Why CMoW Membership Is More Than Just Unlimited Visits

A Children’s Museum of Wilmington (CMoW) membership might start with saving on admission, but it offers so much more. Whether you’re a Wilmington local or a frequent visitor, becoming a member means joining a community built on creativity, connection, and curiosity. Here’s what makes membership worth it and why the perks go far beyond the ticket counter.

Digital Membership App: Upgrade Coming Soon

We’re currently transitioning to a new digital membership platform, with launch expected in the coming months. This upgrade will offer:

• Easier check-in at the Museum

• Instant access to your membership information

• Seamless use of reciprocal benefits at other museums

• A greener, more convenient way to stay connected

  
  

Stay tuned, your next visit to CMoW will be even easier!

Perk #1: Full Museum Access, Any Day of the Week

Come once a month or once a week. Members don’t have to pick and choose. Each CMoW membership level offers unique access:

• Wanderer includes 3 months of free daily admission

• Navigator provides unlimited weekday access for a full year

• Adventurer and Explorer levels include year-round, everyday access

• Contributor includes year-round, everyday access for your family plus donates an Adventurer membership to CMoW’s Community Membership program, which serves thousands of individuals annually through more than 40 community memberships.

  
  

With options for every schedule, membership makes it easy to:

• Stop in for a last-minute playdate

• Escape rainy days or summer heat

• Explore at your own pace without pressure to “get your money’s worth”

  
  

Even short visits are worth it when you're a member. See everything included in your CMoW membership and the different levels offered.

Perk #2: Early Access Perks + Discounted Event Tickets

Members always get first dibs. That includes:

• Early registration for birthday parties and summer camps

• First dibs for tickets to popular in-house events like themed days and hands-on activities (excluding fundraisers)

• Discounted event pricing, including $5 member tickets for most special events

  
  

It’s a stress-free way to enjoy CMoW’s most beloved programs without worrying about sell-outs or long lines.

Perk #3: Member Discounts That Add Up

A CMoW membership doesn’t stop at the museum door. Members also enjoy discounts throughout Wilmington and along the Carolina coast, including:

• 10% off at Front Street Brewery

• 10% off select cruises with Wilmington Water Tours (up to 49 guests)

• Half-price admission to Museum of Coastal Carolina and Ingram Planetarium

  
  

Whether you're exploring downtown or heading out on a weekend family adventure, your membership continues to pay off.

Perk #4: Guest Passes and Flexible Family Options

Need flexibility for visiting family or trusted caregivers? CMoW memberships were designed with that in mind.

• Adventurer and Explorer levels come with 4 guest passes to the Wilmington Railroad Museum

• Explorer level also includes 4 one-time-use guest passes for any visitor

• Most memberships allow the addition of a third named adult (like a nanny or grandparent) for just $25

• All levels (except Wanderer) cover two named adults and all children in the household

  
  

Got questions about guests or adding adults? We’ve got answers.

Perk #5: Support a Nonprofit That Supports Wilmington Families

CMoW is more than a play space, it’s a local nonprofit focused on hands-on learning and early childhood development. Your membership helps fund:

• STEAM programming (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math)

• New exhibits and ongoing maintenance

• Accessibility efforts to make learning inclusive for every family

  
  

For those looking to give back even more, our Contributor membership makes a direct impact—providing your family with an Explorer-level experience while gifting an Adventurer membership to a local family through our Community Membership program. This initiative serves thousands each year and partners with more than 40 community organizations to make CMoW accessible to all.

Every visit supports a mission bigger than just a day of play. See other donation options and what your support can do or see other ways to support our museum.

Perk #6: Flexibility for Busy Families

Forget reservations or rigid schedules. With a CMoW membership, you can:

• Drop by for 20 minutes or 2 hours, whatever your schedule allows

• Avoid the guilt of leaving early or skipping a full museum day

• Let your child burn energy on their terms

  
  

This kind of flexibility is perfect for younger children who love repeat visits to favorite exhibits or need shorter outings.

Bonus: Reciprocal Museum Access

Love to travel? The Explorer membership includes 50% off admission to more than 200 children’s museums through the ACM Reciprocal Network. All you need is your CMoW membership card to access museums across the country.

It’s a great way to turn road trips or beach weekends into bonus learning opportunities.

Membership That Grows With Your Family

Whether you’ve got a toddler obsessed with bubbles or a 7-year-old who loves building, a CMoW membership supports learning through play day after day. You’ll save money, skip ticket lines, and invest in a community that’s helping children grow.

Become a Member Today and make curiosity a part of your family’s routine.