If your family has an EBT or SNAP card in North Carolina, you’ve got access to some pretty awesome discounts at places like museums, zoos, and gardens across the state. From free admission to steeply reduced ticket prices, these programs help families explore and learn together — without stretching your budget.
Here’s a breakdown by region to help you plan your next family outing!
If you are a family receiving food assistance SNAP benefits, Women and Infant Children (WIC) benefits, or Electronic Benefits Transfer benefits (EBT) you can also enjoy discounts on general admission (and often FREE admission) at lots and lots of places your family can learn and have fun across North Carolina.
Charlotte, NC: EBT Discounts for Family Fun
Families in the Charlotte area have several places where an EBT card can unlock free or reduced admission. Check the discount details, because there are a variety of programs used to provide admission and discounts. These EBT and SNAP discounts can change at any time, so do confirm with the venue before heading out!
- Discovery Place Museums
- Locations: Discovery Place Science (uptown), Discovery Place Kids – Huntersville, and Discovery Place Kids – Rockingham.
- Discount: $3.00 admission per person for up to 6 people with EBT or WIC card through the museum’s Welcome program. You must reside in North or South Carolina.
- Details: Present EBT/WIC card and photo ID at the ticket counter.
- Here’s our review on Discovery Place Science
- Mint Museum
- Locations: Uptown and Randolph Road.
- Discount: Reduced admission for those receiving food SNAP or WIC benefits. Maximum $1 plus tax.
- Note: Special exhibits may have an additional fee.
- Mint Museum
- Wing Haven Gardens 🌿
- Location: 248 Ridgewood Avenue, Charlotte, NC
- Discount: Free admission per person with EBT card (up to 4 people), Kids 10 and under are always free.
- Details: Peaceful outdoor space with gardens, birds, and storybook charm
- Pro Tip: Bring a sketchpad or camera — it’s a quiet, creative space for kids
- Wing Haven Visit Info
- Charlotte Museum of History 🏛️
- Location: 3500 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC
- Discount: Participates in Museums for All- free/reduced price admission
- Highlights: Learn about Charlotte’s roots, visit the historic Hezekiah Alexander House, and enjoy rotating exhibits
- Charlotte Museum of History
- Sullenberger Aviation Museum ✈️
- Location: 4121 Bear Road, Charlotte, NC
- Discount: $3 per person for up to 6 people with EBT or WIC card
- Program: Welcome Program Admission
- Highlights: Hands-on aviation exhibits, flight simulators, and real aircraft — perfect for your mini pilots!
- Check out our review of Sullenberger Aviation Museum
- Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden (Belmont, NC) 🌸
- Discount: $1 admission per person with EBT or WIC card, for up to 6 people
- Program: Museums for All
- Features: Gorgeous walking trails, themed gardens, fountains, and seasonal family events
- Kid Tip: Don’t miss the Lost Hollow children’s garden — it’s full of whimsical touches and shaded spaces perfect for little explorers
- Visit Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
There are a lot more gardens to explore in Charlotte and several of them are totally free for everyone. Check out all the beautiful places you can go! ➡️ Gardens in Charlotte, NC
Western NC: Asheville and Beyond
If you’re exploring the mountains, here are some great stops that offer EBT/SNAP card discounts:
- Hands On! Children’s Museum (Hendersonville)
- Discount: $3 per person for up to 4 people with EBT card.
- Details: Offered through Museums for All.
- We visited! Here’s our review of Hands On!
- MORE: Check out this list of FREE Things to Do in Hendersonville. There is a lot!
- Catawba Science Center (Hickory)
- Discount: $3 per person (plus tax) for up to 2 adults and all children 17 and under
- How: Show a valid photo ID and documentation of benefits (EBT, WIC, SNAP, Medicaid) at the admissions desk
- Program: Portal to Science Passport
- Highlights: Interactive science exhibits, aquariums, planetarium shows, and a STEM play zone
- Check out our review of the Catawba Science Center
- Catawba Science Center Info
- Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education (Pisgah Forest)
- Admission: Always free!
- Bonus: Includes interactive exhibits, nature trails, and hatchery tours.
More! EBT Discounts North Carolina
Outside of Charlotte and Western NC, you’ll find plenty more places across the state that welcome EBT (or SNAP) cardholders with big savings. Each program is a little different and subject to change. So do check the details and make sure to confirm with the venue before you go!
- NC Zoo (Asheboro)
- Discount: $5 per person- up to 4 people with cardholder
- How: Present your NC EBT card and matching photo ID onsite.
- Details: Parking is free.
- Here’s our review of the North Carolina Zoo
- Morehead Planetarium (Chapel Hill)
- Discount: $1 per ticket (up to 7 guests) for EBT cardholders through Museums for All.
- Tip: Perfect for curious kids who love space and science!
- Morehead Planetarium
- Cape Fear Museum of History and Science (Wilmington)
- Discount: Free admission for up to 6 people with EBT card.
- Details: Up to 6 people.
- Cape Fear Museum of History and Science
- Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum (Greensboro)
- Discount: $6 per person for up to 4 guests.
- Program: Play and Learning Access For All
- Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum
- Imagination Station Science & History Museum (Wilson)
- Discount: Free admission with your card
- Bonus: Live animal exhibits and a hands-on hurricane simulator!
- Imagination Station Science & History Museum
Here’s the Museums for All NC Program list with a lot more options.
Helpful Tips: Using Your North Carolina EBT Museum Discounts
- Please note: Bring your EBT card and a matching photo ID — most places require both.
- Some attractions are cash-only at the door for discounted tickets, so double-check ahead of time.
- These discounts are usually available year-round — not just summer!
Looking for More?
Check out Museums for All for a searchable map of all the attractions participating in this nationwide program. Just enter your zip code and start planning!
Do you know a great spot we missed? Drop it in the comments — we’d love to add it! 🧡
Find more FREE Things to Do in Charlotte, NC
Our list is full of free or cheap family activities in NC, especially focused on Charlotte.
Want to see more discounts?
Here’s our list of Museums, Zoo, and More Offering SNAP and EBT Discounts in South Carolina.