EBT/WIC Discounts for Family Fun in North Carolina

We get it—family fun can get expensive, especially with everything costing more these days. But if you have WIC or EBT benefits, there are some amazing discounts out there that can help you and your kids enjoy local attractions without breaking the bank. From hands-on museums to outdoor adventures, plenty of places around the Triangle (and even a bit beyond) want to make sure every family has access to affordable fun.

Here are several kid-friendly attractions in and around the NC Triangle that offer discounted admission for families with EBT or WIC benefits:

💡 READ NEXT: Our list of Free Things to Do with Kids around the Triangle

🎨 Museums & Science Centers

Many museums and science centers offer discounts, particularly through the Museums for All Program which offers benefits to those with SNAP EBT cards. According to their website, many of the participating museums will accept WIC or some other form of identification, but they are not required to do so. It’s always a good idea to call the museum before heading out if you’re unsure!

Morehead Planetarium & Science Center (Chapel Hill)

Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is a proud member of Museums for All. Visitors with SNAP EBT cards are eligible for $1 Admission + Planetarium Show tickets for the cardholder and up to 7 guests at the same per ticket price. The cardholder must show identification along with their SNAP EBT card at the time of purchase

Kidzu Children’s Museum (Chapel Hill)

While the main Kidzu location is currently closed for repairs, they do offer sessions for kids 0-5 at The Nest. If you have an EBT/SNAP card, you qualify for $3.00 tickets due to their participation in the Museums for All National Access Program! Enter discount code: KIDZU4ALL at checkout. (Please bring your EBT card for verification upon checking in)

In addition, through the support of a generous donor, Morehead is extending its Museums for All partnership to include annual memberships in addition to $1 one-day tickets. SNAP EBT cardholders are eligible for $5 annual memberships while supplies last. Museums for All memberships can be purchased in person at the Morehead Box Office. The cardholder must show identification along with SNAP EBT card at the time of purchase.

Marbles Kids Museum (Raleigh)

While Marbles Kids Museum doesn’t have a standard EBT discount, there are a few options for discounted admission. Tickets for weekdays after 3pm are half-price for any visitor. Marbles also offers a free Ready Set School program for families. Families who participate in all four classes will receive a family pass for FREE admission to Marbles Kids Museum for one year. Check the link to see if you qualify for this program.

Imagination Station Science and History Museum (Wilson)

Imagination Station in Wilson is a participating member of the Museums for All initiative. Free or reduced admission for those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits). Maximum of 4 people per group during each visit. 

Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum (Greensboro)

Families using WIC, EBT, or SNAP can receive discounted admission through the Play and Learning Access for All (PLAA!) program—just show your benefit card and valid ID at the front desk to get in for $5 per person, for up to four people.

Discovery Place Kids (Huntersville & Rockingham) and Discovery Place (Charlotte)

Through the Welcome Program, Discovery Place provides $3 admission per person for up to six guests with EBT or WIC cards from NC or SC. Welcome participants may also purchase discounted parking for $8 per vehicle.

If you plan to visit frequently, they also offer a Welcome Membership program, which is $75 per family for a year.

Nido & Mariana Qubein Children’s Museum (High Point)

Tickets to the Nido & Mariana Qubein Children’s Museum are available through the Museums for All program for just $5 per person, for up to four people per EBT card from the same household. To receive the discount, simply purchase tickets in person and present your SNAP EBT card along with a matching photo ID.

Their website also states: “All chaperones pay $13 (plus tax) for admission. Passes, discounts, and memberships are not accepted as payment for chaperone tickets. Tickets should be purchased online up to two weeks in advance to guarantee admission.”

Museum of Life & Science (Durham)

The Museum of Life & Science does not currently offer any discounts for EBT cardholders. However, if you are a Durham County resident, you can get free admission during their Durham Community Days, held every few weeks.

Kaleidium (Winston-Salem)

Kaleideum is part of the Museums for All program. SNAP/EBT cardholders and WIC cardholders can show their EBT or WIC cards along with a photo ID to pay only $3 per person admission for up to six people. Cash or other payment must be provided for admission.

🌿 Zoos & Botanical Gardens

North Carolina Zoo (Asheboro)

The North Carolina Zoo is such a bucket list item for families in the area. It’s a wonderful zoo with so many animals to see. It’s also fairly reasonably priced, which we appreciate, but they offer EBT discounts, too.

Individuals and families with a North Carolina EBT card can receive up to six general admission tickets for $5 each by showing their physical EBT card and a matching photo ID. This offer is only valid for in-person, same-day ticket purchases and does not apply to group visits, special events, or attractions within the Zoo. Please note: Pandemic-EBT and SUN Bucks cards are not accepted.

Cape Fear Botanical Garden (Fayetteville)

As part of the Museums for All initiative, Cape Fear Botanical Garden offers discounted admission for families with EBT cards. With the “A Garden for All” program, up to four people can enter at a reduced rate of $5 per person (plus tax) by showing a valid photo ID and EBT card at the entrance. Children under 5 are free.

Please note: the EBT cardholder must be present, and P-EBT or Pandemic EBT cards are not accepted. Special event pricing is not included in this discount. This program is made possible by the Cornelia “Neill” Bullock Wilkins Charitable Endowment Fund through the Cumberland Community Foundation. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Wing Haven Gardens (Charlotte)

Present your SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card or WIC card/voucher to the admissions team upon check in to receive free general admission for a party of up to four people with children 10 and under free to Wing Haven’s gardens.
Note: only applies for general admission, not valid for special events.

🌊 Aquariums

North Carolina Aquariums (Roanoke Island, Pine Knoll Shores, Fort Fisher)

North Carolina EBT cardholders can receive discounted admission to any of the three NC Aquariums—Roanoke Island, Pine Knoll Shores, or Fort Fisher. Each EBT cardholder may purchase up to four discounted tickets (for themselves and three guests). Additional guests must pay regular admission. To receive the discount, present your physical EBT card along with a valid photo ID at the entrance. Please note that Pandemic-EBT and E-WIC cards are not accepted.

Museum of Coastal Carolina & Ingram Planetarium (Ocean Isle Beach)

Through the Museums for All program, families receiving SNAP benefits can enjoy discounted admission to both the Museum of Coastal Carolina and Ingram Planetarium. Up to six family members can enter for just $2 each by presenting a SNAP EBT card. This discount is valid for general admission during regular operating hours and includes all planetarium dome shows. Please note that special events, such as laser shows, are not included.