The N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences will reopen on Sept. 22, but you can step foot inside the downtown Raleigh museum to shop at the Museum Store now.

The store has been selling items on its website, but recently began scheduling in-person shopping appointments. It's full of educational activities and projects for kids, all great opportunities to extend their virtual learning, and some really cute face masks, among many other items.

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To schedule a time, contact themuseumstore@naturalsciences.org or 919-707-9854, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. You also can shop online through the museum's websiteand order items for pickup or to be shipped to your home.

To mark the beginning of in-person shopping, the Museum Store also is extending a deal to Go Ask Mom readers. Just use promo code GoAskMom to save 10% on your purchase now through Sept. 14.

The museum will open to the public on Sept. 22 with new hours, new procedures and other plans to ensure the safety of staff and guests. According to a press release, free, timed-entry tickets will be required because the museum will be opening at limited capacity to start. The museum's new hours also are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. It will be closed Mondays.

Face masks will be required for everybody age 5 and up. The museum will undergo enhanced cleaning multiple times a day. And there will be hand sanitizer stations available throughout the downtown Raleigh museum.

Parts of the museum won't reopen for now. They are:

  • WRAL 3D Theater (3D movies)
    • Windows on the World (Storytime and Meet the Animals)
      • Living Conservatory (aka “the butterfly room”)
        • Discovery Room
          • All hands-on Investigate Labs
            • The Naturalist Center
              • Additional small permanent exhibits (areas) where social distancing is not possible

                More information about the museum's plans and details about how to get your tickets are on the museum's website.

                Other museums and local parks programs also are making plans to reopen soon as North Carolina moves into Phase 2.5 of its reopening plan.