If you’re looking for budget-friendly ways to explore North Carolina with your kids, local libraries might just be your new favorite resource. Across the state, many library systems offer free or low-cost experience passes that open the doors to zoos, children’s museums, science centers, historic sites, gardens, and more. These hidden gems make it easy for families to enjoy unforgettable outings without stretching the budget. Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure or adding something special to your weekly routine, this guide highlights the best places to grab an experience pass and start exploring all that NC has to offer. To add to the list or promote, email kodia@triadmomsonmain.com and keep an eye out for updates to this post.

Alamance County Library System

Available Passes:

North Carolina Zoo
Kidzu Children’s Museum
Animal Park at the Conservators Center
Painted Grape: Craft & Paint Studio
Children’s Museum of Alamance County
Studio 1 Theatre
Alamance Children’s Theatre
Putt-Putt Fun Center

Branches:

May Memorial (Burlington)
Graham (Graham)
Mebane (Mebane)
North Park (Burlington)

Albemarle Regional Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Alexander County Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Appalachian Regional Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Ayden Library

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

BHM Regional Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Bladen County Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Braswell County Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Brunswick County Library System

Available Passes:

The Children’s Museum of Wilmington

Branches:

Barbee (Oak Island)
Leland (Leland)
Harper (Southport)
Rourk (Shallotte)
Southwest Brunswick (Carolina Shores)

Buncombe County Library System

Available Passes:

Asheville Art Museum
Asheville Community Theatre
Asheville Museum of Science
Chimney Rock State Park
Cradle of Forestry
Hands On! Children’s Museum
Lake Julian Park
The North Carolina Arboretum
Well Played Board Game Cafe
Western North Carolina Nature Center

Branches:

Black Mountain (Black Mountain)
East Asheville (Asheville)
Enka – Candler (Candler)
Fairview (Fairview)
Leicester (Leicester)
North Asheville (Asheville)
Pack Memorial (Asheville)
South Asheville (Asheville)
South Buncombe (Asheville)
Swannanoa (Swannanoa)
Weaverville (Weaverville)
West Asheville (Asheville)

Burke County Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Cabarrus County Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Caldwell County Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Carteret County Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Caswell County Library

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Catawba County Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Chapel Hill Public Library

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Chatham County Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Cleveland County Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Columbus County Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Craven-Pamlico Regional Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Cumberland County Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Davidson County Library System

Available Passes:

North Carolina Zoo
Kaleideum Children’s Museum

Branches:

Lexington (Lexington)
Thomasville (Thomasville)
North Davidson (Lexington)
Denton (Denton)
West Davidson (Lexington)

Davie County Library System

Available Passes:

Cognition Children’s Museum

Branches:

Bermuda Run (Bermuda Run)
Cooleemee (Cooleemee)
Mocksville (Mocksville)

Duplin County Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Durham County Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

East Albemarle Regional Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Edgecombe County Mem. Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Farmville Public Library

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Fontana Regional Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Foothills Consortium Library System

Available Passes:

Chimney Rock State Park
KidSenses Children’s Museum
The North Carolina Arboretum
Western North Carolina Nature Center
Children’s Museum of the Upstate

Branches:

Norris (Rutherfordton)
Mooneyham (Forest City)
Spindale (Spindale)
Rutherford County (Rutherfordton)
Haynes (Mooresboro)
Mountains (Lake Lure)

Forsyth County Library System

Available Passes:

Kaleideum Children’s Museum
NC Museum of Art in Winston-Salem
Reynolda House Museum of American Art

Branches:

Carver School Road (Winston-Salem)
Central (Winston-Salem)
Clemmons (Clemmons)
Malloy/Jordan (Winston-Salem)
Kernersville (Kernersville)
Lewisville (Lewisville)
Reynolda Manor (Winston-Salem)
Rural Hall (Rural Hall)
Southside (Winston-Salem)
Walkertown (Walkertown)

Franklin County Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Gaston County Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

George H. & Laura E. Brown Public Library

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Gibsonville Public Library

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Given Memorial Library

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Granville County Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Greensboro Public Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Halifax County Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Harnett County Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Harold D. Cooley Library

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Haywood County Library System

Available Passes:

Asheville Museum of Science
Museum of the Cherokee People
The North Carolina Arboretum
Western North Carolina Nature Center

Branches:

Canton (Canton)
Fines Creek (Clyde)
Maggie Valley (Maggie Valley)
Waynesville (Waynesville)

Lincoln County Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Person County Public Library

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Pettigrew Regional Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Pitt County Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Polk County Library System

Available Passes:

Asheville Art Museum
Asheville Museum of Science
Chimney Rock State Park
Hands On! Children’s Museum
KidSenses Children’s Museum
The North Carolina Arboretum
Team ECCO Aquarium and Shark Lab
Children’s Museum of the Upstate
Cradle of Forestry
Well Played Board Game Cafe
Western North Carolina Nature Center

Branches:

Columbus (Columbus)
Saluda (Saluda)

Randolph County Library System

Available Passes:

North Carolina Zoo

Branches:

Asheboro (Asheboro)
Archdale (Archdale)
Franklinville (Franklinville)
Liberty (Liberty)
Ramseur (Ramseur)
Randleman (Randleman)
Seagrove (Seagrove)

Robeson County Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Rockingham County Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Rowan County Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Sampson County Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Sandhill Regional Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Scotland County Memorial Library

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Southern Pines Public Library

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Stanly County Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Toe River Valley Regional Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Transylvania County Library

Available Passes:

Asheville Art Museum
Asheville Museum of Science
Brevard Music Center
Children’s Museum of the Upstate
Chimney Rock State Park
Cradle of Forestry
Hands On! Children’s Museum
The North Carolina Arboretum
Western North Carolina Nature Center

Branches:

Stand-Alone (Brevard)

Union County Library System

Available Passes:

Cane Creek Park
Kate’s Skating Rink
Monroe Science Center

Branches:

Main (Monroe)
Lois Morgan Edwards Memorial (Marshville)
Union West Regional (Indian Trail)
Southwest Regional (Waxhaw)

Wake County Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Warren County Memorial Library

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Wayne County Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Wilson County Library System

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Yancey County Public Library

No passes, local branch offerings & online resources only

Library Passes FAQs

What are library experience passes?
Library experience passes are special checkout items that give families free or discounted admission to local attractions such as children’s museums, zoos, aquariums, and cultural centers. They’re a simple way to enjoy big adventures without big costs.

How do I check out an experience pass?
Most passes can be reserved online through your library’s catalog or checked out in person. All you need is a valid library card. Some libraries require advance reservations, while others offer them on a first-come, first-served basis.

Which attractions can I visit with these passes?
Attractions vary by county, but families can typically access museums, science centers, gardens, state park programs, and other kid-friendly destinations. Each library system partners with different organizations, so it’s worth exploring what your local branch offers.

How long can I keep a pass?
Loan periods differ depending on the pass and the library, but many are valid for a single day or weekend. Due to popularity, most passes cannot be renewed.

Do I need to live in the county to use that library’s passes?
Some library systems restrict experience passes to local cardholders, while others allow any North Carolina resident to participate. Check your library’s borrowing policy before planning your outing.

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