Admission Fees & Other Costs
Q. What methods of payment does the Museum accept?
A. We accept cash, checks and travelers’ checks (with proper ID), Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. 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 one of our four locations or call 937-275-7431, ext. 120.
Q. Besides general admission, are there other charges?
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 parking available on-site and how much does it cost?
A. There is ample, free parking at the Museum.
Accessibility & Other Amenities
Q. How accessible is the Museum?
A. 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.
about accessibility at the Boonshoft Museum, and our Service Animal Guidelines.
Q. Is there a cafeteria at the Museum or can I bring my lunch?
Guests may bring their own food into the Museum, and can eat in the Bieser Room - located on the first floor, from 10a to 2p daily, provided they store it in the Coat Room or their vehicles. Please note that the coat room is self-serve, and Museum personnel cannot hold, store or monitor coolers or bags. Small lockers are available for rent.
For the enjoyment of all guests, families/groups may not bring large family-style meals or full-size cakes to the Museum. No parties or groups larger than 10 may convene in the Food Chain; tables cannot be reserved or moved. Absolutely no decorations are permitted. If you wish to book a birthday celebration or rental that includes private space for your group, we have lots of options! Please click here to learn more.
Outdoor picnic tables are available, weather permitting, on a first come basis.
Questions about Museum policies? We’re happy to answer your questions! Call 937.275.7431 to speak with a Guest Services member.
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 and accept quarters only)
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 breastfeed my baby at the Museum?
A. Of course! For those who prefer privacy, the Museum offers a quiet room for families on the first floor. There are also numerous benches and seating arranged throughout the Museum for your convenience.
Make the Most of Your Visit
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 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. Arrive early for the main Museum experience, then be first in line to enjoy special traveling exhibitions.
Q. I am bringing very young children for our visit. Is there anything I should be aware of?
A. While the Museum offers interactive experiences for visitors of any age, families with young explorers may need a little advance planning to enjoy a few of our exhibits and programs! For example:
- Young children and others who are startled by loud noises or darkened rooms may choose to avoid Science Theater demonstrations, as controlled explosions and loud noises are part of some shows, and the lights are often lowered for effect.
- Like the Science Theater, our Planetarium is also dark, and some shows may have loud noises. In addition, there is no re-entry to the theater once the doors close, so we encourage families to stay together if a member of your group needs to leave a show.
- The Climbing Tower & Slide that is located in Science Central spans several floors. This busy, high-traffic area can be accessed independently from both the first and second floors, so it is recommended that grown-ups either: 1) accompany children up the tower and down the slide, or 2) bring more than one adult in order to supervise your child(ren)’s play from both levels.
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.
Other Common Questions
Q. Can I bring a camera or video camera to the Museum?
A. Yes. We encourage guests to capture the special moments they spend with their children at the Museum. Additionally, disposable cameras are available in the Discoveries Gift 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. I am a Boonshoft Museum member, but cannot find my membership card. Can I still visit the Museum?
A. Of course! 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. Reprints will be available to Members for a $5.00 charge.
Q. Are Group Rates available?
A. Group rates are available for groups of 10+, with prior arrangment. Due to staffing requirements, drop-in groups will still be required to pay regular admission rates at the front desk. Learn more about Weekday Group Tour Options and Weekend Advance Group Sales.
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 premises. 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.
