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Discovery Museum will be open on Monday, Dec 23, closed Dec 24 & 25, and open Thursday, Dec 26 through Tuesday, Dec 31, 9am to 4:30pm. We will be closed on New Years Day. On 12/27, 12/30, and 12/31 we will run a free, continuous shuttle bus from Congregation Beth Elohim (133 Prospect Street, less than a mile away, a 2-minute drive) between 10:15am and 4:30pm. Timed reservations are recommended and can be made through the Reserve Tickets link above. 

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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
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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
a cartoon dinosaur wears a party hat and stands under a banner that says, "Birthdays at Discovery Museum"

Host your party with us!

Birthday parties are back at Discovery Museum! Host your child's birthday party or other special event in the Museum and our newly renovated and expanded Community Building for a fun and memorable event! 

Learn more
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Give the gift of Discovery!

Discovery Museum memberships and admission passes make a wonderful gift! 

Learn more
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Unlock the $100K!

A generous donor has offered to match all new and increased gifts, up to $100,000—your gift can make a big difference!

Learn how

Events & Programs

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Calendar
winter wishes trees

December Vacation Week at Discovery Museum

Sunday, December 22 through* Sunday, December 29 | 9:00am to 4:30pm | *Museum Closed December 24 & 25
Join us for a week of winter fun! Stop by the PlayLab where you can build with our collection of LEGO® bricks, add your wish for the new year to our. . .

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

a round gold medallion that says, "National Medal for Museum and Library Service"
Commonwealth Award
Wicked Local Readers Choice 2020
Boston Parents Paper 2024 Family Favorite
graphic for Best of Boston award