Membership at the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry gives families an affordable opportunity to enjoy a world of play through our exhibits and programs. Our Family Membership pays for itself in just 2 – 3 visits! Buy now and enjoy a year of discovering the power of play!
Please note: CML Membership prices are increasing in 2020! Purchase your membership in December to save!
10% CML retail discount – Discounts on camps, parties & classes – Early registration for CML events
1 year general admission – Subscription to CML newsletter – $15 off SC Aquarium Membership – 10% off WonderWorks purchases
Giving the gift of membership? It keeps giving all year long! Scroll down to check out our Gift Membership FAQ!
In addition to gift memberships, CML also offers gift certificates that can be used for admission, membership, classes and birthday parties. These gift certificates come in any amount and can be purchased over the phone, then mailed to either you or directly to the gift recipient. To purchase a gift certificate, contact Kayla at 843.278.5285 or kayla@exploreCML.org
Additional benefits are associated with different levels. Choose the membership level that is right for your family! You may upgrade your membership level at any time.
Donor Level Memberships | Start at $250
Did you know? CML is a non-profit, independent 501(c)(3) organization that relies on generous donors to support our innovative programming, exhibit improvements and vital community outreach. Only 53% of CML’s operating costs are covered by membership and admission. Please consider one of the Donor Level Memberships or include CML in your annual giving plans.
As a Donor Level Member, you will enjoy enhanced membership benefits and invitations to special events, while also providing philanthropic support to the Museum. Find the level that best suits you!
You can upgrade your membership to a donor level at any time. Donor Level Membership benefits (such as event tickets) may be donated back to CML for increased tax-deductible value.
Donor Level: $250 +
Enjoy all of the benefits of the Family Plus Membership with the following additional benefits:
– 4 additional complimentary individual one-day digital guest passes for admission (8 guest passes total; $80 value)
– 2 tickets to your choice of CML’s annual events, including the PAC-sponsored family event ($50 value)
– 15% discount on camps, birthday parties and classes
– Tax deductible contribution
– Recognition in CML’s Annual Report
– Invitation to join CML’s Play Ambassador Council
CML Leadership Circle: $2,500+
As a member of CML’s Leadership Circle, you will enjoy all of the above listed benefits as well as special recognition in our Annual Report and on our Donor Wall in the Museum.
To join CML’s Leadership Circle, please contact Jacquie Berger, Director of Development, at 843.853.8962 x238 or jacquie@exploreCML.org.
Family Plus Membership | $125 / 1 year
The children of one household and two named adults
– Includes ONE CAREGIVER PASS for an unnamed adult to accompany your children to CML ($40 value)
– Includes 4 complimentary individual one-day digital guest passes for admission ($40 value)
– Includes ACM reciprocal benefits*
Family Membership | $95 / 1 year
The children of one household and two named adults
– Includes 4 complimentary individual one-day digital guest passes for admission ($40 value)
Grandparent Membership | $75 / 1 year
Two named grandparents and all of their grandchildren
– Includes 2 complimentary individual one-day digital guest passes for admission ($20 value)
Just Us Two Membership | $65 / 1 year
One named adult and one named child
Warm Welcome Membership | $9.50
Our annual Warm Welcome Memberships have the same benefits as our Family Memberships. The $9.50 membership fee provides a 90% savings off the cost of an annual $95 Family Membership. This discount is made possible in part by the George and Anne Seignious Warm Welcome Fund.
We accept EBT, SNAP, WIC, and free/reduced lunch/breakfast as forms of eligibility for Warm Welcome Memberships.
Caregiver Pass | $40/year
You may add a Caregiver Pass to your membership for $40/year. The pass can be added to any Membership Level and grants admission for one additional unnamed adult per visit. The Caregiver Pass must be presented at CML when being used without a Member present. To add this pass, choose your membership level above and add the Caregiver Pass to your purchase on the next screen. If you already have an active membership and would like to add a Caregiver Pass, please call Kayla Sewell at 843.853.8962 ext. 225.
Why should I consider becoming and museum member?
Museum members receive unlimited free admission to CML all year long. Members also receive a variety of benefits including: Discounts on birthday parties and camps, early enrollment in camps and exclusive invitations to preview new exhibits.
In addition, the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry strives to provide a safe and stimulating environment for children of all backgrounds to spark imagination and curiosity through the power of PLAY.
CML also works to address specific needs within the Lowcountry community by partnering with area organizations to develop targeted programs that, for example, combat childhood obesity, teach teenage mothers important parenting skills and encourage children from low-income families to think about their futures as they realize their individual strengths.
When will I receive my membership cards?
Your new membership packet and membership cards will be available at the front desk upon your first visit to CML.
Do all the members of our family receive membership cards?
For all membership levels, all named adults will receive cards.
Can my children visit the Museum with a family caregiver?
Family Plus members are allowed one unnamed Caregiver Pass which can apply to a caregiver, grandparent or friend. Family Plus guests must present their cards at each visit.
All other caregivers or guests attending the Museum with the member children must pay regular admission.
Do I need to check in when visiting the Museum?
All visitors, including members, need to check in upon arrival. Members are asked to show their membership cards or photo IDs and will receive admission stickers for each visit.
What if I don’t have my card?
Simply present your photo ID at check-in if you do not have your card. If you have lost your membership card, please let us know so we can assign a new card to you.
Can I use my membership card for field trips?
Museum and reciprocal memberships are not applicable for free admission when associated with a group visit.
May I loan my membership card to a family or a friend?
Membership cards are not transferable and can only be used by adults and children listed on your membership.
Can I upgrade my membership to a different level?
Yes, the cost to upgrade is the difference in what you paid for your membership and the new category price. There is no proration for upgrades.
How does a Caregiver Pass work?
A Caregiver Pass allows one additional adult admission to CML. Caregiver Passes are only valid when accompanying the children listed on the membership. The named adults on the membership do not need to be present.
Family Plus and Donor Level Members receive ONE Caregiver Pass with their memberships. A Caregiver Pass can be added to any level at any time during the membership term.
Do you offer any discounts on membership?
We extend a 10% discount to military personnel and educators.
Present your active SC Aquarium membership card at the front desk to receive $15 off the purchase of a Children’s Museum membership. Please note that membership discounts cannot be applied to online membership purchases.
Is my membership tax-deductible?
The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. A portion of your donor-level membership is tax-deductible. Please consult your tax advisor for details about membership-fee tax deductions.
How can I receive the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry monthly e-newsletter?
Please contact the Museum and request that you be added to our mailing list at community@exploreCML.org
I can’t afford a membership. What can I do?
– All Day, Any Day for $1: show your EBT, WIC, or SNAP Card to receive one day admission for up to 6 people for just $1!
– Anytime, All Year Long for $9.50: families with EBT/SNAP, free/reduced lunch or WIC are eligible to receive unlimited museum admission and special discounts for one year for just $9.50! To learn more, click here.
– Come for Free! any Charleston County resident can check out a membership card at a local library branch to receive unlimited admission for up to 6 people in the same household for one week!
How do I purchase a membership as a gift?
How do I redeem my one-time-use guest passes?
At least one member associated with your membership must be present during guest check-in. Simply provide your photo ID or membership card and mention how many guest passes you would like to redeem. Your membership account will be updated to reflect how many guest passes you have remaining. Guest passes expire one year from the month issued. They are non-replaceable.
Did You Know?
CML is a non-profit, independent 501(c)(3) organization that relies on generous donors to support our innovative programming, exhibit improvements and vital community outreach. Only 53% of CML’s operating costs are covered by membership and admission. Please consider one of the Donor Level Memberships or include CML in your annual giving plans. The Museum also has many corporate memberships and sponsorship opportunities.
For more information on corporate memberships and sponsorship opportunities, contact Jacquie Berger, at 843.853.8962 x238 or jacquie@exploreCML.org.
Kayla Sewell, Development Associate
843.278.5285