Catawba Science Center members enjoy free or discounted general admission to more than 380 science centers around the world through the Association of Science and Technology Center’s (ASTC) Passport Program and more than 180 museums across the southeast through the Southeastern Reciprocal Membership Program (SERM). Please note that benefits vary by location and exclusions may apply. See below for more detail.
Before you Travel Tips
- Check for exclusions. Make sure the science center or museum you are visiting is NOT located within 90 miles of Catawba Science Center. This distance is measured as a linear radius, not a driving distance. You can check the linear distance on Google Maps by following these instructions.
- Plan ahead. Make sure to review the family admittance policy of the venue that you intend to visit. Call before you visit to confirm your Passport Program benefits.
- Pack your ID (or other proof of residence). Admissions staff reserve the right to request proof of residence for benefits to apply. Passport Program venues requesting proof of residence are marked by "Proof of Residence Required".
- Pack your membership card. Passport Program venues are not required to grant benefits to visitors who forget their cards. There is no universal database with all Passport visitors’ member data for admission staff to reference. Some venues will allow you to call your home institution to confirm your membership, but they are under no obligation to do so.
Nearby Centers
While the ASTC Passport Program allows organizations to exclude members of other institutions within a 90-mile radius, CSC has separate reciprocity agreements with the following institutions...
- Kaleideum | Winston-Salem, NC | Free general admission for CSC members (2 adults and children under 19 residing in the same household).
- NC Transportation Museum | Spencer, NC | Free general admission and train ride for CSC members (For immediate family members residing in the same household; limit 4). Excludes premium and special events. Train rides are available on select days.
- Schiele Museum of Natural History | Gastonia, NC | Free general admission for CSC members (2 adults named on card and up to four children under 18 living in same household). Planetarium, farm, classes, and special events are excluded.
- WNC Nature Center | Asheville, NC | Free general admission for 2 adult CSC members (Named on card; must be present a valid photo ID) and up to 6 children or grandchildren (17 or younger, in same household). Excludes field trips.
- KidSenses Children’s INTERACTIVE Museum | Rutherfordton, NC | Free general admission for CSC members.
ASTC Passport Program Exclusions
The following locations are listed on the ASTC Passport Program list but fall inside of the 90-mile radius requirement. CSC does not have reciprocity agreements with the following institutions...
- Asheville Museum of Science(AMOS) | Asheville, NC | CSC members do NOT receive free admission.
- Discovery Place (All Locations) | Charlotte, Huntersville, Rockingham, NC | CSC members do NOT receive free admission.
Heading Out of Town?
Plan a trip out of town? Check out the following science centers or museums that are part of the ASTC Passport Program participants in North Carolina...
- Arlie Gardens | Wilmington, NC | Free admission for 2 adults and accompanying children under 18.
- Cape Fear Museum of History and Science | Wilmington, NC | Free admission for grandparents, parents, and children (under 18) in the same family or household.
- Children's Museum & Science Center, Imperial Centre for the Arts & Sciences | Rocky Mount | Free admission for 2 adults and minor children living in the same household, or 2 grandparents and up to 4 minor grandchildren.
- Hands On! Children's Museum | Hendersonville, NC | Free admission for CSC Members.
- Imagination Station Science and History Museum | Wilson, NC | Free admission for 2 adults and 4 children under 18.
- Marbles Kids Museum | Raleigh, NC | Free admission for up to 4 people (children and adults). One adult listed on the membership card must be present with photo ID.
- Morehead Planetarium and Science Center | Chapel Hill, NC | Passport visitors receive buy-one, get-one pricing for museum or museum + planetarium show tickets for regularly scheduled shows. Max of 8 total tickets (4 free).
- Museum of Coastal Carolina and Ingram Planetarium | Ocean Isle Beach, NC | Free general admission for up to 2 adults and 4 children; planetarium shows are excluded. At least one adult must be named on membership card. Photo ID required.
- Museum of Life and Science | Durham, NC | Free admission for up to four people (children or adult). One adult listed on the membership card must be present with photo ID.
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences | Raleigh, NC | 2 adults in the household and their minor children or grandchildren. Museum is free; Passport visitors receive a 50% discount on admission to the special exhibits gallery and 10% discount in Museum Stores.
Beyond North Carolina
Click below for the full list of ASTC Passport Program participants of more than 380 science centers around the world or view the Southeastern Reciprocal Membership Program (SERM) list of more than 180 museums across the southeast...
