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 The Museum houses a Food Chain with vending machines, containing assorted snacks and meals, and a variety of beverages. Guests may bring their own food, provided they store it in the Coat Room or in their vehicle. The Museum provides wheel chairs, free of charge; elevators are available. We accept cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and personal checks with proper ID.
Q. Is there a cafeteria at the Museum or can I bring my lunch?
A. The Museum houses a Food Chain that has vending machines containing soups, sandwiches, salads, snacks, milk, juice and other beverages. Prices range from $.75 to $3.00; a change machine is available.
Guests may bring their own food into the Museum, provided they store it in the Coat Room or their vehicles. Museum personnel will not hold, store or monitor coolers or bags. No parties or groups larger than 10 can convene in the Food Chain; tables can not be reserved. Absolutely no decorations are permitted. To book a birthday party, click here.
Picnic tables are available, weather permitting, on a first come basis.
No food or beverage is permitted inside the Museum, except for in the Food Chain area.
Q. What methods of payment does the Museum accept?
A. We accept cash, checks and travelers’ checks (with proper ID), Visa, MasterCard and Discover. Please note that there is not currently an ATM available at the Museum.
Q. Are Boonshoft Museum gift cards available for purchase?
A. Yes, gift cards are available in any denomination, and may be used at the Boonshoft Museum, SunWatch or Fort Ancient. To purchase a gift card, please visit the Discoveries Shop at the Museum or call 937-275-7431, ext. 121.
Q. Besides general admission, are there other charges?
A. The Museum has daily $2 Planetarium shows (free for members), and $4.50 Full Dome and 3D Shows ($3 for members). Non-members must pay all applicable general admission fees, in addition to Planetarium show fees. Please check the daily Planetarium schedule for times and prices. No admission will be granted to the Caryl D. Philips Space Theater after a show has begun. Learn more about our Planetarium, and the types of shows currently available.
Vending machines are available in the Food Chain for snacks and meals, at an additional charge.
At times, certain experiments in the Do Lab may carry an additional, nominal charge. This will be clearly announced prior to any scheduled presentation.
Q. Is the Museum handicap-accessible?
A. Yes. There is designated handicapped parking space at the top of the circular drive, which leads directly to the Museum entrance. A ramp leads from the parking lot to the front door. There are elevators at both ends of the building to reach the second floor. Wheelchairs are also available on a first come basis, free of charge, for guests’ use while visiting the Museum.
Q. I am a Boonshoft Museum member, but cannot find my membership card. Can I still visit the Museum?
A. Yes. Our Guest Services staff will be happy to verify your membership standing when you check in at the front desk. As always, you must present a valid photo I.D.
Q. I am a member at another museum. Do you offer reciprocal privileges?
A. The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery offers reciprocal agreements through ASTC and AZA. We also offer reciprocity through certain ACM facilities. Click here for a complete list of memberships that we accept from around the country. Proper photo ID and a valid member pass are always required.
Q. Is parking available on-site and how much does it cost?
A. There is ample, free parking at the Museum.
Q. Is there a coat room?
A. Yes. There is a coat room at the entrance to the Museum. However, the Museum is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Small self-serve lockers are also available for rent. ($1 per vend)
Q. Can I breastfeed my baby at the Museum?
A. Yes. Although the Museum does not have a designated area for moms and babies, there are numerous quiet areas with benches for your convenience. Naturally, we ask all breast-feeders to take other guests into consideration.
Q. How long should we plan on visiting?
A. Older children could easily spend 4-5 hours exploring all of the Museum’s exhibits. Some families spend the entire day. Younger children typically reach saturation after 1.5 – 2 hours. Effective planning can help keep a child’s attention. Take advantage of Caryl D. Philips Space Theater Shows, animal talks and Science Theater presentations, as well as snack breaks in the Food Chain to help pace your day.
Q. When is the Museum the least crowded?
A. To avoid crowds, the best time to visit the Museum is between 9:00 -10:00 a.m. during the week. However, most featured/traveling exhibits showing in special exhibition do not open for the public until 11:00 a.m. during the week. Arrive early for the main Museum experience then be first in line to enjoy special traveling exhibitions.
Q. Are there activities outside the Museum?
A. The Museum grounds are a Living Museum, which includes a walking trail through the Werthner Woods. Common plants are marked and visitors will spot many varieties of birds, as well as woodland animals. Across from the Museum is DeWeese Parkway, with walking and biking trails that meander along the Stillwater River. Nearby is Wegerzyn Garden Center, which features an interactive children’s area.
Q. Are strollers available at the Museum?
A. Yes, there are a limited number of strollers, available on a first come, first serve basis. While there is no charge, guests are required to leave their ID on hold with Guest Services for the duration of the visit in exchange for the use of strollers.
Q. Can I bring a camera or video camera to the Museum?
A. Yes you can. We encourage guests to capture the special moments they spend with their children at the Museum. Additionally, disposable cameras are available in the Discoveries Shop for a reasonable fee.
Please note that visitors must limit their photography to the children and guests in their immediate group. The Museum reserves the right to confiscate any photo or videos that violate this policy.
Q. Are Group Rates available?
A. Group rates are available, with prior arrangement. Click here for details.
Q. What is the Museum's policy on roller skates, blades and/or Wheelies?
A. The Museum does not permit any rolling shoes on the premise. If a visitor engages their wheels, they will be asked to remove the wheels from their shoes for the duration of their visit.
Q. Is it permissible to drop off young teens to explore the Museum on their own?
A. In order to provide a safe and fun learning environment for all visitors, the Museum asks that children under the age of 16 be accompanied by an adult (18 years+) at all times. The Museum reserves the right to notify appropriate authorities if we believe children are not adequately supervised. However, during our annual all-teen event, held in March each year and called ShamROCK, teens from the age of 14-19 are invited to the Museum without their parents, as adequate adult volunteer chaperones are employed to properly supervise young adults. |
