
Membership Questions
Have a question about Membership? We're here to help! Membership gives you unlimited visits to explore 165+ hands-on exhibits — plus other great perks. See our Membership FAQs below!
Unlock a year of wonder! With a Connecticut Science Center Membership, you’ll enjoy unlimited admission, flat-rate parking, exclusive discounts, express entry, and other VIP perks — all year long. Have a question? See below for some of our most frequently asked questions about Membership!
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About Your Membership
What’s included?
Enjoy unlimited museum visits for everyone covered by your membership for a full year. In addition, you will also enjoy all the fabulous benefits as outlined on our member benefits page. Because benefits evolve, you automatically receive any new perk added while your membership is active.
How do the different membership levels work?
Pick the level that matches the total number of people (ages 3+) you would typically bring with you when you come. Kids 2 and under are always free, so you don’t need to count them. An “Individual” pass covers only one named adult (18+); all other levels are flexible mixes of adults and children as long as one of the named cardholders is present.
What are the “named cardholders” and who can they be?
The primary named cardholder is the individual who purchased the membership. For 2-person and higher membership levels, you may designate one additional cardholder (18+). To use the membership or access its benefits, at least one named cardholder must be present with a valid photo ID.
Guests who are not named cardholders may still visit as part of your membership headcount, if a cardholder is present. Please note: memberships may not be shared between households or friends. Doing so may result in suspension or loss of membership privileges.
What about kids?
Children aren’t named on the membership; they simply enter with a named cardholder and count toward the total number of people your level allows.
Can I swap cardholders or guests in and out?
The primary named cardholder is permanent and cannot be changed. They are also the only person authorized to make updates to the membership. The secondary cardholder may be updated once per membership cycle.
As long as one named cardholder is present with a valid photo ID, you are welcome to bring any combination of guests, up to the total number included in your membership level.
Can I bring guests with my membership?
While we don’t offer separate guest passes at this time, you’re welcome to bring friends using any available spots included in your membership level when you visit. If your group exceeds the number covered by your membership, additional guests can simply purchase general admission tickets to join you.
How does the Caregiver option work?
Select membership levels allow you to add one additional adult (18+) caregiver—perfect for a grandparent, nanny, or au pair. This doesn’t increase the number of people included in your membership; it simply allows the caregiver to visit with your children even when you’re not present. In effect, it functions as a third named cardholder. Only one caregiver can be designated at a time, and the caregiver’s name may be changed once per membership cycle.
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Using Your Membership
Forgot—or never got—your membership card?
Your membership card is digital and always accessible. You can easily add your digital membership card to your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet for quick access when you arrive. If you ever need to re-download or view your card again, simply log in to your account using your member credentials and select “Member ID Card” under your account.
Can I hand my card to someone else?No—one of the named cardholders must be present (with photo ID) for the membership or any perks to be used. Consider the Caregiver option if another adult regularly brings your kids.
Do I get into other museums?Yes! Connecticut Science Center members enjoy reciprocal admission through the ASTC Passport Program, granting free or reduced-price admission to hundreds of museums and science centers nationwide—just be sure the location is 90+ miles from both your home and the Connecticut Science Center. Members also receive special regional reciprocal perks throughout the year, more details on those can be found on the Member Benefits page.
Does my membership work for school field trips or birthday parties?No, membership does not apply to field trips or party packages. Field trip and party packages are booked separately by the event organizer and include special programming and discounted group rates. As a result, these offerings fall outside the scope of standard admission and are not eligible for membership benefits.
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Buying a Membership
Can I give a membership as a gift?
Yes—science makes a great present! Head on over to our Gift of Membership page to get started. You can also do this by phone, or here at the ticket counter.
Can the gift start at a later date?
Memberships become active right after purchase so you can start enjoying your benefits immediately. If you're giving a membership as a gift, you can choose a start date up to 30 days later—or by December 31 for purchases made in December. To schedule a specific start date, just call the Membership Office within 24 hours of purchase.
Can I apply today’s ticket admission toward a membership?
Yes—as long as you upgrade before you leave, we’ll apply the cost of today’s General Admission tickets—up to the membership level—toward your purchase. Please note that add-ons aren’t eligible for credit, and we can only apply one receipt or transaction toward the upgrade.
Are memberships refundable or transferable?
They’re non-refundable and stay in your name for the full year. If you move, simply enjoy reciprocal perks at your new local science centers!
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Updating Your Membership After Purchase
Want to upgrade?
Pay the difference any time—onsite or by phone. The higher-level lasts until your current expiration date (upgrades do not extend your membership).
Want to downgrade?Not possible mid-year, but you can renew at a lower level when your current membership expires.
Need to pause?Memberships run continuously for one year; they can’t be frozen.
Need to renew early?Go ahead! Your new term will begin immediately the day after your current one ends.
Need to add a newly-turned-3-year-old?If your child has just turned 3, upgrading your membership to include them will likely save you money, especially if you plan to visit a few more times before renewal. Otherwise, purchasing individual day tickets for them until it’s time to renew may be more cost-effective.
Need to change the name of a cardholder?The primary named cardholder is permanent and cannot be changed. The secondary cardholder may be updated once per membership cycle.
Need to change the name of a caregiver?Only one caregiver can be designated at a time, and the caregiver’s name may be changed once per membership cycle.
Need to update your address?Simply log in to your account using your member credentials and select “Membership Information” under your account. You can also call the Membership Office.
Want to give your membership to someone else?Unfortunately, memberships are non-transferable and can’t be re-gifted or assigned to someone else after purchase. They’re intended for use only by the individuals originally named on the account.
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Perks & Extras
How does the $5 parking work in the garage?
Science Center members enjoy a special flat parking rate of just $5 in the Science Center parking garage. To receive this discount, present your membership at the Ticketing Counter to obtain a validation sticker.
Please note: discounted parking is valid only with same-day admission during the Science Center’s regular operating hours. Parking outside of these hours or without valid admission will be charged at the standard garage rates. Misuse of this benefit may result in cancellation of membership without a refund.
What if your parking garage is full?If the Science Center garage is full, ProPark staff will direct you to the Convention Center garage across the street, which will honor the member parking discount. Please note: this discount only applies when you are specifically directed there by ProPark. Parking there on your own will result in standard rates. Other nearby garages are not affiliated with the Science Center and regular rates will apply.
How do reciprocal perks work?Connecticut Science Center members enjoy reciprocal admission through the ASTC Passport Program, granting free or reduced-price admission to hundreds of museums and science centers nationwide—just be sure the location is 90+ miles from both your home and the Connecticut Science Center. Members also receive special regional reciprocal perks throughout the year, more details on those can be found on the Member Benefits page.
Just joined—can I use this month’s reciprocal deal?Yes! Your membership and associated benefits start right away. Add your digital membership card to your Apple or Google wallet and start enjoying the perks.
What special events come with membership?Most events are included with your membership, and many others are offered at a special discounted rate. Each event listing will clearly indicate whether it's free for members or available at a member discount.
Is my purchase tax-deductible?Yes! Your full membership purchase supports our 501(c)(3) nonprofit mission. Be sure to keep your confirmation page or email—it serves as your receipt for tax purposes.
My company is part of your Corporate Rewards program—am I automatically a member?No, participation in our Corporate Rewards program may include perks like discounted tickets for employees, but it does not make you a member. To enjoy full membership benefits, including exclusive events and reciprocal admission, you’ll need to purchase a personal membership.
Membership Benefits Terms and Conditions
Please note that all listed membership benefits are subject to change at any time, without prior notice. While the benefits outlined are currently being offered, they are not guaranteed for the whole duration of your membership.
We are committed to providing our Members with a robust and valuable benefits package. When changes are necessary, we will make every effort to introduce new benefits in place of any that are removed. However, compensation of any kind will not be provided for benefits that are altered, revoked, or discontinued.
Membership Office
Monday-Friday, 9AM-4PM
(860) 520-2160
membership@ctsciencecenter.org
Contact Us
Membership means more than unlimited visits — it’s a full year of hands-on discovery, imagination, and unforgettable family fun. Enjoy unlimited general admission, local partner reciprocals, flat-rate parking, and early access to special exhibits, all while supporting science education and curiosity in young minds. Our team is here to assist with any questions you may have.