Why CNMCF Doesn’t Have Weekend Visits (And How to Plan Around It)

CNMCF holds in-person visitation Monday through Friday only - no weekends. That's tough if you work weekdays or you're traveling from out of town. Knowing this upfront lets you plan time off and transportation accordingly. Here's a silver lining: CNMCF does offer visitation on most holidays. If you're trying to avoid burning too much leave, a holiday visit might open up a practical window for your trip.

Weekday visits run in fixed two-hour blocks: 8:00–10:00 am, 10:00 am–12:00 pm, and 1:00–3:00 pm. These set windows matter when you're juggling work schedules, childcare, or a long drive. You're not showing up during "open hours" - you're locked into a specific two-hour slot. Build your travel day around that.

• ✓ Pick your two-hour block first (8:00–10:00 am, 10:00 am–12:00 pm, or 1:00–3:00 pm), then build your travel around it.
• ✓ Give yourself extra buffer time on both ends of the visit for arrival and processing - don’t plan a tight turnaround.
• ✓ Avoid scheduling flights, buses, or rides that cut too close to the start or end of your two-hour slot.
• ✓ If you’re driving in the morning, plan for the earlier start times so you’re not rushing to make an 8:00 am check-in.

If a single weekday trip feels like a lot of effort for just two hours, CNMCF offers a two-day visit option. You get two hours on day one and two hours on day two. Two rules make or break this plan: the days must be consecutive (like Monday and Tuesday), and the same visitors must attend both days. Coordinate your group ahead of time - you can't swap people in and out between visits.

1. Decide if a two-day visit is worth it - If you’re traveling a long distance or taking time off work anyway, two consecutive two-hour visits can make the trip feel more worthwhile.
2. Choose two consecutive weekdays - Pick a back-to-back pair (like Monday + Tuesday or Tuesday + Wednesday) so you’re aligned with the consecutive-day requirement.
3. Lock in the same visitor group for both days - Make sure the exact same visitors can attend day one and day two before you finalize anything.
4. Coordinate travel and lodging around your two-hour blocks - Plan to arrive with breathing room and schedule your departure so you’re not forced to leave early on day two.
5. Confirm the final details before you travel - Recheck the days and the time block(s) you’re scheduled for so your trip doesn’t hinge on assumptions.

All in-person visits at CNMCF must be scheduled at least one week in advance. That single rule shapes everything: requesting time off, booking transportation, arranging childcare, coordinating with family. Planning a holiday or two-day visit? That lead time matters even more. Start with the schedule and build your plans from there - don't wait until the week you want to travel.

• ✓ Schedule your in-person visit at least one week ahead.
• ✓ Choose the two-hour block that fits your travel reality: 8:00–10:00 am, 10:00 am–12:00 pm, or 1:00–3:00 pm.
• ✓ If you’re coming from far away, consider the two-day option (two hours on two consecutive days).
• ✓ If you’re trying to avoid missing work, see whether a holiday visit is available (CNMCF has visitation on most holidays).
• ✓ If you use the two-day option, keep the visitor group identical for both days and pick consecutive weekdays (like Monday + Tuesday).