Greetings all listers-

What guidelines do y'all have for allowing unattended minors to enter your museum space?

We are a small center, with an exhibit hall of about 1000 sq. ft.  Our humble beginnings have given us a strong connection to the community, and many of our supporters think of us as an extension of the family.  This is wonderful, but occasionally we face small dilemmas, and this one has come up.

In our past, we have allowed the children of members admission to the museum without adult supervision.  Often these are kids who ride here on their bikes and may live within a half-mile distance.

Some concern has been expressed by staff that this may not be such a wise idea, given liability issues and our concern that the public hours staff not become responsible for minor children on the premises.  We insist that children who attend our vacation classes have a signed release form and indemnity agreement on file protecting us from liability, but that only applies to the time of the class.  Would a similar liability waiver, available for members to sign, be a viable option?  If so, would an age limit for "waivered" kids (say 11 years) be fair to members and the museum staff?

Another question- how about minor children accompanying other minor children?  I would hate to have to turn away an eight year old coming by with their fifteen year old babysitter, but what can of worms might we be opening if we decide this is okay?

Lastly, if museums do have limits on unattended minors, where do you publish these guidelines?

Thanks very much for all information.

Scott Hilton
Program Administrative Assistant



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Explorit Science Center
3141 5th Street
PO Box 1288
Davis, CA 95617-1288
(530) 756-0191
Fax (530) 756-1227
http://www.explorit.org

"To involve people in science
experiences that touch our lives."
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