Some brief thoughts on the subject...

     The institution needs to be careful lest it see itself become an
     unwilling free or inexpensive childcare provider. Imagine what would
     happen if an institution had no limits on unescorted minors- 200 6
     year olds a day during school holidays! Does the museum/center have
     the staff to handle this potential influx?

     If the museum does allow unescorted children, then it must have
     policies and procedures for dealing with emergencies and troublesome
     children. If an unattended child is misbehaving, the museum has very
     limited ways in which it can handle the situation. If the child
     requires medical attention, how is that handled without information
     about the parents' location?

     There is also the matter of "dropping the children off at the museum"
     and dropping them off at CLASSES or WORKSHOPS at the museum when the
     parent (guardian) has made a RESERVATION for the child. Even then, the
     parent (or guardian) should walk the child into the museum and confirm
     the class is meeting and wait with the child until the museum staff
     member/volunteer is present. Any other action might place the
     institution in an uncomfortable legal position should anything happen
     to the child.


     The opinions expressed above are MINE, and, although they may also
     reflect others thoughts, do not necessarily reflect those of my
     employer.