no access to refrigerators or microwaves.

Please note: Port Discovery’s lunch/snack area cannot be used for birthday party celebrations. If our staff observe the space being used for this purpose, guests will be asked to leave. We welcome you to resrve a birthday party room/package for celebrations. Learn more on our Birthday Parties webpage.

We offer vending machines for snacks and beverages in the Museum. Please note that there is not a café nor a restaurant in the Museum.

Conveniently, many family-friend restaurants are nearby and within a short walk from the Museum. Several nearby restaurants offer special discounts to Port Discovery guests and members. Explore available offers and restrictions here. 

Yes! Port Discovery welcomes strollers throughout most of the Museum. You are welcome to keep your stroller with you during your visit. If visiting Tot Trails or Wonders of Water, we ask that you kindly park your stroller in the parking areas directly outside of the exhibit. There is also a self-service Stroller Parking area for your convenience on the first floor.

Museum staff occasionally take photos and videos at Port Discovery Children’s Museum. Entrance to the premises of Port Discovery Children’s Museum constitutes your acknowledgment and agreement that you may be photographed, filmed, videotaped or otherwise recorded by Museum staff or contractors in connection with the activities taking place on the premises.  All recordings are the sole property of Port Discovery Children’s Museum. Please read our full Photo & Video Policy for visitors, members, participants in birthday parties, scout adventures, field trips, group visits, and other Museum activities. 

Yes! We’d love to host your field trip or group visit – and offer a variety of fun options for memorable, educational, and low-cost field trips!  Please visit our Field Trips webpages and/or contact Group Reservations at 410-864-2727 or email groupsales@portdiscovery.org.

Yes, reservations are required for all group visits. Important: Groups of 15 children or more must reserve in advance. Groups without a reservation may be turned away at Box Office. Due to capacity restrictions, bulk general admission ticket purchases are not allowed.

Refunds are not granted for any decrease in attendance. Only the attendance outlined in your contract is guaranteed museum entry. Additional people will not be allowed on the day of your visit. Please contact Group Sales as soon as your attendance increases to determine if the museum has available space to accommodate changes. Attendance substitutions are also prohibited.

All chaperones must be 18 years of age or older and meet the required adult to child ratio. Additional chaperones outside of the required ratio incur additional fees. Inattentive chaperones and/or disorderly behavior from the group or staff could result in the group’s immediate dismissal from the museum. Chaperones are not permitted to leave the museum during field trips.

Lunch is included in the 3-hour visit schedule for Field Trips. Space will be provided for groups having lunch in Port Discovery, but due to limited lunch space large groups may be broken up into small groups for lunches. Groups expecting to have lunch while at Port Discovery should bring their own packed lunches. Food and drinks are only allowed inside designated lunch areas. To opt-out of lunch with your visit, please let our Sales Team know in advance during the booking process. Leaving during the lunch break and food deliveries are strongly discouraged.

Memberships cannot be applied to School Field Trip tickets for either adults or children. Additional chaperones tickets may not be purchased with memberships.

If Port Discovery Children’s Museum or your organization is closed or operating on a late schedule, please contact Group Sales immediately to reschedule to the next available date to avoid forfeiture of funds.

All chaperones must be cleared by the school system. Admission for single adults or multiple adults without children is not permitted because chaperones must be verified by the school.

We offer several different membership levels so that you can pick the plan that works best for your family. You can learn more about our Family Membership options and purchase a Membership via our Membership Webpage.

Purchase a Membership online via our Museum Membership webpage or sign up at the Port Discovery Box Office during your next visit. You can also become a member by calling 410.864.2665. Your Membership Card and information will be sent via email to the email address listed on the membership within 5 business days. Should you wish to visit the museum before receiving your card via email, bring your photo ID and the Box Office will welcome you for a great visit!

If you visit the Museum and LOVE it you can apply all or a portion of your admission toward your membership. Just be sure to upgrade to a membership on the day of your visit to take advantage of this great deal. Admissions must all be on one transaction to take advantage of this offer.

Membership to Port Discovery allows you and your family unlimited visits to the museum for an entire year during our normal operating hours.

Your membership begins on the date of purchase and will expire the following year at the end of the month of purchase. Example: A Membership purchased on 10/1/23 will begin on the date of purchase and expire 10/31/24. Your membership card will be issued via email.  You will receive one membership card per membership.

Reserved/advance tickets are strongly recommended. Walk-ins are welcome, but walk-up and day-of tickets are limited and are not guaranteed. Please visit https://tickets.portdiscovery.org to purchase or reserve your tickets in advance of visiting. Choose the specific date that you’d like to visit. Fill out all necessary information and complete your ticket purchase or reservation.

If this is your first time reserving online tickets, you will need to have your membership number to register your account. Review this How-To Guide for instructions. For assistance, email memberships@portdiscovery.org or call 410-864-2665.

Simply visit https://tickets.portdiscovery.org and use your membership information to log in to your account. Reserve the tickets needed for your visit for all members of your party, including any children under the age of one.

Our members can send their children to the Museum with a temporary authorized person (e.g. nanny, grandparent) with a signed note to use their membership at no additional charge. For safety reasons, your guests may not be admitted without a signed, dated note with contact information.

Memberships cannot be applied to School Field Trip tickets for either adults or children. Additional chaperones tickets may not be purchased with memberships.

Yes! As a benefit (and sincere thanks!) for being a Port Discovery Member, current members will receive 10% off the base cost of the party package they book with us.

Yes! We offer several different levels of memberships for businesses. Please visit our Business Memberships page for more information.

Family Plus and Contributing members can bring guests to Port Discovery at a discounted rate, but you must purchase guest tickets when making your ticket reservations. Please note: Only 6 (six) guest tickets are allowed per purchase. Admission for visitors and members is by reservation/advance tickets only.

Tickets may be purchased online or in person. To purchase or reserve your tickets, visit https://tickets.portdiscovery.org and choose the specific date that you’d like to visit. Your tickets will be delivered electronically and will be valid for the date you selected only.

A reciprocal membership with the Association of Children’s Museums (available with the Family Plus/Contributing Family levels) allows you to visit 120 other participating children’s museums around the country for 50% off general admission for 6 people. For a list of ACM museums, please click here. Each museum has a unique admission policy. Please contact the museum you will be visiting to find out more information.

Port Discovery welcomes ACM members every day the Museum is open to the public.

Visiting members must provide proof of a current reciprocal membership to gain entry.

One adult named on the card must be present at the time of entry. Up to five additional guests may accompany the adult cardholder into the Museum.

We offer several birthday party packages to help you celebrate your little one’s big day. Visit our Birthday Parties page for information.

Yes! As a benefit (and sincere thanks!) for being a Port Discovery Member, current members will receive 10% off the base cost of the party package they book with us.

• A 50% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking and all remaining balances are due one week prior to your scheduled party.
• A rescheduled party must be rebooked within one month and be held within six months of the original party date.
• If, due to inclement weather on or around the date of your reserved party, you feel the need to cancel your party, Port Discovery Children’s Museum reserves the right to retain your deposit if the Museum is officially open for admission on the day of the scheduled party. In the event Port Discovery Children’s Museum is officially closed, we will reschedule your party for a later date.

• We’re sorry, but decorations other than table toppers are not permissible.
• Outside food and beverages are allowed. Due to safety purposes, heating equipment is not allowed. We recommend providing a cooler with ice to keep items chilled. Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited.
• We’re sorry, but outside entertainers and/or performers are not permissible.
• Music is allowed in the party rooms, however, we kindly ask that you play music that is appropriate for children.

Celebration party rooms have a maximum capacity of 45 people total. Packages include admission for 20 people (children and adults). Additional guests are $26 each. Please note that we require strict adherence to guest attendance due to capacity restrictions and safety protocol.  Each and every guest, including your birthday child, their siblings, and parents, are included in the total number of guests for a party. Children under the age of 1 are free but are counted towards admission.

Yes. Party guests, including those with Museum Memberships, check in as Party Guests at the Box Office. All guests will be included in your headcount, including Museum Members. Attending parties at the Museum is not included in membership benefits as we offer exclusive activities, programming, and spaces as part of our birthday party packages.

Yes! We’re happy to provide storage for party items so that you can enjoy time in the Museum before and/or after your party. Valuables should be stored separately in our lockers located near the entrance of the Museum.

Yes, we offer discounted parking validations for party guests and one free parking permit for the party host. Important: Please make sure your guests park at the Harbor Park Garage, located at 55 Market Place, Baltimore, Maryland, 21202. We offer discounted parking for your party guests at this location only.

We’re sorry, but we are unable to provide additional time for setup and/or breakdown. However, our Party Pals are available to help you with setup, breakdown, and any other party needs, and will do their very best to ensure you are able to make the most of your time in your private party room.

Memberships cannot be applied to School Field Trip tickets for either adults or children. Additional chaperones tickets may not be purchased with memberships.

We offer a variety of different programs and activities for Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts. Our programs provide scouts with access to all three levels of exhibits in the Museum plus an opportunity to gain credit towards various badges. Visit our Scout Adventures webpage to learn more. You can register for these activities by contacting Aliyah Howard at 410.864.2726 or emailing scouts@portdiscovery.org.

Scout Adventures are for Girl and Cub Scouts only. We’re sorry, but siblings are not allowed unless they are part of the Scout Group registered for the Overnight Adventure.

Age Requirement: Children must be between the ages of 5 and 11 years of age.

Chaperones: We encourage as much chaperone participation as possible but we do ask that groups do not include more adults than children.

Can I add additional children and adults after initial registration? It may be possible to add more children and adults to your registration provided the Overnight Adventure is not sold out.  All add ons must be made by the Leader in Charge.

Are refunds provided if a member of my group cannot attend? Once a registration is confirmed, refunds are not granted. If someone in your group cannot attend the program, you may substitute another member of your troop or pack. Adults can be substituted for children and vice versa.

PlayMakers is a program that provides low-cost general admission to families who qualify for nutritional assistance and that are in possession of a valid Maryland EBT/Independence Card or WIC ID. This program is aimed at encouraging people of all backgrounds and circumstances to visit and benefit from Port Discovery Children’s Museum by reducing cost as a barrier to visiting. Visit the PlayMakers program webpage for additional information. 

At this time, the PlayMakers program and rate is only available to Maryland families that qualify for nutritional and that are in possession of a  valid  EBT/Independence Card or WIC ID. We hope to have funding support to expand eligibility to families from other states in the future. Visit the PlayMakers program webpage for more information. 

Maryland EBT/Independence Card or WIC ID holders are welcome to visit Port Discovery Children’s Museum as many times as they like using the PlayMakers program and discounted rate.

No. The EBT/Independence Cards and WIC ID Cards are simply used for identification, showing that you are eligible for the PlayMakers admission rate. You must purchase/reserve your tickets in advance by going to https://tickets.portdiscovery.org/ selecting the desired date and then paying by credit/debit card.

Yes.  Port Discovery is committed to welcoming all guests to experience our Museum, interactive exhibits, and learning through play. We do our best to give all visitors full access to our outstanding experiences and can provide individualized assistance during your visit. Our staff is trained to support and accommodate the needs of every visitor, so don’t hesitate to ask.

Information on Mobility & Accessibility at the Museum is available here.

Information on Sensory Inclusivity and resources is available here.

Information on Access, Inclusion & Sensory-Friendly Programs, and Events is available here.

The Museum strives to be an inclusive and accessible space that celebrates neurodiversity and welcomes people of all needs and abilities.  We are a certified Sensory Inclusive facility, registered with KultureCity, and offer a variety of resources including Sensory Bags, Sensory Stories, and more. We also offer sensory-friendly and access & inclusion programs and events.

Information on upcoming Sensory Friendly or Access & Inclusion programs and events is available here.

Information on mobility & accessibly at the Museum is available here.

Information on Sensory Inclusivity and helpful resources available at the Museum is available here.

Yes! Please visit our Sensory Inclusive page to access our available social stories.

Yes, Service Animals are welcome at Port Discovery Children’s Museum.

Reservations are required. FULL payment is required at time of booking for prerecorded videos. major credit cards are accepted and payment can be made using a secure, credit card link via email. Purchase orders and personal checks are not acceptable forms of payments. Please leave ample time for shipping delays when mailing a school check.

To avoid forfeiture of any payments, you must contact Group Sales within one (1) week of your original date of visit to reschedule. New rescheduled dates must occur within one calendar year to avoid forfeiture of payment.

Pre-recorded/ On-demand videos are viewed through the Sprout website. The email used to book the programming is used for login. Prerecorded videos expire 30 days from the date of the original booking and include 5 overall views.

Port Discovery Children’s Museum is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that inspires children to imagine, play, learn and grow! The Museum supports other non-profit organizations in their fundraising efforts by donating passes through our Pass Donation Program. Please find information on requesting donations on the Donation Request page.

In consideration of being permitted to enter and to utilize the facilities, services and programs offered by Port Discovery Children’s Museum, ticketholder voluntarily agrees (1) to assume all risks and to accept sole responsibility for any injury to himself/herself, for any loss or damage, and (2) to release Port Discovery Children’s Museum and its employees for any claim or demands on account of any loss or injury, whether caused by the negligence of the Port Discovery or its employees, while Ticketholder is in, upon, or about Port Discovery’s premises or any facilities or equipment therein or participating in any program affiliated with Port Discovery. Ticketholder further agrees to hold harmless Port Discovery Children’s Museum and its employees from any claims based on any actions, omissions, or negligence of Port Discovery in connection with Ticketholder’s activities as described, including any claims relating to any communicable diseases, including COVID-19, as to which risks the Ticketholder acknowledges and voluntarily assumes.

The Museum reserves the right to refuse admission, revoke membership, control occupancy, or eject/remove any person for any reason without refund, including violating the code of conduct or exhibiting unsafe, inappropriate, or disruptive behavior, or behavior likely to cause damage.

Please review our Code of Conduct, Guest Expectations, and Admission Waiver ahead of visiting.

t takes all of us to create a safe, smart, and magical place to play and learn! To ensure all visitors have a great and safe experience, we expect our staff, volunteers, visitors, and members to act responsibly and be considerate of others as we share this space. If you need assistance or see something odd, please let our Play Experts know how we can help. Thank you for doing your part to celebrate our community’s diversity and provide a safe environment of inclusion and respect, where all children and the adults in their lives can interact, play, and learn! Please review our Code of Conduct, Guest Expectations and Admission Waiver ahead of your visit.