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Membership FAQs

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  1. I see that NYSCI has new membership categories and benefits. I have one of the old categories. How will the changes affect me?
  2. Why do some categories receive free admission to museums that belong to the Association of Children’s Museums, while others do not?
  3. I belong to one of the older categories. Is there any way I can take advantage of the ACM discount now?
  4. What about local museums?
  5. I am a senior citizen and am concerned about losing the parking benefit with the new Pass level membership.
  6. What about existing Donor members?
  7. What are the membership policies regarding visitation, children and caregivers?
  8. May I bring guests for free with my membership?
  9. May I use guest passes at another museum?
  10. Can I upgrade my membership to a higher level?
  11. If I join at the museum, will my ticket price for the day be applied to the cost of the membership?
  12. What do I do if I lose my membership card?
  13. Can I use my membership card to visit as part of a field trip group?

 

  1. I see that NYSCI has new membership categories and benefits. I have one of the old categories. How will the changes affect me?
    Members who belong to an old category (like Family, Family Plus, Individual, Donor or Senior) will have their benefits “grandfathered”. For example, they will park for free until their current membership expires. They will also continue to receive discounts on NYSCI programs like Rocket Park Mini Golf and the Science Shop. As a courtesy, we’ve also extended free coat check to all “grandfathered” members for the 2010-2011 winter season.
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  2. Why do some categories receive free admission to museums that belong to the Association of Children’s Museums, while others do not?
    It is a requirement of the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) that only members in categories with dues of $100 or more for a one-year membership may enjoy free reciprocal admission to ACM museums. All NYSCI members may visit museums that belong to the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC). As always, each museum has its own admission policy, so it’s good to call ahead.
    ACM museums (external link)
    ASTC museums (doc)
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  3. I belong to one of the older categories. Is there any way I can take advantage of the ACM discount now?
    Yes. If you currently belong to Family Plus or Donor, you may begin using the benefit right away. Stop by the membership desk to pick up your sticker. For Family, Corporate Plus, and Senior memberships, you can upgrade to a Premium level membership that includes ACM admission, plus many more benefits.
    Family Memberships >
    Senior Memberships >
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  4. What about local museums?
    If an ASTC museum is included on this list (pdf), you may use your reciprocal benefits to visit them. In our local area, Premium members may bring 1 adult and 1 child to ACM museums. Nationally, most ACM institutions admit 2 adults and 2 children. It’s always best to check before visiting participating museums (external link). Only membership cards that display an ACM logo are eligible for free ACM reciprocal admission. Check if your membership category is eligible on the Summary of Benefits chart (pdf).
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  5. I am a senior citizen and am concerned about losing the parking benefit with the new Pass level membership.
    Both Senior Pass and Senior Premium members enjoy free parking at NYSCI.
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  6. What about existing Donor members?
    Donors will continue to receive admission for ten people of any age, until their current membership expires. The new Extended Family category has slightly different benefits: admission will be given to two adults, six children and two guests. In other words, a maximum of four adults and six children may visit with an Extended Family membership. Guest passes may be used for extra adults.
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  7. What are the Membership Policies regarding Visitation, Children and Caregivers?


    Visitation At least one adult covered by the membership must be present for any member visit. The member must provide proof of identity such as a valid driver's license or other photo identification at the point of admission, along with a valid membership card. Admission privileges provided by the membership for "children" are transferable.

    Children Children under age 2 are admitted free and need not be covered by a membership. When a membership specifies "children," this refers to individuals aged 2-17 years. Adult children of members (over the age of 18) or other adults may not be substituted when "children" are indicated. Children need not live in the same household as the member.

    Caregiver Policy A designated caregiver must be at least 18 years of age. Caregiver membership cards are not transferable and privileges are valid only when the caregiver is accompanied by children age 0-17.

    When bringing member children to the museums, the caregiver must present:

    1. Valid caregiver membership card
    2. Proof of caregiver identity

    If the caregiver changes during the course of the membership year, a designated adult must return the old caregiver membership card (via mail or in person to any Member Desk), and we will issue a new one in exchange, free of charge. (We reserve the right to limit the number of times per year a family may change caregiver cards.)Please note that a NYSCI caregiver membership card is not valid for participating in the ASTC Travel Passport Program. Other museum's caregiver cards are not accepted at NYSCI.
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  8. May I bring guests for free with my membership?

    Premium memberships include guest passes. You need not accompany your guests when they visit. Guest passes are for general admission only and do not include parking, Science Playground or discounts on NYSCI programs. Guest passes are one-time use only and cannot be replaced if lost or mishandled.
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  9. May I use guest passes at another museum?

    No, guest passes are valid only at NYSCI.
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  10. Can I upgrade my membership to a higher level?

    If you'd like to upgrade your membership to a higher level, you may do so by paying the difference in price of the two memberships. To do this, please call 718-699-0005 ext. 350 or visit the Admissions Desk or Membership Desk at NYSCI.
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  11. If I join at the museum, will my ticket price for the day be applied to the cost of the membership?

    Yes, up to $25 of the cost of your admission on the same day may be applied towards a new membership. A membership representative at the Admissions Desk or Membership Desk can do this for you.
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  12. What do I do if I lose my membership card?

    The adult(s) designated on the membership may visit the museum by presenting proof of identity, such as a valid driver's license or other government issued photo identification. You may also purchase a replacement membership card for $5.
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  13. Can I use my membership card to visit as part of a field trip group?

    No, reservations for field trips are made through our reservations office. Memberships at NYSCI are for family visits and are not valid for group trips.
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