Safer Play Policy

At The New Children’s Museum, we are committed to providing a welcoming, safe, and accessible environment for all visitors.

Our Safer Play Policy includes guidelines for behavior, supervision, health, and facility use to support a positive experience for everyone. Thank you for doing your part to support safer play for all. 

If you have questions or need assistance ahead of your visit, please email the Museum’s general information line at info@thinkplaycreate.org. If you need assistance during your visit, please ask any NCM Team member. 

• All guests are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and appropriate manner at all times.
• Disruptive behavior—such as hitting, pushing, biting, offensive language, or physical abuse is not tolerated.
• Adults aged 18 and over must supervise minors aged 16 and under at all times.
• Visitors aged 17 and older who are not accompanied by a child must present a valid photo ID at the Welcome Desk and will be issued a designated admission sticker.
• Smoking is prohibited on Museum property and within 20 feet of entrances and exits.
• Shoes and shirts are required. Children in diapers must wear bottoms in exhibition spaces.
• We support creative expression while keeping our community in mind. Please ensure clothing supports a welcoming, all-ages environment and is free of offensive language or imagery.
• Food and drink are only allowed in designated areas: the café and Museum Park.
• The interior of the Museum is not a public forum and is not designated for use for protests, rallies, petition signature gathering, or other similar activities.
• Soliciting or celebrating in large groups (more than ten people) without a reservation is not permitted.

• Play involves inherent risk. Adults are responsible for supervising children in their care and supporting safe, developmentally appropriate play. Staff are present to facilitate and support open-ended exploration and to help maintain a safe environment; however, they are not childcare providers and are not responsible for the direct supervision or safety of guests
• Weapons of any kind (including toy weapons) are not allowed inside the Museum at any time.
• Service animals are welcome; pets and emotional support animals are not permitted.

• Guests with fever, persistent cough, or other flu-like symptoms may be asked to end their visit.
• Illnesses like COVID-19 are highly contagious. Please follow good health practices.
• Hand sanitizer, washing stations, and first aid kits are located throughout the Museum.

• All play areas are cleaned and inspected daily.
• An annual deep cleaning and safety review is conducted with outside consultants.
• Please report any cleaning needs to a staff member.

• Our café partner, Bean Sprouts, operates from 9am–4pm. While Bean Sprouts offers options for many dietary needs, the Museum is not allergen-free.
• Restrooms with changing tables are located on all levels.
• Water fountains are located near restrooms.
• Diaper changes must take place in restrooms with changing tables.
• A private nursing area is available on the Main Level. Please ask our Welcome Desk team for the code to access the Mamava Lactation Pod. Guests may also nurse wherever they feel comfortable.
• Elevators provide access to all public levels and the parking garage.
• Strollers are welcome but must be parked out of walkways. Visitors are responsible for the security of their personal belongings.

• NCM Team members wear pink shirts, gray or black aprons, or NCM vests for visibility.
• All staff complete background checks and receive CPR/First Aid training within their first year.
• Surveillance cameras are in use throughout the building.
• Staff are trained in emergency response and violence prevention.
• NCM partners with SDPD and Clean & Safe to ensure the safety of both indoor and outdoor areas.

• Admission implies consent to be photographed for marketing use. Visitors may opt out at the Welcome Desk.
• Admission also implies consent to be recorded through our surveillance cameras.
• The Museum is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
• The Museum reserves the right to close spaces temporarily or remove guests who violate policies.
• Helium balloons are not permitted inside the Museum.

By entering the Museum, guests agree to follow the Safer Play Policy. These measures help ensure a safe and enriching experience for all.

Updated in August 2026.