FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE THE MUSEUM HOURS?
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Discovery Center is currently closed but is reopening Tuesday, July 7, 2020. Learn more about reopening.
Sunday & Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday – Saturday: 10 a.m. tp 6 p.m.
WHAT UPDATES HAVE YOU MADE FOR REOPENING?
The Discovery Center has made quite a few updates in order to reopen safely. To learn more about our updated proceedures, please visit our
COVID-19 FAQs.
HOW MUCH IS ADMISSION? DO I HAVE TO PAY EXTRA TO SEE SPECIAL EXHIBITS?
All activities and exhibits are included with admission.
- $12 per person ages 1+
- $11 for seniors 65 and up
- Free for children under one and Members
HOW DO I PURCHASE A FORT BEND CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY CENTER MEMBERSHIP?
Memberships may be purchased
online or onsite Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
ARE FORT BEND CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY CENTER MEMBERSHIPS HONORED AT THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM HOUSTON IN THE MUSEUM DISTRICT?
Yes!
WHAT BENEFITS COME WITH THE FORT BEND CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY CENTER MEMBERSHIP?
- Unlimited FREE admission for designated number of people per visit for one full year.
- Members’ Express line during busy hours.
- Invitations to Members-Only Halloween and Holiday Parties hosted at the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center and more!
- To learn about different membership levels, please visit Memberships.
AS AN ADULT, CAN I VISIT WITHOUT A CHILD?
No. Children younger than 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. For the safety of our young visitors, adults unaccompanied by children will not be allowed admission into the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center.
WHY ARE WE CLOSED ON SUNDAYS AND MONDAYS?
Children’s Museum Houston operated for two summers in Sugar Land Town Square to learn how to best serve Fort Bend families. We found Sundays attendance to be extremely low. In fact, on some Sundays our staff were the only ones in the museum. On Mondays, we implement new programming and perform maintenance.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE MUSEUM?
We change our programming weekly, so any day is worth a visit. Usually, the least busy time to visit is between 2 and 5 p.m. Tuesday is our least busy day.
Please note, the Discovery Center will be operating at a 30% capacity as of July 7, 2020 with timed ticketed entry in place. Learn more
HOW DO YOU PREVENT THE SPREAD OF GERMS?
- COVID-19 related protocols can be found here.
- A full-time cleaning team consistently cleans the restrooms, galleries and all hands-on items every 30-60 min. throughout the Discovery Center with a bleach and water solution recommended for use by schools.
- The air in the building is circulated with fresh air to maintain clean air at all times.
- Signs are on display in admissions, information booth, and restroom mirrors and doors to remind visitors to wash their hands.
- Galleries which encourage children to get on the floor use antimicrobial carpet.
- School and organized groups are required to provide signed confirmation that no student on a tour is ill.*
- Deep cleaning takes place when we are closed.
- Staff is required to consistently wash their hands.
- Staff is provided with free flu shots before flu season begins.
*The Discovery Center is currently not accepting any school, summer or group visits through December 2020.
HOW DO YOU CLEAN TOT*SPOT?
Tot*Spot is currently closed. Learn more about our reopening updates here.
- There’s a full-time, dedicated Tot*Spot employee constantly cleaning.
- Surgical room shoe covers are required at all times on adult feet.
- Visitors are provided with “Dirty Toy Bags.”
- All toys are replaced every two hours with clean toys.
- All toys go through a process of deep cleaning in which they are disinfected and washed.
AT WHAT AGE CAN CHILDREN ENJOY THE DISCOVERY CENTER?
We serve children from birth to age 12 and their families. Each of our exhibits and activities has been designed to engage a broad range of children’s ages and interests. The Tot*Spot exhibit is limited to children younger than 35 months and their care providers to provide a safe environment for the little ones.
WHAT IS THERE TO DO FOR OLDER CHILDREN?
All of our exhibits and weekly updated activities are interactive experiences that cater to children of all ages. These are developed with the Texas Essential Knowledge Skills (TEKS), STEM, and national education standards in mind, which means children will be learning just by exploring all the Museum has to offer!
Each of our exhibits is aligned to Texas school standards (Texas Essential Knowledge Skills) for Kindergarten through 5th grades, with several linkages for what kids are studying in 3rd, 4th and 5th grades. Let us give you some ideas:
- Personal Financial Literacy – Visit Kidtropolis Wells Fargo Bank and determine where to put your savings. If you save $10 each month, will you earn more by using a piggy bank or a savings account with 5% interest? Can you calculate the difference for 5 years? 10 years?
- Scientific Investigation and Reasoning – At Science Station in How Does it Work, use the scientific inquiry method to complete an experiment. Be sure to ask questions, make inferences, and analyze patterns to arrive at your conclusion.
- Cultural Exploration – At Dragons & Fairies, use research skills to explore the Vietnamese culture by finding its geographic location, common produce, mode of transportation, and clues about daily life. Be sure to distinguish between fact and opinion!
- Economics and Citizenship – Get a job, such as a Veterinarian, Loan Services Manager, Forensics Expert, Sales Manager, Math Specialist or Reporter at one of our Kidtropolis businesses.
- Government – Listen to different arguments about the bully bill, sugar free candy, and wage increase at City Hall, and cast your vote for one or all three issues.
- Creativity – Create an artistic composition using mixed media and principles of design at Junktion or Art Academy.
- Innovation – Program a Dash Robot in How Does it Work to navigate a maze, and play a sound when it reaches the finish line. Can you repeat the sequence with a different sound?
WHERE DO I PARK?
Parking is available in the Imperial Market lot adjacent to the silos, and on Kempner Street. All parking is free.
MAY I BRING IN OUTSIDE FOOD? IS FOOD AVAILABLE AT THE MUSEUM?
No outside food is allowed, however light refreshments such as snacks and drinks are for sale.
CAN I DROP OFF MY CHILD FOR THE DAY AND LEAVE, OR DO I HAVE TO BE WITH MY CHILD ALL THE TIME?
Our exhibits and programs are designed for children and adults to enjoy together. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
WHEN IS THE OUTDOOR PLAY AREA OPENING?
Stay tuned for updates on an outdoor area. Currently, the City of Sugar Land requires that space should the need for emergency vehicles arise as the Imperial Market development continues expansion in the upcoming years.
WHY DOESN’T THE DISCOVERY CENTER USE WRISTBANDS TO IDENTIFY CHILDREN?
For the safety of our young visitors, we require parent supervision and involvement at all times. Wristbands cannot provide the same level of safety.
WHAT ARE THE SCHOOLS’ FIELD Experiences DESIGNATED HOURS?
School and summer visits are currently cancelled through the end of 2020 in order to promote social distancing. For more COVID-19 related updates, click here.
Field trips start at 10:15 a.m. Planning events for your Summer Camp or Tour? We’ll get you to rave reviews on your Summer Camp or youth group’s next visit! With hands-on action and fun, we’re packed with one-of-a-kind exhibits. Plan on spending two hours for a typical visit.
I'M COMING AS A CHAPERONE WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?
Chaperones must remain with the children for which they are responsible for the entire time. We ask all of our chaperones to be active participants with their children.
DO YOU PROVIDE DISCOUNTS FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES?
Please note, limited number of walk-up tickets are available. Online reservations are strongly encouraged. To learn how to make a reservation, click here.
Lone Star Card admission program allows general free admission for up to 6 individuals receiving TANF, SNAP and WIC benefits. Card holders must present their award letter for the current month or, the app on their phone with their expiration date, a recent receipt that shows that they are using their cards. The Lone Star Card holder of record must be present to gain admission WIC recipients may show their current shopping list or a store receipt that shows the date within the month that they’re visiting.
*Excludes school field trips and special events. Cannot be combined with any other offer.
I WORK OR (VOLUNTEER) AT A COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION THAT SERVES LOW-INCOME FAMILIES. HOW CAN THE ORGANIZATION PROVIDE THEM ACCESS TO THE FORT BEND CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY CENTER?
The organization staff can apply to have access through the Open Doors Program, that works with non-profit organizations which serve low-income families to ensure everyone can visit the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center at their convenience. There is no charge to become an Open Doors Partner.
For more information, please contact Tiffany Espinosa via email or at (713) 535-7240.
