Explore Science Museums Free with ASTC Membership

Y’all, I recently discovered an AMAZING program through the ASTC. We are members of Airlie Gardens here in Wilmington, NC – we enjoy walking through the gardens throughout the year to see flowers bloom and attend special events like the Summer Concert Series and Enchanted Airlie. Then I found out that with our membership, we can also get in free to science museums all across the United States!

The Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the understanding of and engagement with science and technology among all people.

Are you a member of a local science center or museum? If so, you might already have access to a fantastic travel perk: the ASTC Passport Program. Designed for curious minds and families on the go, this program gives members FREE general admission to hundreds of science museums and centers nationwide—beyond a 90‑mile radius of your home or home institution.

1. How It Works

• What is the ASTC Passport Program?
  A reciprocal admission initiative offered through ASTC member institutions. Once you’re a member of your local participating science center or museum, you’re eligible for free general admission to other institutions in the program—when traveling at least 90 miles away.
• Who’s eligible?
  Any individual whose membership is active at an ASTC-participating location. Simply present your membership card and proof of residence when visiting another center .
• What’s included?
  Standard admission—the general exhibits. However, planetarium shows, special exhibits, IMAX theaters, special events, and gift shop discounts are typically excluded unless noted by the venue.

2. NC Institutions That Participate

North Carolina has strong lineup of ASTC Passport Program venues (as of May–December 2025) including:

• Airlie Gardens, Wilmington (910) 798-7700 
• Asheville Museum of Science, Asheville (828) 254-7162 
• Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, Wilmington (910) 798-4370
• Catawba Science Center, Hickory (828) 322-8169
• Children’s Museum & Science Center, Imperial Centre for the Arts & Sciences, Rocky Mount (252) 972-1266
• Discovery Place Kids Huntersville, Huntersville (704) 286-8302 
• Discovery Place Kids Rockingham, Rockingham (910) 997-5266
• Discovery Place Science & IMAX, Charlotte (704) 286-8302 
• Hands On! Children’s Museum, Hendersonville (828) 697-8333
• Imagination Station Science and History Museum, Wilson (252) 291-5113
• Kaleideum, Winston-Salem (336) 767-6730
• Marbles Kids Museum, Raleigh (919) 834-4040 
• Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, Chapel Hill (919) 962-1236 
• Museum of Coastal Carolina and Ingram Planetarium, Ocean Isle Beach (910) 579-1016
• Museum of Life and Science, Durham (919) 220-5429 
• North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh (919) 707-9800
• North Carolina Transportation Museum, Spencer (704) 636-2889
• Port Discovery, Elizabeth City (252) 338-6117
• Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, Gastonia (704) 866-6900 
• Western North Carolina Nature Center, Asheville (828) 259-8080

Just be sure each venue is beyond 90 miles from both your home and the museum where you hold membership.

See the FULL nationwide list

3. The 90‑Mile Rule & How to Check It

• Why 90 miles?
  This radius rule prevents misuse of local memberships. It applies even if you live deep within the state
• How to measure?
  Use Google Maps “Measure distance” tool to check if your home (and home museum) sits at least 90 miles “as the crow flies” from the destination.

4. Visiting an ASTC Venue: Step-by-Step

1. Plan ahead – Download the latest full participant list (May 1–December 2025) from the ASTC Passport page and choose your travel destinations.
2. Check exclusions – Some exhibits, events, or venue-specific restrictions may apply.
3. Gather essentials – Bring your membership card and a valid photo ID or proof of residence. Staff may request them on entry.
4. Call ahead – Admission rules can vary. A quick call ensures a smooth visit.

5. Extra Perks for NC Families

N.C. Transportation Museum (Spencer): Members from other ASTC institutions traveling to this museum get free general admission and a complimentary train ride for up to four household members—special events excluded .

Catawba Science Center, Kaleideum, and Schiele Museum in Gastonia also offer free museum admission and the train ride benefit up to a four‑person household group.

6. Tips for Travel‑Savvy Explorers

• Always check the current participant list (twice yearly updates in March and September) astc.org.
• Some venues require separate tickets for shows—so call ahead.
• Consider day trips to nearby Passport locations—Chapel Hill, Durham, Raleigh, Winston‑Salem, Hickory, Spencer, Gastonia, Wilson, etc.

By tapping into the ASTC Passport, NC residents can discover new science, history, and innovation—without paying for admission. Happy exploring!