FAQs

General Museum Information

What are the best ages for the museum?

TCMU-Greenville’s exhibits and programs are designed for children ages 0-12.

How long should I plan to spend in the museum?

We recommend allotting 3 hours if it is your first visit to TCMU-Greenville. With three floors of exhibits, there is plenty to fill your time!

What can my family do aside from play in the museum exhibits?
  • Free weekly programming is offered every day except Sunday. TCMU-Greenville offers Story Time & More, Open Art Studios, steamWORKS and Healthy Hustle. To learn more click here
  • The museum also has a small cafe where you can enjoy a snack or meal during your visit.
When is the museum open?

The museum is regularly open Tuesday-Sunday and operates seven days a week in June and July.  The museum occasionally closes for specific holidays and events, including (but not limited to): Easter, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Years Day, and for annual Staff Training. Please click here for more information on planning your visit.

Admission

Are tickets refundable?

General admission tickets are non-refundable. If your plans change, tickets may be used one year from the purchase date. Tickets are transferable and may be redeemed by someone other than the purchaser. Please note all transferable tickets are subject to museum capacities at time of visit. Only ticketholders for exact day and time, and museum members, are guaranteed entry.

Can adults visit without children?

No. All adults must be accompanied by a child. If you would like a guided tour of the museum, please e-mail [email protected] to schedule your visit. All appointments must be made at least 48 hours in advance.

What is the minimum age of an adult or chaperone?

All children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults are considered individuals ages 16 and older with a valid driver’s license. For group visits and field trips, no more than 5 children per chaperone will be admitted.

May I leave and return on the same day?

Yes. Admission covers all-day exploration. A sticker will be provided at check-in that will allow you to leave and return during museum hours of the same day.

Do you offer any discounts?

Museums for All offers $3 admission for visitors who show an EBT or eWIC card. This discount is available for all household members and cannot be used for group visits or field trips. Learn more here. TCMU also offers discounted admission for educators, homeschool teachers, active or retired military and senior citizens. Therapists and early interventionists who visit TCMU in a professional capacity may receive complimentary admission to the museum. The therapist or early interventionist must be accompanied by a paying child and the child’s caregiver, or a valid TCMU member child and caregiver. Therapists must provide proof of licensure. Early interventionists must present a business card or alternate proof of employment, such as company apparel.

Infants & Toddlers

Are strollers allowed?

Absolutely! If needed, there is unattended stroller parking near Geo’s Golf on the third floor, in front of The Dream Theater on the main museum floor and near the water tables on the first level.

Is there a dedicated space for nursing mothers?

Breast or bottle feeding is welcome anywhere in the building that a caregiver is most comfortable. A private Nursing Nook, with a changing table and sink, is available on the 3rd floor. TCMU provides bottle warmers in the Nursing Nook and Café.

What experiences are available for toddlers and infants?

TCMU-Greenville has several exhibits that are toddler friendly! These areas include Grandma Betty’s Farm, Toddler Lily Pond, Prisma Health Children’s Hospital: Your Healthy Body, Publix Market, Construction Zones toddler area.

Food

Are food and beverages available for purchase?

The Café on the 1st floor houses TCMU’s micro-mart vending machines that offer a variety of sandwiches, salads, snacks and refreshments. Vending machines accept credit card only. We ask that you please keep all food and drink inside the Café.

Can I bring outside food into the museum?

Yes! You are welcome to pack your lunch or snacks for the day. We ask that you enjoy all food and drink inside the Café.

Accessibility and Inclusion

Is the museum accessible for guests with disabilities?
  • Yes! Our entire museum is wheelchair accessible. TCMU’s facilities and all exhibits, including the playground, are ADA accessible. Elevators and accessible bathrooms are available on each of the museum’s three floors. The museum’s main entrance is also accessible, but alternate entrance accommodations may be made by calling 864-233-7755 in advance and pressing 1 and then 1 again to speak with a staff member.  
  • Additional resources, including sensory backpacks, are available upon request at admissions.
Are service animals permitted?
  • Service animals, animals in training to be service animals or animals involved in museum programs approved by the museum are permitted at TCMU. “Emotional support animals”, “comfort animals”, “companion animals”, and “therapy animals” that are not individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability are not considered service animals under the ADA. 
  • ​The museum is not required to care for, clean up after, or supervise animals, including service animals. 
¿Materiales del museo se ofrecen en español?

Algunos materiales y letreros del museo están disponibles en español. ¡Siempre estamos trabajando para agregar más! Empleado de admisiones estará encantado de ayudarle con los materiales traducidos. Si es necesario empleados bilingüe está disponible para ayudar a su familia.

Donations

Can I request a donation from TCMU for an event I am hosting in the community?

Yes! Please note, as a non-for-profit organization, The Children’s Museum of the Upstate has a limited number of admission passes to distribute to like-minded organizations. Priority consideration will be given to fundraising efforts.

Please see the field trips page for school field trip scholarship requests. Due to the large amount of requests we receive, please abide by the following limitations in requesting a ticket donation for your organization’s event or auction: 
  • Organizations must have a non-profit status and provide a 501(c)3 Tax ID Number and IRS letter.
  • Organizations must focus on families, children, and/or educational efforts in our region.
  • A request for donation must be submitted at least two (2) months prior to your fundraising event.
  • Only one (1) request will be granted per organization per calendar year.
  • Any donated tickets must be redeemed within six months of event date.
Please submit this form and a TCMU staff member will be in touch.

Still have questions?

Click to learn more about the museum’s policies.

Contact us at [email protected] with your question!