Museum FAQs & Policies
Curious about visiting the Sciencenter? Learn more about commonly asked questions.
Parking
We have free parking available, including two electric vehicle charging stations. We also have two bike racks that can accommodate up to twelve bicycles.
Where to enter the museum
There are two entrances to the Sciencenter. The 1st Street entrance is accessible from the parking lot. The Franklin Street entrance is great for those arriving on foot or by school bus.
Food and Drink
Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drink to enjoy in our Community Room during their visit. We also have a vending machine and water fountains available.
Please note that food and drink are not permitted in the museum galleries.
Restrooms
There are restrooms located on both floors of the museum. Changing tables are available in all of our restrooms. See the museum map for restroom locations.
Service Animals and Pets
Service animals are welcome at the museum. Upon arrival, please inform the Front Desk if a service animal will accompany you.
Non-service and emotional support animals are not allowed.
Nursing Mothers
Nursing mothers are welcome to breastfeed anywhere in the museum. We also have a private nursing room available. Please inquire at the front desk.
Sciencenter Store
Our store is the perfect place to take home something to remember your visit, or to find a unique gift for someone special. Our store offers an engaging and entertaining selection of books, kits, toys, stuffed animals and puzzles to delight children of all ages.
The museum store is open to the public during regular museum hours, no admission is necessary to shop!
Outdoor
Our Science Park, Curiosity Playground, and mini-golf are open seasonally, weather permitting. Mini-golf is not included with Sciencenter admission. The Sagan Planet Walk, our walking tour of the solar system, is open year-round.
General Rules
- The Sciencenter is a Smoke Free and Tobacco Free Zone.
- We ask that all visitors wear shoes and shirts while at the Sciencenter.
Visitor Expectations
The Sciencenter is committed to providing a safe and fun environment. We ask that visitors adhere to our Code of Conduct to create a positive and inclusive experience for all.
Use kind words:
- Avoid any language or behaviors that may negatively impact the experience of fellow guests and/or staff.
- Be respectful of museum spaces and exhibits: Use exhibit parts as designed, and keep materials in their designated areas.
The following behaviors are not allowed at the Sciencenter:
- Offensive, abusive, threatening or violent language/behavior.
- Possession of weapons of any kind.
- Smoking, vaping, and use of tobacco or cannabis.
- Eating or drinking in the museum galleries.
- Bringing pets, with the exception of service animals.
- Visiting when sick.
Failure to comply with Sciencenter’s Visitor Code of Conduct may result in being asked to leave the museum.
Sick Policy
If you or your child have a fever or are too sick to go to work or school, then you are too sick to visit the museum.
The following guidelines are more specific and we request that visitors with these symptoms not visit the museum:
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath
- Flu
- Conjunctivitis or “pink eye” infection
- Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Common Cold
- Impetigo
- Lice
- Strep Throat (child must be on antibiotics for 48 hours before coming to the museum.)
- Any of the following contagious diseases: measles, mumps, rubella, roseola, and chickenpox.
You may be asked to leave if presenting symptoms.
Contact Us
Please contact our Guest Relations team with any other questions: 607-272-0600 x0
Inclusion and Personal Safety
The Sciencenter is an inclusive organization that values diversity. We aspire to be an environment for our guests and our team where diversity is understood, recognized, respected, and celebrated. As a trusted community resource, we strive to be a welcoming place for everyone regardless of gender, age, race, religious background, language, socio-economic status, ability, sexual orientation, or ethnicity.
Please let the Front Desk staff know if you have any concerns.
Photos & Video
Visitors can take photos and videos at the Sciencenter for personal use. However, tripods are not allowed for safety reasons. Share your experience on social media by tagging @sciencenter, but please be respectful and considerate of others’ privacy.
We reserve the right to take photos or videos of visitors on our premises for promotional purposes. A member of our team will request verbal consent before capturing any photos or videos of you or your child. Please notify our Front Desk upon arrival if you’d rather not be photographed or recorded.
For media inquiries or special requests, such as student projects, please contact our Marketing and Communications Manager, Cydney Wixon, at cwixon@sciencenter.org.