The Children’s Museum at Holyoke is committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable environment for all visitors. We strive to inspire learning through play and exploration in a respectful, inclusive, and fun atmosphere. To achieve this, we ask all guests to follow this Code of Conduct during their visit.
By entering the Museum, guests agree to the following:
Respect for Others
- Treat all guests, staff, and volunteers with kindness and respect. Bullying, harassment, discrimination, or aggressive behavior of any kind will not be tolerated.
- Avoid using profanity, offensive language, or gestures that may make others feel uncomfortable.
- Ensure the behavior of children under your supervision is safe and respectful toward others.
Supervision of Children
- Guests under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult (age 18 or older) at all times.
- Adults are responsible for the behavior and safety of children they bring to the Museum.
- Older siblings aged 16 and 17 may supervise younger siblings, provided they can appropriately care for them and ensure adherence to museum rules.
- Teen parents (under 18) may supervise their own children.
- Adults visiting the Museum must be accompanied by a child unless pre-arranged.
Safe Exploration
- Play safely and follow all posted exhibit rules. Running, rough play, climbing on non-designated structures, or other potentially dangerous behaviors are prohibited.
- Use exhibits and materials as intended. Misusing or damaging exhibits is not permitted.
- Follow staff instructions when using climbing elements, interactive exhibits, or tools to ensure safety.
Respect for Museum Spaces and Property
- Help preserve the Museum’s exhibits and spaces by treating them gently and with care.
- Food, beverages, and gum are only permitted in the following areas: upstairs picnic area, party rooms, and the lobby. Please keep the museum clean and dispose of trash and recycling properly. Water bottles are always permitted.
- Caregivers/adults are responsible for facilitating cleanup from exhibit to exhibit. Help us ensure a positive experience for the next children in the space by re-capping markers, returning toys, and hanging up costumes after you are done.
Photography and Privacy
- Photography for personal use is welcome. However, respect the privacy of other visitors by avoiding photographing or recording them without permission.
- Professional photography or filming requires prior approval from museum staff.
- Tripods, monopods, and other large equipment are not allowed without museum authorization.
Health and Hygiene
- Wash hands frequently, especially after using restrooms, eating, or interacting with tactile exhibits.
- Guests exhibiting symptoms of illness or who have tested positive for a contagious illness should postpone their visit.
- We ask that children are fever-free for a minimum of 24 hours after illness before your visit to the Museum.
- Diaper changes should be performed in the restrooms only. Changing tables are available in all restrooms.
- Children must remain clothed while in the museum. A minimum of a shirt and pants (or other appropriate clothing) is required at all times.
- The Museum adheres to all public health guidelines and reserves the right to enforce mask-wearing or other health protocols as necessary.
Accessibility and Inclusion
- The Museum is committed to ensuring all guests feel welcome, regardless of ability, background, or culture. Please respect the needs and experiences of others.
- Use of hate language or symbolism, including expressions targeted at race, nationality, gender identity, sexuality, religion, age, education, or physicality. This includes wearing or otherwise displaying profane, obscene, or injurious language, text, or graphics on clothing or elsewhere on one’s person.
- Service Animals are welcome per ADA regulations, but pets and emotional support animals are not permitted.
- Strollers are allowed but should not block walkways or exhibit access. CMH does not have a designated stroller parking zone.
- Scooters, Segway's, and similar devices are not allowed with the exception of mobility devices for disabled individuals.
Prohibited Items and Behaviors
To ensure the safety and comfort of all guests, the following are not allowed inside the museum:
- Weapons, firearms, or explosives of any kind
- Toy weapons
- Coolers
- Alcohol, drugs, or illegal substances
- Smoking, vaping, or tobacco use inside the museum or on its grounds
- Disorderly conduct, loitering, or any activity that disrupts the museum experience
Emergencies and Safety Procedures
- In case of an emergency, follow staff instructions and use designated exits.
- Immediately report accidents, injuries, or concerns to museum staff.
- In the event of a missing child, inform front desk staff immediately and follow instructions as Museum protocol is enacted.
- Tampering with or misusing emergency equipment such as fire alarms, extinguishers, or AEDs is strictly prohibited.
- Use of emergency doors outside of an active emergency is prohibited and will set off Museum alarms.
Compliance and Enforcement
- Museum staff reserves the right to enforce this Code of Conduct. Guests who violate these rules may be asked to leave the museum without a refund.
- The Museum is a private establishment, we reserve the right to deny entry and/or ban individuals from the premises if necessary and by discretion of the Executive Director and management team.
- Any damage to museum property resulting from misuse or negligence may result in liability for repair or replacement costs.
Contact Us
We value your feedback and are here to help ensure you have a positive experience. If you have questions or concerns during your visit, please speak with a staff member or send an email to hello@childrensmuseumholyoke.org.
Thank you for helping us make the Children’s Museum at Holyoke a safe, inspiring, and enjoyable place for all families to learn and play together.
