How do I become a member?

We offer several ways to become a member. You can join online, by mail, by phone at (503) 471-9929, or on your next visit to the Museum. We offer different membership levels to suit your family’s needs. Click here for membership levels.

How long is the membership valid?

Our memberships are valid until the last day of the month, one year from the date of purchase. For example, if you bought a membership on 1/22/11 your membership is good until 1/31/12. Gift memberships are valid until the end of the month, one year from the date of first use.

What is the difference between a New, Gift New, Renew and Gift Renew option?

New: indicates that you have not had a membership with us before and want the membership to be active on day of purchase.

Gift New: indicates that you are buying this membership as a gift for another family and would like us to mail a gift certificate.

Renew: indicates that you are renewing a current or lapsed membership and would like that membership to be active for another year.

Gift Renew: indicates that you would like to renew a previously or currently existing membership and would like us send a gift certificate.

When are gift certificates or membership cards mailed?

Gift certificates and membership cards are mailed within 5 business days of the order.  Please note that delivery may be delayed during the holiday season.  Orders placed later than December 15 may not reach the recipient by December 25.

How do I get a refund?

Membership purchases are non-refundable. You may gift the remainder of your annual membership to another family.

Can I use the tickets I purchased today towards a membership?

Yes! We call it our “test drive.” Once you determine that the Museum is right for your family, you can apply the receipt from the tickets you purchased toward a membership by 5pm on the day of your visit at the Box Office, or by calling (503) 471-9929.  Please keep the receipt from your ticket purchase to complete the transaction. Unfortunately, you cannot apply admission toward membership purchases online.

We can credit the number of adult and child tickets that apply to the level of membership you are purchasing.

For example, one adult and one child ticket can be credited toward a 1+1 Membership. A maximum of two adult tickets and four child tickets can be applied toward all other memberships.

I am a member of a children’s museum in another city outside of the Portland/SW Washington metro area. Can I use it at your museum?

Yes. However, your membership card must have the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) sticker on it and your membership must be current. Our ACM reciprocal policy allows the members listed on the membership card free admission up to a maximum of two adults and four children. Remember to bring your membership card along with a picture ID showing you reside outside of the greater Portland & SW Washington area.

Portland Children’s Museum cannot honor the ACM membership cards held by residents of greater Portland & SW Washington. The reciprocal membership program is only for visiting members of museums outside of the area.

Effective April 1, 2013, the ACM Reciprocal Program admission benefit will change from free admission for up to four (4) family members from the same household (or, if applicable, local restrictions) to 50% off general admission for up to six (6) people with no location restrictions!

How do I use my membership at other children’s museums?

Premier and Premier Plus Memberships are reciprocal at almost 200 ACM children’s museums nationwide. Your membership card has a sticker on it confirming reciprocity. We recommend calling ahead to confirm that museum’s policy. Click here for a full list of participating museums.

Effective April 1, 2013, the ACM Reciprocal Program admission benefit will change from free admission for up to four (4) family members from the same household (or, if applicable, local restrictions) to 50% off general admission for up to six (6) people with no location restrictions!

With my membership card, can I come as many times as I want?

Yes, visit the Museum as often as you like! We encourage you to enjoy creative, imaginative play with your children every day!

I forgot my membership card. Can I still get in?

Yes, but as always, we will ask you to show a valid ID that matches the name listed on your membership card.

What does “child” mean?

Anyone under the age of eighteen.

Can my teenage child bring my other children to the Museum?

Only if you have listed them as an “Adult” on your account or they are a guest with a Family Plus, Premier or Premier Plus membership and they are over 18 years old. If you have designated them as a “Child” on your membership they cannot bring your other children without you or another adult present.

What if my nanny or caretaker changes?

Family Plus, Premier and Premier Plus memberships allow at least one guest per visit which can certainly be a caretaker or nanny who comes with your child(ren). It may be easier to keep family members as the named adults and utilize the unnamed guest benefit for your caretaker or nanny.

What if I’d like to change out the name of an adult listed on my card?

We ask that the primary card holder call Membership at (503) 471-9929 and we can change the name listed one time per annual membership.

Can I loan my membership card to a family member or friend?

No. Your membership is for the benefit of the individuals named on the membership.

When will I receive my membership card or when will the gift membership recipient recieve their gift certificate?

Membership cards or gift certificates should be received within 7-10 business days of the membership purchase. Please note during the holiday season there may be delays due to the high volume of orders. You can use your membership right away by showing your photo ID when you come in.

I ordered online over 2 weeks ago and have not received my membership card in the mail. What should I do?

If you have not received your membership card, let us know during your next visit and we can print one at that time, or contact Membership at (503) 471-9929.

Are memberships tax-deductible?

All memberships are now tax-deductible to the extent the law allows. Your membership acknowledgment letter serves as a receipt for tax purposes. Please consult your tax advisor for details.

How can I renew my membership?

We offer several ways to renew your membership. You can renew online, via mail, by phone at (503) 471-9929, or on your next visit to the Museum.

I still have additional questions about membership.

Please email or call Membership at (503) 471-9929 and we can answer any additional questions you may have and help you select the best membership level for your household.