Arrive for Parking and Tickets

• Parking is free for all guests right outside the museum’s doors in the parking lot adjacent to the FCC (Flint Cultural Center) Academy lot. The parking lot also offers spaces to recharge electronic vehicles (fast charging stations are fee-based; slow-charging stations are no-charge).
• Stop for tickets at the Guest Services counter located in the front of the lobby (or purchase in advance at SloanLongway.org/Tickets for speedy entry). Prices vary by age. If you are a Genesee County resident, you will receive FREE general admission with proof of residency.
  FREE General Admission is also given to the following people with valid IDs: active military members and their immediate family; military veterans; active school teachers; children under age 2; and Members of Sloan Museum & Longway Planetarium. Find out the perks of membership here.
• Grab a museum map and check the day’s Discovery Lab Maker’s Space schedule (these vary daily) and ask if there are any special temporary exhibits. Lost World of Dragons runs through September 13, 2026.
• In the lobby, you can also find the coat room that provides free lockers. Feel free to drop off coats, extra belongings, or sack lunches here.
• Stop at the Coffee Beanery café inside the museum for a quick coffee, muffin, or breakfast sandwich to start the day. Please be aware - ALL food and drink must be consumed in the Café area ONLY and are prohibited in all other areas of the Museum.

Early Childhood Gallery (Hagerman Street)

Hagerman Street is a child-sized neighborhood for imaginative play. It is a great place for ages 0-7. Includes a quiet room for nursing mothers or for children who need a temporary quiet space.

• Explore the pretend grocery store, dental clinic, three-story climbable treehouse, ambulance, and more.
• Hagerman Street is gated and supervised by staff, so parents can relax on benches while little ones explore.
• For older siblings, there’s usually a craft or puzzle table nearby.

Discovery Hall

Interactive learning that makes science fun! Discovery Hall is full of immersive and hands-on exploration, including the Great Lakes Water Table, two-story earth climber and weather station, and 10 other hands-on spaces. There's lots to explore, so plan to stay for an hour or two, and feel free to bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.

• Interactive STEM exhibits about motion, light, and energy that both kids and adults can enjoy.
• Don’t miss these exciting features:
  • Great Lakes Water Table - Splash-safe fun! Dryers and smocks available.
  • The Earth Globe - A two-story interactive climbing structure with weather interactive and slide. Chair lift available for handicapped guests.
  • Hands-On Science Interactives -  Life-size periodic table of elements, dry ice station, bottle rocket launcher, and other science interactives.

• Kids often want to return to the water table or Hagerman Street child-sized neighborhood for imaginative play — plan for one last runaround before heading out.
• If there’s a special traveling exhibit (check the website prior to arrival), this is a great time to visit! Traveling exhibits can be found in our 6,000 square foot Fun Gallery and are an add-on ticket (*not included with General Admission). The current traveling exhibit is ICE DINOSAURS: The Lost World of the Alaskan Arctic, which runs January 20 - May 3, 2026.

• Visit the museum store for fun STEM kits, Flint-made souvenirs, books, plushies and more.
• Grab a cozy hot beverage or cookie from the Coffee Beanery Café for the ride home.

• The museum closes at 5 PM, but the fun doesn’t have to stop there!
• If you still have energy, catch a show at Longway Planetarium across the street. You can purchase combo-tickets for the museum and planetarium online or in person at Guest Services counter at either Sloan Museum or Longway Planetarium for a discounted price. Make sure to check the show schedule - there are 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. shows daily Tues-Sun, and evening shows and 6 p.m. live presentations on the weekends.
• Located in the heart of the Flint Cultural Center, Sloan Museum of Discovery is within walking distance from several other art and cultural institutions including the Flint Institute of Arts across the street and the Flint Public Library just down the road. Check out all there is to offer at FlintCultural.org.