Getting Around

Marbles is equipped with entrance and exit ramps, an elevator, wide hallways and seating.

There are three adult-sized and three child-sized manual wheelchairs for loan that can be used across campus on a first-come, first-served basis. Please see staff at the Welcome Desk in the museum or concessions stand in the theater to request a wheelchair. We require a form of ID as a deposit.

There are two sets of crutches that can be borrowed. A form of ID is required as a deposit.

There is an elevator that provides access to the second floor of the museum, around the corner from the Welcome Desk.

Personal Care Attendant

Admission is complimentary for a Personal Care Attendant when accompanying guests with disabilities. This courtesy is extended to interpreters attending with sight or hearing impaired visitors.

Resources for Sensory Sensitivities

Plan Your Play!

Would you like to organize your play at Marbles? Print this map and bring it with you on your visit. Be prepared to have lots of fun!

Also available for check-out at the Welcome Desk:

• Laminated version of the Picture Map
• Create-Your-Own Picture Schedule
• Noise-Canceling Headphones (child and adult sizes)

Lights Up Sound Down IMAX Movies/Documentaries

Along with most Sensory Friendly Playtime monthly events, a screening of an IMAX documentary is presented with the lights remaining on and reduced volume for kids with disabilities, young kids and their families.

Full Circle Programs

Full Circle provides free museum access through field trips, group visits, admission passes and events for preschools, families and organizations serving low-income and at-risk communities. Groups interested in participating in the program may contact Janine Eash at 919.857.1021 or fill out a Full Circle program form here. Participating organizations and classes must schedule their group visits in advance through group sales at 919.857.1049.
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Service Animals

According to the American Disability Act service dogs are individually trained to perform specific tasks and to work with people with disabilities. According to the ADA, disabilities can be “physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disabilities” The work of the service dog must be directly related to the handler’s disability.  

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are NOT considered service dogs under the ADA. They may be trained for a specific owner, but they are not trained for specific tasks or duties to aid a person with a disability. They are considered companion animals and ease anxiety, depression, phobias and loneliness. The difference between Service Animals and Emotional Support animals are the tasks that they are trained to do in response to the disability.

ESAs are not permitted in the museum/IMAX.

Restrooms

There are accessible restrooms downstairs across from the Welcome Desk and on the second floor outside of Kid Grid. There are accessible restrooms in the theater building past the concession stand and to the right.

There is one single-occupant or family restroom on the first floor of the museum in the Splash exhibit. Changing tables are available in all of our restrooms.

Nursing Parents

There is a private nursing room available on the first floor of the museum building, including a changing table in the room. If the room is occupied, please ask a staff member for an alternative private space. There is a Mamava lactation pod on the second floor of the museum.

Food Allergies

Bean Sprouts Cafe doesn't want anyone to feel like they have to sit on the sidelines when visiting their favorite family destination. We do our best to accommodate most allergies! Learn more about Bean Sprouts here. 

Medical & Emergency Assistance

Our staff are trained in basic first aid; staff are not medically trained. Please see the nearest staff member for assistance. Please note we do not provide common over-the-counter medicines. There are pharmacies in the area if needed.

Two Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) are located on campus, one in the museum building and one in the theater building. Staff are trained for proper use.

For medical and emergency assistance, find the nearest staff member and dial 911.