Health, Safety & Cleaning Information

  • What is your mask & vaccination policy?

    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.

  • What are your cleaning procedures?

    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.

  • Does the museum have a sick policy?

    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.

Ticket Pricing

  • How much is admission and what does it include?

    General Admission to Port Discovery is $23.95/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.

  • Why are adults required to pay admission?

    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.

  • Why do you charge admission fees? What do they help support?

    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.

  • Do you offer any discounts or special pricing?

    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.

    $7 Community Day: We offer a $7 Community Day where all admission tickets to the Museum cost just $7/ 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 $3 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 (10+ 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.

Admission & Ticket Information & Policies

  • How do I purchase tickets?

    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.

     

  • What are your hours?

    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.

  • Are tickets/reservations required for admission?

    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.

  • Are tickets transferrable or refundable?

    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.

  • Can I exit and return during my visit?

    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.

  • Can my children visit the museum by themselves?

    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 Information

  • What are the best ages for the Museum?

    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.

  • What should I know before we visit?

    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.

  • Where can I park?

    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.

  • Does the museum allow food & drinks? Are their family-friendly restaurants nearby?

    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. 

  • Can I bring my stroller?

    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.

  • What is the Museum’s Photo & Video Policy?

    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. 

Group Visits & Field Trips

Museum Membership

  • What Membership Options Do You Offer?

    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.

  • How do I become a Member?

    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.

  • How often can I visit as a Member?

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

  • When does my Membership Start?

    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 10/1/22 will begin on the date of purchase and expire 10/31/23. Your membership card will be issued via email.  You will receive one membership card per membership.

  • Do I need to reserve tickets to attend the Museum?

    Yes. To help us manage capacity and create a low-contact entry experience, we have moved to a fully online advance ticketing/reservation system for all guests and members. 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.

  • How do I register for my member account so that I can reserve tickets?

    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.

  • Can I loan my membership card to someone?

    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.

  • Are my membership benefits applicable for School Field Trips?

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

  • Do Members receive discounts on Party Packages?

    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.

  • Do you offer a Business or Corporate Membership Program?

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

  • How should I use/reserve tickets for guests associated with my membership?

    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.

    Capacity is limited so tickets cannot be purchased on-site. 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.

  • What is an ACM Reciprocal Membership?

    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.

Birthday Parties

Scout Adventures

  • What opportunities do you offer for Scout Groups? How do I sign up?

    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 Kelly L. Hawkins at 410.864.2726 or emailing scouts@portdiscovery.org.

  • What are your policies regarding Scout Adventures?

    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 Access Program

Mobility, Accessibility & Sensory-Friendly Offerings

Virtual Learning Programs

Donations from Port Discovery

Admission Waiver, Code of Conduct & Guest Expectations

  • What is the Museum’s Admission Waiver?

    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.

  • What is the museum’s code of conduct? What expectations do you have of guests?

    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.