Frequently Asked Questions
When is the museum open?
Current hours: Wednesday- Saturday from 9am to 4pm and Sunday from Noon to 4pm.
How much does it cost?
Admission is $10 for everyone ages 2 and up.
MUSEUMS FOR ALL: If you receive food assistance (SNAP benefits) and present your EBT card, admission is reduced to $2 per person (family of 4).
Yearly memberships are available as well.
Why is there an admission fee?
The museum is a private non-profit entity. Admission is necessary to help keep our doors open and the lights on, as well as to provide free or discounted educational programming to low income schools and families. We strive to keep the cost as low as possible for our visitors.
Why do adults need tickets?
We are a family-based museum. All of our exhibits are designed for the enjoyment of the child/adult team. We hope that you, our visiting adults, will play as much as the children.
Does the Museum ever offer FREE admission?
Yes, typically the first Friday of each month is free to all visitors from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
This opportunity is generously underwritten by Bank of Clarke.
Can I drop off my child and get them later?
No, the museum does not provide child care. All children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Can my children travel through the museum on their own?
Our museum staff is committed to the safety of your child. Adults and children must maintain line-of-sight contact at all times. Children may not switch floors or run ahead without their adults. Visitors must travel as a family while in the museum.
Does the museum offer parking?
The museum does not have its own parking. There are metered lots and spaces located throughout Old Town Winchester as well as parking garages: Parking Locations Map
Can we bring lunch and picnic at the museum?
Food is not allowed at the museum, as the museum does not have dining spaces available to the public. The only exceptions are birthday parties and other special events. If you need to “refuel” a toddler or have other special needs, please see a staff member.
If we go out for lunch, can we come back to the museum?
At the current time, you can get a hand stamp and then return after your meal ~ the museum closes at 4pm so plan accordingly.
What if my child becomes thirsty?
Currently water fountains are open.
Why don’t you have a coffee bar at your museum?
Though it would delight many to enjoy coffee while playing in the museum, hot beverages are a safety hazard in a children’s play environment. One wrong move or errant bump and a child could become severely burned. If you come into the museum with a coffee or fountain beverages they must be left at the front desk or disposed of.
What is the museum cleaning schedule?
The museum has always been conscious of maintaining a clean and safe environment for our visitors, and has continued to step up cleaning and disinfecting throughout the pandemic. The museum is cleaned every morning, surfaces are disinfected throughout the day and the museum is disinfected again at night. Exhibit manipulatives are regularly swapped out for a fresh set as well.
For more information, please read more about our procedures HERE.