FAQ | ICR Discovery Center for Science and Earth History

Providing a safe and enjoyable experience for our guests, volunteers, and employees is always a priority for us at the ICR Discovery Center. We do multiple daily cleanings of all kiosks, door handles, rails, restrooms, and commonly touched surfaces, and pay extra attention to high traffic areas. Approved disinfectants and cleaning agents are used to thoroughly sanitize all of these surfaces and items.

The Discovery Center is a ministry extension of the Institute for Creation Research (ICR), which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Learn more about ICR here.

While the Discovery Center isn't geared toward young children, we welcome all ages to visit. Children learn foundational concepts they can build on for a lifetime, while students and adults can dig deeper into the creation topics that interest them. Some special effects, films, or animatronics contain sounds or images that might startle some visitors. Please exercise caution if you or others in your party have sensitivities that might be affected by the exhibits’ more dynamic features. If you have any questions, please email discover@icr.org, call 800.743.6374, or meet with a member of our staff.

Yes, tickets are required for the exhibit hall and planetarium. Live presentations in Founder's Hall during special events also require a ticket. To reserve your tickets, you must select your visit date and entry time &/or show time. Timed Entry general admission tickets are available on a first come, first served basis for each hour beginning at 10:00 a.m. The last entry time is 4:00 p.m. each day. Guests may enter the exhibit hall during their selected entry hour, but not earlier. Guests may stay in the exhibit hall for as long as they like. Tickets allow for re-entry the remainder of the day until closing time. Plan to arrive at the planetarium up to 10 minutes before your selected show time. You can find more information here.

Yes, general admission tickets are good for re-entry the entire date of your visit.

Yes, we offer discounted ticket prices for groups of 12 or more. Learn more about field trips or groups. We also have discounted tickets on most holidays and on our quarterly Dollar Day events. Take a look at the Events page here.

Yes, on occasion there will be tours led by one of our scientists or specially trained docents during special events. However, the exhibits are designed to be self-guided with the aid of trained docents throughout the hall. To check for upcoming tours, click here.

Any time up to the day before your scheduled visit date, you may receive a refund or exchange tickets for a later date. To refund or exchange tickets visit Guest Services or call Customer Service at 800.628.7640. This is not applicable to group tickets. For more information on our group tickets please call Customer Service or click here.

Parking is free at the ICR Discovery Center. In addition to standard vehicle parking, we can also accommodate up to six buses. See a map here.

A self-guided tour through the exhibit hall can take 1-2 hours depending on how long you spend reviewing the material and exhibits. The Discovery Center also offers planetarium shows throughout the day, with viewing times of 25-45 minutes depending on the show. The Founder’s Hall sometimes hosts live science presentations or learning modules during special events. Additionally, the Discovery Store is open for purchasing resources and merchandise during normal Discovery Center operating hours.

At this time we do not offer any place to purchase meals. Light snacks and drinks can be purchased from our onsite vending machines, but are not permitted in the exhibit hall, Founder's Hall, or planetarium. Outdoor picnic tables can be found in the Discovery Park and are open to all guests on a first come, first served basis.

Yes, we have a two-tier membership program. You can find all the details about memberships, including how to gift a membership to a friend or family member, here.

Thank you for your interest in supporting the work and ministry of ICR and the ICR Discovery Center. You can visit our donation page here to find out more.

Yes, we love our volunteers. Find out how you can join the team here.

Absolutely! Anyone can stop by the ICR Discovery Store to purchase resources during normal business hours.

Yes, the building and grounds, including parking and park areas, are all wheelchair accessible. We have a limited number of wheelchairs available for guests to use while on our property. They are free of charge at Guest Services on a first come, first served basis.

Only official service dogs are allowed at the ICR Discovery Center. No other animals are permitted. Any guest bringing an official service dog is responsible for their dog and its behavior while in the Discovery Center and on ICR property. Due to concerns for the service dog's safety and out of an abundance of caution for their well-being, we do not permit them in the planetarium. Service dogs acting in a disruptive or destructive manner will be asked to be removed from the premises.

Yes, we have a coat check at the Guest Services counter.

Depending on individual speaker schedules and also other calendar activities, there may be an opportunity to have an ICR scientist speak to your group. If you would like to check availability, discuss this with one of our customer service representatives when scheduling your group visit.

Yes, photos and short video clips can be taken for personal noncommercial use, but filming exhibit hall videos, planetarium shows, or live presentations is prohibited. No flash photography please. Any photos, video, or audio taken should not limit or disrupt the experience of others. Unless previous written permission from ICR is obtained, tripods, gimbles/selfie sticks, microphones, drones, spotlights, and other such devices are also prohibited. All commercial projects must be preapproved in writing by ICR.

Yes, free Wi-Fi access is available in many parts of the building.

Yes, the DART public transportation system drops off and picks up directly across the street. With the train, light rail, and bus systems available throughout Dallas County, including to and from both Dallas Love Field and DFW International airports, we are accessible to everyone.

Portions of the ICR Discovery Center may be considered by some as intense sensory experiences, which include loud noises from animatronic dinosaurs, flashing lights, or video presentations located throughout the facility.

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