Become a Member

Be a part of something significant when you join our Museum community. Find out all the benefits below, or start building your membership today!

GIFT MEMBERSHIPS

Give the Gift of Membership to Discovery Place!

Share the joy of learning and exploration with your loved ones with a Gift of Membership to any of our Museums!

Now is the Best Time To Become a Member

Members provide vital support that creates exceptional educational experiences for local students, subsidizes free educational programs for our community and cares for the over 300 animal species which live at Discovery Place Science and Discovery Place Nature. Join us as we work to provide STEM learning for our community and chart a new course forward.

Membership Has Its Benefits

Discovery Place Members enjoy exclusive Members-only access, innovative programs and scientifically-proven fun, all at the highest health and safety standards. Enjoy scientifically proven fun all year long while supporting one of Charlotte’s most beloved non-profit educational institutions.

Free Admission

Unlimited admission to the Museums(s) you choose for those on your Membership.

*Individual Memberships provide admission for only one named adult and no children.

Discounts & Exclusive Events

  • Discounted *IMAX documentary film tickets
  • Invitations to Members-only events
  • Exclusive pre-sale access to Summer Camps and special programs
  • Discounted Birthday Parties and Summer Camps (Family Memberships only)
  • Discounts in Museum stores and café (where applicable)
  • Discounted admission for guests (25% off general admission tickets)
  • **Discounted parking at Discovery Place Science with purchase of a Family or Helix Society Membership (parking is free at Discovery Place Kids)

*Member IMAX ticket discount excludes feature-length films
**Discounts and benefits apply only at the Museums listed on your Membership.

MEMBERSHIP EXCLUSIVE

Early Museum Access

Discovery Place Members may arrive and enjoy the *Museum(s) up to one hour before opening to the general public.

*Early access to the Museum(s) is included in your Membership package. Early access varies by location and is subject to change.

Discovery Place Science

Saturday-Sunday
9:30-10:30 a.m.

Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville

Tuesday-Sunday

8:30-9:30 a.m.

Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham

Tuesday-Sunday

9:30-10:30 a.m.

Build Your Membership

Join one or all three Museums and start enjoying the benefits today.

MEMBERSHIP LEVELS

Discovery Place Science

*Children are ages 18 and under 
**$20 discounts available for Educators, Seniors, and Military with proof of eligibility 
***$75 Family Membership and $150 Helix Society available for NC & SC families receiving EBT/WIC benefits

MEMBERSHIP LEVELS

Discovery Place Kids Huntersville

*Educators, Military, and Seniors get a $20 discount on all memberships.
**$75 Family Membership and $150 Helix Society available for NC & SC families receiving EBT/WIC benefits 

MEMBERSHIP LEVELS

Discovery Place Kids Rockingham

*Children are ages 18 and under 
**$30 discounts available for Educators, Seniors and Military with proof of eligibility at Discovery Place Kids Rockingham 
***$75 Family Membership and $150 Helix Society available for NC & SC families receiving EBT/WIC benefits

Please note that Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham is temporarily closed for renovations and will reopen in Spring 2024. All Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham Members active during this time will receive a term extension so that no benefit will be lost. Please contact Members@discoveryplace.org with any questions.

Child playing at Discovery Place Kids

Access to Science Museums Around the Country

Join the Helix Society or the (new) Science + Huntersville Family Membership and receive free or discounted admission to more than 360 institutions participating in the ASTC Passport Program nationwide. Visit astc.org/passport for a complete list of participating centers.

  • Admission is based on the admittance policies of the participating museums.
  • Only general admission to participating museums is included. This may not include special exhibits, planetarium shows, large-screen theater presentations, simulator rides, store discounts or other discounts associated with museum membership.
  • Science centers and museums located within 90 miles of your home museum or home residence (“as the crow flies”) are excluded from the ASTC Passport program benefits.
  • Proof of active Membership and photo ID or proof of residence is required.

Due to regulations set by ASTC, the governing body of our reciprocal program, we do not offer free admission for Members to the museums below. This restriction is in place because of their proximity to Discovery Place. We appreciate your understanding as we comply with these guidelines.

North Carolina

  • Catawba Science Center
  • Greensboro Science Center
  • Kaleideum North
  • North Carolina Transportation Museum Foundation
  • Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium

South Carolina

  • Roper Mountain Science Center

Visitors using their ASTC Passport benefits to Discovery Place Science can enjoy complimentary General Admission for two named adults and up to six children 18 or younger. Distance exclusion may apply. Proof of active membership at a participating museum and proof of residence is required. Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville & Rockingham are NOT included in the ASTC Passport Program. Contact members@discoveryplace.org for more info.

Helix Society Membership

The Helix Society provides access to everything Discovery Place has to offer:  two guest passes, admission to all of our Museums, invitations to private events, all for $300.  Enjoy reciprocal benefits at over 300 Museums nationwide through the ASTC Passport Program.  Join today! 

Looking for ways to save?

All Military, Senior and certified PreK-12 and homeschool educators to children seven years and older in North or South Carolina qualify for special discounts that can be applied to your Museum admission.

All you will need to provide is:

  • For Educators: A copy of a valid North or South Carolina teaching license or homeschool certificate is required

General FAQs

Gift Membership FAQs