Beginning Nov. 1, admission fees at North Carolina aquariums will be reduced for patrons presenting an Electronic Benefits Transfer, or EBT, card along with a valid form of photo identification.
Under the new program, adult admission will be $3 and $2 for children ages 3-12. Up to four individuals can be admitted with each EBT card presented. There is no charge for children age 2 and under.
The project is a joint initiative between the North Carolina departments of Natural and Cultural Resources and Health and Human Services, and was inspired by the national Museums for All program, which aims to expand access to museums and other cultural institutions by removing financial barriers to admission.
“We want everyone to have access to the outstanding, fun and educational resources available at our North Carolina aquariums,” says N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Susi H. Hamilton, “but we recognize that admission fees can sometimes pose a barrier to low-income families. We hope this new program will give more North Carolina families the opportunity to visit us and learn more about the natural world.”
“I’m grateful that even more families can now enjoy all of the benefits the state’s aquariums have to offer,” said Mandy Cohen, secretary of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.
The new reduced admission prices will be available Nov. 1 at the North Carolina aquariums at Roanoke Island, Pine Knoll Shores and Fort Fisher, and will be available year-round.