about cml
The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to engage young children’s potential by inviting families of all backgrounds to explore environments and experiences that spark imagination and stimulate curiosity through the power of PLAY.
The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to engage young children’s potential by inviting families of all backgrounds to explore environments and experiences that spark imagination and stimulate curiosity through the power of PLAY.
Admission
Admission to the Museum is free for children under 12-months-old, $13 for SC Residents and $15 for non-SC Residents. Your admission grants you access in and out of the Museum all day.
Military personnel and educators, along with their families, receive 10% off CML Memberships and Admission. A valid military ID or educator employer ID must be presented to receive the discount.
Please Note:
– Adults must remain with their children at all times.
– Groups receive discounted admission only when they reserve their space in advance with Katrina, at 843.853.8962 x231.
– We all love our pets, but CML is only able to welcome trained service animals to the museum.
Hint: Everyone can PLAY at the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry:
To learn more, click here.
Accessibility
Restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Service animals are welcome.
CML is typically quieter during school weekday afternoons. The Kids’ Garden is usually a quiet spot and has picnic tables.
CML is open before hours from 10:00am – 12:00pm on the second and fourth Sundays of every month for children with special needs and their families to visit the Museum for FREE. Children are able to explore and PLAY in the Museum without the crowds and over-stimulation. For more information, visit the SuperStars page.
We have an app made just for visiting the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry! The app, ExploreCML, is designed specifically for children with autism and their families, but may be useful to all families! The app includes photos and social guides to show what to expect in each exhibit, a scheduler to plan your time in the Museum, communication tools and more.
Hungry?
CML offers a variety of snacks and drinks to cure those mid-morning and mid-afternoon cravings.
Hint: You can always pack a lunch and eat outside at a picnic table in the CML Garden! There are also a number of delicious restaurants within walking distance.
Your Comfortable Clothes
CML hosts a full Art Room and many interactive rooms. While we have smocks and our paint is washable, you may want to leave your Sunday’s best at home…
Museum Photography and Videography Policy
CML routinely takes images and video for use by new media as well as in marketing and promotional materials and on CML’s web and social media platforms. Please be advised that promotional images, video, and audio may be captured during your visit to the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry. Entrance to the Museum constitutes acceptance of this policy. If your likeness cannot be used for CML promotional purposes, please alert the CML Front Desk staff upon arrival.
Group Visits
Perfect for play dates or field trips! For a discounted rate, schedule your group visit of 15 more more in advance here. A credit card is needed to hold your reservation. A 1:5 grown-up to child ratio is required. Questions? Contact Katrina at 843.853.8962 x231.
WHERE TO PARK
The City provides a number of metered parking spaces around the Museum for $2/hour. No cash, no worries! There is an ATM located across the street from the Museum. We also accept all major credit cards.
Hint: The meters accept change or credit card for up to two hours at a time – and the meter maids around town take their jobs very seriously!
The Visitor’s Center Parking Garage and the Camden/Exchange Parking Garage are located near the Museum. The garages cost $2.00/hour and accept cash and credit cards.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU GET HERE
The Museum has nine hands-on interactives that are sure to keep you and your family entertained for hours. The museum is self-guided and encourages family interaction and imagination.
Hint: We suggest starting in the Art Room, that way all masterpieces can dry before it is time to go home.
Hint: Look for themed books in each interactive – perfect for quiet time!
Give the gift of play! It keeps giving all year long!
Membership Gift Certificate
You can purchase an active membership as a gift! To do so, choose your preferred membership level on the membership page and click the “Buy Now” button below. On the registration page, be sure to check the box “This membership is a gift,” located at the top of the registration form.
Once your gift transaction is complete, you will be emailed a receipt with the gift certificate attached. You can then either print out the gift certificate to gift or forward your email receipt with the gift certificate to the gift recipient.
General Gift Certificate
In addition to gift memberships, CML also offers general gift certificates that can be used for admission, membership, classes and birthday parties. Buy one online for a set price (good for tickets or any other purchase) or contact Katrina for a custom amount at 843.853.8962 ext. 231 or katrina@exploreCML.org. While the “Buy…” link below has membership language, this link is for a general gift card, valid for 1 year from date of purchase.
Once your gift transaction is complete, you will be emailed a receipt with the gift certificate attached. You can then either print out the gift certificate to gift or forward your email receipt with the gift certificate to the gift recipient.
Questions?
Please contact Visitor Services
843.853.8962 ext. 270
community@explorecml.org