FAQs
General FAQs
Where can I park, and how can I get to the Museum?
Parking: Street parking is typically available along Main Street, with additional public parking in the Central Street, Mill Street, and Foster Street lots. Downtown Peabody parking meters and kiosks accept cash, credit cards, and payment through the Passport Parking app.
Please note that the parking lot directly behind North Shore Children’s Museum at 10 Main Street is reserved for Museum staff only.
Public Transportation: NSCM is accessible by MBTA bus. The Central Street Bus Shelter is the closest stop to the Museum and is served by the 435 bus.
Bikes, Scooters & More: Bikes, skateboards, scooters, and skates may not be used inside the Museum. Small scooters and skateboards may be stored in the coat room when space allows. The closest public bike rack is located at the Peabody Public Library, 82 Main Street.
Please keep in mind that NSCM is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal items.
Hours & Tickets
Museum Hours
Wednesday–Friday: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM & 1:00–4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00–4:00 PM
Please note: The Museum is closed from 12:00–1:00 PM Wednesday through Friday.
Saturday and Sunday tickets are offered in two-hour time blocks, but visitors are welcome to arrive at any time during their reserved session.
Hours may change for holidays, school vacations, and special events. Please check the monthly calendar on our homepage for the most up-to-date schedule.
Ticket Prices
Adults & Children 12 months+: $12
Children under 12 months: FREE
EBT/WIC Admission: $3 per person
Library Pass Admission: $6 per person*
Members: FREE
Online ticket reservations are strongly encouraged, especially on weekends and during school vacations, as the Museum has a limited capacity.
What if I need to reschedule or cancel my visit?
General Admission Tickets: Plans change! If you’re unable to attend your scheduled visit, please contact NSCM before your ticketed time by calling 978-538-5765 (leave a message if there is no answer) or emailing nscminfo@peabody-ma.gov.
Our team will be happy to transfer your tickets to another available date or time. General admission tickets are non-refundable.
Birthday Parties: Birthday party reservations require a non-refundable $100 deposit. Refunds, minus the deposit, will only be issued for parties canceled at least 7 days prior to the scheduled party date.
Can I bring food and drinks into the Museum?
Food and drinks are welcome in designated eating areas, including the Snack Room, Party Room, and Party Room Kitchen. Food and beverages, with the exception of water, are not permitted in any exhibit spaces.
Outside beverages may be left in the Beverage Corner near the coat rack while you explore the Museum. Bottled water is welcome throughout the Museum.
Guests are encouraged to wash their hands thoroughly before returning to play.
Allergy Awareness: NSCM is an allergy-aware organization and is sensitive to the needs of guests with food allergies. While we cannot provide a completely allergen-free environment, we ask families to help us minimize risks by leaving nut products at home whenever possible and washing hands before and after eating.
What happens if the Museum closes due to inclement weather?
In the event of inclement weather, NSCM generally follows Peabody Public Schools’ delay and cancellation protocols. Any changes to Museum hours or closures will be posted on the NSCM website and social media channels.
If the Museum closes and you have tickets for the affected time, your tickets may be transferred to another available date or time. Please contact us at 978-538-5765 or nscminfo@peabody-ma.gov to reschedule your visit.
What are NSCM’s health and cleanliness procedures?
Keeping the Museum clean and welcoming is a team effort! NSCM exhibit spaces and frequently used items are cleaned before, during, and after Museum hours, with additional routine deep cleaning of the facility.
See something that needs attention? Please let a staff member know. Tasted Toy bins for toys and loose exhibit items that need to be cleaned are located throughout the Museum. If your child puts a Museum toy or item in their mouth, please place it in one of these bins so our team can clean it before it returns to play.
An air filtration system helps continuously refresh the air throughout the Museum, and hand sanitizer stations are available for guest use.
To help keep our community healthy, we ask guests to stay home if they are feeling sick. If illness prevents you from attending your scheduled visit, please contact us as soon as possible so we can release your tickets and transfer your reservation to another available date or time.
Call 978-538-5765 (leave a message if there is no answer) or email nscminfo@peabody-ma.gov to transfer your reservation.
NSCM follows applicable public health and safety guidance established by the City of Peabody Health Department.
What are the Museum’s safety policies?
The safety of our visitors is a priority at NSCM. A complete list of Museum rules and safety policies is displayed at the Ticketing Desk. We ask all guests to follow staff instructions and Museum policies throughout their visit.
Adult Supervision: Adults are required to remain in the same exhibit room as the children in their care at all times. Families and groups are encouraged to have a plan in case of accidental separation. If a child and grown-up become separated, please notify an NSCM staff member immediately.
Fire & Emergency Evacuation: If a fire alarm sounds or an evacuation is required, guests should follow staff instructions and exit through the nearest available Museum exit. Guests will be directed to the designated meeting area at Peabody Square near 2 Main Street. Parents, caregivers, and group leaders are responsible for ensuring all children in their care are accounted for.
Unaccompanied Adults: For the safety of our visitors, adults visiting NSCM without a child are required to check in at the Ticketing Desk, leave a photo ID with staff, and wear a visitor sticker while in the Museum.
Does the Museum have a Nursing Room and changing facilities?
Yes! NSCM has a private Nursing Room for caregivers who would like a quiet, comfortable space to nurse or feed their baby. The room includes a comfortable glider and changing table.
Restrooms are available for Museum guests only. Each public restroom includes a changing table and diaper disposal system for guest use.
Is the Museum accessible?
Yes! NSCM is an ADA-accessible, single-level facility, and all Museum exhibits and public spaces are located on one floor.
An accessible entrance with an automatic door is located at the front of the Museum, just to the left of the main entrance.
If you or someone in your group needs assistance or an accommodation during your visit, please speak with a member of the NSCM team. We’re happy to help make your visit as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Can I bring a stroller into the Museum?
Yes, but space is limited! NSCM has a designated Stroller Parking Area, and we ask that all strollers be left there unless a child is actively using the stroller.
Our individual exhibit spaces cannot accommodate strollers, so families are encouraged to leave strollers at home when possible or bring a smaller, umbrella-style stroller.
Please keep personal belongings with you or in designated storage areas. NSCM is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal items.