Frequently Asked Membership Questions

• What does it cost to become a member?

  Basic family memberships are available in three levels to suit the size of your family.

  • Family I – $55 (admission for 1 adult, 1 child)
  • Family II – $65 (admission for up to 5 visitors)
  • Family III – $80 (admission for up to 8 visitors)
  • Caregiver Benefit – additional $10 (allows a caregiver to accompany your child(ren))

  A cardholder must be present for the visit in order to receive benefits of membership. Please present your photo identification along with your member card for free admission and Museum Store discount.

• What are the benefits of LCM family membership?

  As a member, your family will enjoy:

  • Unlimited, free general admission for an entire year.
    (The number of free admissions is based on the level of your family membership. 
For example: Family I – 1 adult, 1 child; Family II – Up to 5 visitors; Family III – up to 8 visitors.)
  • A 10% discount in the Museum Store
  • A free subscription to Hands On!, the LCM’s quarterly newsletter and calendar of events
  • Advance notice of LCM programs and special events
  • Discounts on camps, art workshops, educational programs and special events including the Kids’ New Year’s Eve Party, Children’s World’s Fair and Museum Mash.

• Can I purchase a membership instead of paying admission when we visit?

  You can purchase a membership at our front desk when you arrive. Or, you can apply the cost of your admission toward the purchase of a membership before you leave, that same day.

• How soon can I use the membership I’ve purchased?

  Use your benefits the same day you purchase/renew your membership. If you purchase/renew your membership in person, you will receive a temporary membership card to use until you receive your official membership card. You should receive your official membership card within 3-4 weeks of your purchase.

• Why do I have to present identification with my membership card each time I visit?

  Membership benefits are not transferable. A cardholder must be present to receive his/her benefits of membership and therefore, photo identification is required.

• Can my caregiver/sitter use my membership to bring my children for a visit to the LCM?

  If you’ve purchased the “Caregiver Benefit” for your membership, an authorized sitter or caregiver may use your membership and will be asked to present the following at the time of their visit:

  • Your membership card
  • A signed note authorizing the named caregiver/sitter to use your card.
  • His/Her Photo I.D. or driver’s license

• May I purchase an additional card for my spouse/sitter?

  Yes. Additional cards are $3 (only two cards per household please).

• I lost my card. What should I do?

  Call (504) 266-2418 to request a replacement card by phone or ask at the time of your next visit. There is a $3 fee for replacement cards.

• Why haven’t I received my card?

  Membership cards are usually mailed within 3 weeks to the address designated on the membership application. However due to the increase in demand and decrease in staff, that process is taking closer to 6–8 weeks. If you do not receive your card, please call (504) 266-2418 to verify the address we have on file.

• Can I bring my nephew/niece or a friend with us when we visit and use my membership card?

  The total number of guests that may accompany your family for a visit to the LCM depends only on the level of the family membership you purchased:

  • Family I – $55 (admission for 1 adult, 1 child)
  • Family II – $65 (admission for up to 5 visitors)
  • Family III – $80 (admission for up to 8 visitors)

  For example: If you are a family of four and have purchased a Family II membership, free admission would be extended to you, your spouse, your two children and a guest (total of 5 visitors).

  Please note: A cardholder(s) must be present for the visit in order to receive benefits of membership. You must present your photo identification along with your member card for free admission and Museum Store discount.

• Can I give my card to my friend so that he/she can bring their family to the LCM?

  No. A cardholder(s) must be present for the visit in order to receive benefits of membership. You must present your photo identification along with your member card for free admission and Museum Store discount.

• Can I purchase/renew a membership over the phone?

  Call (504) 266-2418 (Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.) to purchase or renew your membership by phone.

• I’m a member of a children’s museum in my hometown. Can I use it at the LCM for free admission?

  If you are a current contributing level member (minimum $100 level) at a children’s museum that participates in the Association of Children’s Museums Reciprocal Membership Program or the Association of Science and Technology Centers Passport Program, simply present your museum membership card with an ACM or ASTC logo sticker on the back (issued by your own museum) for free admission to the LCM.

  *PLEASE NOTE: Members of the Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center and members of the Louisiana Art and Science Center MUST pay admission as per the residency agreement the LCM has with both Museums.

• Can I use my LCM membership for free admission at other children’s museums?

  LCM Contributing Level Members are eligible to participate in the Association of Children’s Museums Reciprocal Membership Program and the Association of Science and Technology Centers Passport Program with access to over 150 children’s museums and 290 science and technology centers across the U.S. Check the ACM Reciprocal Membership list and the ASTC Passport Program list you received with your member card for participating museums or go to www.childrensmuseums.org or www.astc.org to learn more.

  *PLEASE NOTE: Due to residency policies, contributing members do not receive free admission to the Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center in Hammond or the Louisiana Art and Science Museum in Baton Rouge.

  Additional LCM member benefits at the contributing level include:

  • Magician
    • Admission for up to 8 visitors
    • Complimentary Caregiver Benefit
    • Complimentary Additional Card
    • 4 admission tickets for your guests or to share
    • 10% Museum Store Discount
    • Association of Children’s Museums Reciprocal Membership
    • Association of Science and Technology Centers Reciprocal Membership
    • $150

    Join Today!

  • Magician Plus
    • Admission for up to 8 visitors
    • Complimentary Caregiver Benefit
    • Complimentary Additional Card
    • 4 admission tickets for your guests or to share
    • 10% Museum Store Discount
    • Association of Children’s Museums Reciprocal Membership
    • Association of Science and Technology Centers Reciprocal Membership
    • Donation of $50 to the “Be Our Guest” fund which provides free admission to underserved children
    • $200

    Join Today!

  • Wizard
    • Admission for up to 8 visitors
    • Complimentary Caregiver Benefit
    • Complimentary Additional Card
    • 6 admission tickets for your guests or to share
    • 10% Museum Store Discount
    • Association of Children’s Museums Reciprocal Membership
    • Association of Science and Technology Centers Reciprocal Membership
    • $250

    Join Today!

  • Wonder Worker
    • Admission for up to 10 visitors
    • Complimentary Caregiver Benefit
    • Complimentary Additional Card
    • 10 admission tickets for your guests or to share
    • 15% Museum Store Discount
    • Association of Children’s Museums Reciprocal Membership
    • Association of Science and Technology Centers Reciprocal Membership
    • $500

    Join Today!

• Can I purchase a membership or passes to give as a gift?

  LCM memberships and admission passes make great gifts for family and friends — a gift that gives all year long. LCM members receive a 10% discount on the purchase of gift memberships. Call (504) 266-2418 to learn more or purchase a gift membership or passes by phone.