founded in 1982 in conjunction with the Maine Dept. of conservation

What is the Discovery Room?

The Discovery Room is a private space that your family, or pod, can explore and learn safely.

The Discovery Room comes equipped with exciting and interesting installations including; X-Ray Light Table Microscope and Slides, Train Table, Pretend Market, Ball Ramps and many other unique and interesting elements!

Viles Arboretum is committed to providing a safe and inviting environment to all.

Please refer to the following Public Health Guidelines before your visit.

Prior to entering the Discovery Room, all visitors must complete a health self-assessment, in accordance with CDC guidelines. Visitors will be asked if they have completed the assessment during check-in. If they have any COVID symptoms, they will not be permitted on-site.
Visitors exhibiting flu-like or respiratory symptoms will be asked to leave and reschedule their visit.
In accordance with state and county health guidelines, all visitors 2 years and older are required to wear a face covering. Face Shields are not an acceptable face coverings (for children or adults). Visitors will not be permitted on site without a face covering, no exceptions.
Visitors must maintain physical distance by keeping 6 feet of physical distance between their group and other visitors and staff.
Visitors must adhere to capacity limits for the space, and comply with social distancing expectations.
Group size is limited to 6 or fewer. Visitors from the same household do not need to maintain physical distance.

By completing registration for the Discovery Room, you certify that you have read, understand, and agree with the above provisions. You hereby agree that you and your children and /or dependents assume the risk of contracting COVID-19 by entering the Children’s Discovery Room. Also, by submitting this form, hereby agree to release Viles Arboretum from, and waive, any and all such claims, damages, demands, rights of action or causes of action resulting from or arising out of personal injury to you or your child(ren)/dependent(s), or due to the negligence of Viles Arboretum. You agree that the above provisions and waivers apply to your dependents, if any, regardless if I am in attendance. You understand that this is a continuing waiver and that all the above provisions apply each time you or my dependents enter the Arboretum from the date below for a period of one year

I understand that the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency is currently on-going. I understand that COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death and that no list of restrictions, guidelines or practices will remove 100% of the risk of exposure to COVID-19 as the virus can be transmitted by persons who are asymptomatic and before some people show signs of infection.
I understand that there is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 in any public place where people are present; that the Arboretum is a place where multiple individuals present within a confined space; and that staff cannot ensure patrons will socially distance as recommended by the CDC.
I understand that the nature of the Discovery Room involves surfaces being touched and shared by multiple children and adults and that I or my child(ren)/dependent(s) may have contact with a surface touched by other patrons before the staff at the Arboretum can disinfect the surface.
I understand and agree that as a condition of entering the Discovery Room at Viles Arboretum, I, and any of my child(ren)/dependent(s) ages five (2) or over will be required to wear a mask, use hand sanitizer prior to entering the space, and have a temperature of less than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. I further understand that the only exceptions to these requirements will be if I, or my child(ren)/dependent(s), require an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act.

Please refer to the following General Guidelines before your visit.

Firearms and weapons of any kind are prohibited at Viles Arboretum.
Alcohol and illegal substances are not permitted in this space.
Food and drinks are not allowed in the Discovery Room, but there are picnic tables outside for your use.
Profanity and all other aggressive, abusive, and offensive behavior is prohibited on site. This policy includes everyone: visitors, staff and volunteers.
Corporal punishment of children in any form is not allowed at the Arboretum.
All families and friends visiting the Discovery Room are required to have at least one legal adult guardian over the age of 18 in attendance.
The Discovery Room is intended for ages 1-5.
The legal adult guardian is responsible for the general supervision and oversight of the children throughout the visit.
Diaper changes should be performed in the restrooms only.
Smoking is not allowed on Arboretum property.
Riding bikes, skates, roller blades, scooters, skateboards, roller shoes, etc. is not allowed on site.
Please be gentle with the exhibit pieces in the space.
Viles Arboretum welcomes leashed animals in it’s outdoor spaces, but are not permitted indoors.
Guests must wear shoes while on site in most areas. Exceptions to this rule are infants, children in strollers, or any visitors inside the Discovery Room.
Toy weapons are not allowed on site.

Reservations Required.

This space is by reservation only, during our regular Visitor Center hours. We close the room in between reservations to ensure ample time for our staff to clean the space.

One child, $6 per hour.
Families of two or more children, $12 per hour.
Maximum capacity, 6 individuals.
We practice strict sanitation between each rental.
Please stop by the front desk prior to your time slot to complete your payment.

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