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2024 IMLS National Medal Winner
Discovery Museum Awarded the Nation's Highest Museum Honor

This prestigious award honors institutions that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. We are deeply honored and very proud!

Read the announcement
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Free Friday Nights!

Visit the first Friday night of each month—every Friday night in summer!—with free admission 4:30 to 8:00pm. We gladly accept non-perishable food donations for local pantries. Reservations recommended; walk-ins are not guaranteed.

a woman sits on the floor reading a picture book to children, using sign language
Especially for Me!

We offer special free admission hours for families with children with an ASD, hearing or vision loss, sensory sensitivities and more, because we want every child to be able to visit.

It's for me!
a parent and child play on a climbing net in on the ground in front of a beautiful elevated treehouse
Play and Explore in Discovery Woods

Our 550-square foot, fully accessible treehouse and surrounding nature playscape will get you playing outside—12 months a year!

Let's Explore
two children, an older girl and younger boy, play together at a tabletop pegboard
Play Matters

Great play is what every kid needs, and every kid deserves.

Learn why
a photo of the exterior of the Discovery Museum building
Science | Nature | Play

The Museum combines the best STEAM exhibits from our original two museums—for little kids, big kids, and adults—and much more!

See what's here

Play Matters

Our philosophy starts with the simple belief that kids are capable of incredible things. Our job is to nurture that ability; our goal is to support kids’ healthy development. Play is how kids learn—here, it is in both a STEAM-rich environment and inviting outdoor experience.

Our mission

Today’s Hours

9:00am to 4:30pm
Reservations recommended, walk-ins not guaranteed admission

Plan Your Visit Reservations
graphic that says "Discovery After Dark" with event information

Discovery After Dark | a 21+ party! | July 18

It's grown-up time at Discovery Museum! Come hang out and play outdoors and in and enjoy Caribbean Steelpan music and games, drinks, food and friends! 

Early Bird discount ends May 31
headshot photo of Junlei Li

The Science of "Good Enough" Relationships | Free | May 22, 7-8pm ET

What makes any of us “enough”? Join us for a conversation via free, live Zoom webinar with Junlei Li, Harvard Graduate School of Education, to discuss the simple, ordinary things that matter.

Learn more and register
a boy explores an exhibit of balls and ramps

New exhibit now open! Cause & Effect: What Happens If...

Our newest exhibit features Balls & Ramps, based on the beloved exhibit from the original Children's Discovery Museum, plus SO much more!

Check it out!

Events & Programs

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Calendar
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Thu
May
23

Exploring Hand Tools

to
Visit the da Vinci Workshop to experience some of the common tools used in woodworking. From hammers and nails to hand drills, there’s something for. . .

Latest News

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News
a grandmother reads to her infant grandchild
Grandparent Discoveries Blog

How To Read To Your Grandchildren

Cheryl Beaudoin
Educators are always looking for the best ways to support learning for a wide range of students. Currently there is a great deal of focus in the literacy space about how best to teach children to read. There is a “science of reading” approach that supports a phonics and cognitive-based instructional. . .

An Award-Winning Destination

IMLS National Medal for Museum and Library Service
Commonwealth Award
Lowell Sun 2021 Winner
Wicked Local Readers Choice 2020
Boston Parents Paper 2023 award