While most children’s museums closed their doors earlier this year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many are beginning to reopen with enhanced safety practices in place. As museums continue to reopen, many ACM Reciprocal Network participants are welcoming back visitors to their institutions. However, a large number of museums are still closed and those that are open may have new rules and visitation restrictions. As you look to use your ACM Reciprocal Network benefits, the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) has compiled a list of recommendations to ensure your visit is safe, fun, and stress-free.
- CHECK the Find a Children’s Museum website to verify the museum you are visiting participates in the ACM Reciprocal Network. This website lists all ACM member museums around the world, but not every museum participates in the ACM Reciprocal Network. The Find a Children’s Museum website allows you to search by city, state, and museum name. Museums that participate in the ACM Reciprocal Network are denoted by a RED pin on the map as well as a red “R” logo next to their listing.
- PLAN AHEAD. As museums are reopening, please call or visit the website of the museum you plan to visit to ensure they are open and find out if they have any special policies or restrictions. Some museums are implementing temporary changes, such as timed ticketing, limited capacity, or only allowing museum members to visit the museum.
- HAVE DOCUMENTATION. Make sure you bring your membership card with the red “R” logo with you. If your home museum provided you with additional documentation that shows an extended expiration date for your membership, bring that with you as well, either printed out or on your mobile device.
- BE FLEXIBLE. Museums are implementing various procedures to ensure public health and safety as they open to visitors. These procedures vary from state to state and museum to museum. Be prepared to follow a different set of rules than you may be accustomed to at your home museum.
- CONSIDER MAKING A DONATION. Children’s museums rely on admissions to pay for the cost of running the museum and staff salaries. Consider making a donation or paying full admission price to help museums cope with lost revenue due to COVID-19 closures.
- HAVE FUN! Children’s museums are dedicated to preserving children’s right to learn through play, so get ready to have fun!