It takes all of us to create a safe, joyful, and magical place to play, learn, and grow—together. We’re so glad you’re here!

 

At Port Discover, we believe in the power of playful learning. To ensure a great experience for everyone, we ask all visitors—kids and grown-ups alike—to help us keep the Museum safe, respectful, and welcoming.

If you have questions or need assistance, our staff members are here to help. Thank you for doing your part to celebrate kindness, creativity, and community.

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Play Kindly, Play Safely

We encourage visitors to explore, get hands-on, and figure out how things work—but please be gentle! As you play, remember to:

• Respect exhibits, furniture, and displays—no yanking, drawing on, or climbing in unsafe areas.

• Keep safety and fellow visitors in mind.

• Help us keep the center in great shape for years of fun to come. 

• Please pick up after yourself before you leave. 

Stay Close & Supervise

• Adult supervision of children is required at all times.
  We encourage grown-ups to join the fun—ask questions, play alongside your child, and make memories together!

Shoes On, Please

• Shoes are required throughout the center.

Watch Your Belongings

• Please keep personal items with you.
  Port Discover is not responsible for lost or stolen items. 

Special Spaces for Infant and Toddlers

We have spaces that are designed especially for our youngest visitors (3 years and under). Older children are welcome with supervision but should play gently and give priority to little ones. Please avoid rowdy play, running, or roughhousing in these areas.

Health & Safety Reminders

To help keep everyone healthy:

Please stay home if you or anyone in your group is feeling unwell, showing signs of illness, or has had a recent positive test for COVID-19, influenza (flu), norovirus (stomach virus), or other contagious illnesses.

Frequent handwashing is also encouraged. We have two restrooms on each floor. Hand sanitizer stations are also available throughout the center—please use them often!

Food and drinks (other than water) are allowed only at the Snack Table. Please use hand wipes to clean surfaces before and after use.

 

Photo & Video Policy

By purchasing tickets and entering Port Discover, you acknowledge and agree to our Photo & Video Policy as outlined on our website. We occasionally capture photos and videos for marketing and promotional use. If you have questions about this policy or if you prefer not to be photographed and filmed, please notify our staff upon arrival.

 

Weapons & Firearms Policy

For the safety and well-being of all guests, weapons of any kind—including firearms, knives, or other dangerous objects—are strictly prohibited anywhere on Port Discover property. 

 

This policy applies regardless of whether an individual holds a concealed carry permit, unless otherwise specifically authorized by law or by the center’s leadership. The only exception to this policy applies to on-duty law enforcement officers or authorized security personnel.

 

Guests found in violation of this policy may be asked to leave the premises immediately. Law enforcement may be contacted as appropriate.

 

Admission Waiver & Assumption of Risk

At Port Discover, safety is one of our top priorities—and we work hard to maintain a fun, engaging, and secure environment. However, by its nature, active play involves some level of risk.

 

By purchasing a ticket or buying a membership and entering the Museum, you voluntarily agree to the following:

1. Assumption of Risk:
   You understand and accept that participation in activities at Port Discover involves inherent risks, including accidental injury. This applies to use of play equipment, climbing structures, exhibit features, and participation in the center’s programs.

2. Health Risk Acknowledgment:
   You acknowledge the contagious nature of illnesses such as COVID-19, influenza (flu), norovirus (stomach virus), and other communicable diseases, and voluntarily assume the risk of exposure.

3. Release of Liability:
   You agree to release, waive, and hold harmless Port Discover: Northeastern North Carolina’s Center for Hands-on Science, Inc., its employees, agents, and affiliates from any claims for injuries, illness, or damages arising from your participation or presence at the Port Discover—except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

4. Supervision Reminder:
   Children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.

 

Port Discover reserves the right to: 

• Refuse admission. 

• Revoke membership. 

• Control occupancy. 

• Eject or remove any person without refund for unsafe, inappropriate, disruptive behavior, or actions likely to cause damage, harm, or distress to others. 

• Enforce the center’s Weapons & Firearms Policy as described above.