View of the front entrance at the Children's Museum of South Dakota.

Access Initiative

Sparking imagination for all!

Our mission is to spark imagination and learning for all children and their grown-ups through play, creativity, and discovery.

To encourage families of all backgrounds to visit the Children’s Museum of South Dakota, we have joined forces with Museums for All, an initiative between the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).Museums for All logo

Our Access Initiative offers discounted admission to the Children’s Museum of South Dakota to those who qualify for public income-related assistance.

Access Admission

Show your EBT card (or other public assistance documentation) and a form of identification to receive $1 daily admission for up to 6 people.

Access Family Membership

Complete an application, available for download in English or Spanish, and submit the appropriate paperwork to receive a $15 yearlong membership to the Children’s Museum of South Dakota. An application can also be picked up at the Welcome Desk or sent to you by contacting membership@prairieplay.org

Examples of accepted public assistance documentation:

  • Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP), Medicaid
  • Free/Reduced School Lunch, Head Start, SNAP EBT and/or WIC vouchers with dates on them
  • Low Income Energy Assistance, Temporary Assistance for Needy Family (TANF)
  • Foster Home Certification

Please allow 2-3 weeks for membership application processing. If your membership is approved, you will receive a confirmation letter of your membership status. The $15 membership fee can be paid upon your first visit to the Museum and the yearlong membership will be activated at that time.

Donate toward the Access Initiative

A donation to the Access Fund helps ensure that every child and family has access to a high-quality children’s museum experience and brings the joy of the Museum to all children and families regardless of their ability to pay. Donate online or contact Executive Director Kate Treiber by email or by calling 605-692-6700.

Donate now 

Access Admission FAQs

How does the Access Admission work?

When you arrive at the Museum, please show EBT card (or another form of income-related public assistance) as well as a photo ID when you check in at the Welcome Desk and you (and up to 5 additional people) will receive the discounted admission price.

Other examples of accepted public assistance documentation include:

  • Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP), Medicaid
  • Free/Reduced School Lunch, Head Start, SNAP EBT and/or WIC vouchers with dates on them
  • Low Income Energy Assistance, Temporary Assistance for Needy Family (TANF)
  • Foster Home Certification
How much does Access Admission cost when I use my EBT card or other documentation of income-related public assistance?

Access Admission price is $1/person (up to 6 people).

If I am taking my child to the Museum and they want to bring their friend, can I still receive the Access Admission discount?

Yes. You may use your EBT card for admission (for up to 6 people) regardless of whether or not the people that you are bringing with are members of your household.

How many times can I play at the Museum with the Access Admission discount?

There is no limit to the number of times you can play at the Museum. Come and see us often!

Can I only receive the Access Admission discount on a certain day of the week?

You can use your EBT card for admission any day the Museum is open to the public.

Does the Access Admission rate apply to individuals on field trips?

Access Admission does not apply for group reservations (field trips and facility rentals). However, scholarships are available for qualifying groups. Contact our Group Reservation Coordinator to learn more.

Access Membership FAQs

How much does an Access Family Membership cost?

Annual Access Family Memberships are $15/family, including up to 2 named adults, 5 named children, and 1 named caregiver (nanny, grandparent, etc.).

How do I apply for an Access Family Membership?

To apply, families must complete an application available at the Museum or online.

How long does an Access Family Membership last?

Access Family Memberships expire 1 year after the membership is paid. You may renew an Access Family Membership when it expires by following the application process listed above.

How many people can I have on an Access Family Membership?

Each Access Family Membership can have up to 2 named adults, 5 named children, and 1 caregiver (nanny, grandparent, etc.).

If I am bringing other individuals who are not listed on my Access Family Membership, do I need to pay for their admission that day?

Yes, you will need to pay the daily Access Admission rate ($1) for each person not listed on your Access Family Membership.

How many times can I play at the Museum using an Access Family Membership?

There is no limit to the number of times you can play at the Museum. Come and see us often!

Can I only use my Access Family Membership on a certain day of the week?

You can use your Access Family Membership any day the Museum is open to the public. Access Family Members can also attend all special Museum Member events throughout the year.

How do I donate toward the Access Initiative fund?

Donations can be made online or by contacting Executive Director Kate Treiber at ktreiber@prairieplay.org or 605-692-6700