Visitor Services at the Museum & Theatre

So many things to discover!

Information about the Swine Flu (H1N1 Influenza):

What is swine flu?
H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe.

Spread of this swine influenza is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

What is the Museum currently doing to protect me?

The Museum is posting current information on the influenza.

The Museum is disinfecting all touched surfaces continually throughout the day.

The Museum is changing out and washing the plastic and soft props during the day.

The Museum provides hand sanitizer on all floors.

The Museum encourages frequent hand washing.

What can I do to protect myself?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

More Information
Maine Center for Disease Control

What we offer:

Coat/Bag Storage
Behind the desk in the lobby, when you first walk in, we have many coat hooks and a space for stroller parking.

Lost and Found
All items found are returned to the desk in the lobby. These items are kept for at least one week; please call (207) 828-1234 if you believe you have left something at the Museum. For health reasons, we do not hold onto food, sippy cups or pacifiers.

Emergency or First Aid
If you have any safety concerns or incidents, please ask a guide or any staff member for help immediately!

Accessibility
The Children's Museum & Theatre is fully accessible to all visitors.

Clean and Safe Props
We work hard to keep our museum clean and safe! We are conscious of potential choking hazards and avoid them in our exhibits. All of our plastic food is washed and sanitized nightly. Other props, such as dress-up clothes and stuffed animals, are laundered on a rotating schedule. You can help us keep our museum germ safe by letting us know if a prop has been in your child's mouth or by simply placing a dirty toy in the drop bin in our toddler park.

Visiting with a baby or toddler?

Baby Changing Tables
Every public restroom is equipped with changing tables. For health and safety reasons, we ask all visitors to use only the changing tables to change diapers.

Disposable Diapers
If needed, diapers and wipes are available upon request at the front desk.

Nursing
Nursing is welcome anywhere in the building. We provide chairs or seats in the cafe, Book Nook, Toddler Park and throughout the museum. If you prefer to nurse in private, please ask a staff member and we can make accommodations for you.

Stroller Parking
In the entrance lobby, you will find a coat area with space for stroller parking. You are welcome to wheel your little one around the museum if you prefer, as it is completely accessible. We offer additional stroller parking in the café on busy days.

What we Ask:

No food or drink in exhibit areas please.

Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Toddler Park is only for children under the age of 4.

Please ensure that your child is fully clothed.

Please notify staff of broken or hazardous exhibits.

Please remind your children to explore safely.

Parking:

Discounted Parking
Parking is available at the indoor municipal parking garage on Free Street, one block past the Museum (Spring Street Parking Garage). Be sure to bring your ticket in for us to stamp!

Other Parking
Metered parking is available in two hour increments on Free Street and on the streets around the Museum. Meters are $.75 an hour and take nickels, dimes and quarters. If you come to visit us on Sunday, they're FREE!

On extremely busy days, you might find the garage on Free Street full! Try the Gateway Garage on High Street.

Food Services

Although we do not allow eating in the Museum's exhibit areas, there is a cafe located on the lower level with vending machines to satiate snack attacks! This space is also an ideal place to share a lunch from home or take out from one of our neighboring restaurants. During warm weather months, you can also enjoy outdoor snacking at one of our backyard picnic tables.