Play matters

 

Our Philosophy:
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 STEM-rich environment and inviting outdoor experience.

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  • a girl uses tweezers in to use a wall-mounted electronic game

    Toys: The Inside Story

    January 18 - May 10, 2020

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  • long view of new 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 many exciting new ones!

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  • screenshot of Channel 5 news segment about the museum

    5 for Good: WCVB-TV5

    WCVB-TV5 looks at the museum's accessibility features and Especially for Me free programs for families with disabilities

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  • a child reaches up to put a ball on a tube track that he built

    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 food donations for local pantries.
  • a young girl arranges geometric shapes on a magnetic wall

    Especially for Me!

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

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  • elevated treehouse and wooden walkway leading under it

    Chronicle visits Discovery Woods

    Tour Discovery Woods with WCVB-TV Channel 5's Chronicle!  

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  • treehouse and elevated wooden walkway leading to it

    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!

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  • three children playing with funnels suspended over a sand table

    Our Philosophy: Play Matters

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

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  • a boy reaches up with his hand to touch a giant amethyst

    Hands-on learning

    Discovery Museum has been bringing early STEM learning to kids and families since 1982.
Today's Hours
Discovery Museum CLOSED
Discovery Woods CLOSED

Sparking Discovery in the Classroom

Traveling Science Workshops

Since 1992, our highly skilled, dynamic educators have inspired students with fun, hands-on STEM workshops delivered right in the classroom. From Physical Changes of Matter to Force & Motion to Weather, topics are designed to spark curiosity and strengthen the practices of science and ...

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Here's what's happening

A boy puts paper pulp into a mold over a plastic tub of water
Earth Day Turns 50! Caring for Our Environment
Friday, Apr 10, 2020
11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Join local Acton-Boxborough High School seniors
CANCELLED - Kite Making with Glenn Davison
1:00pm-2:15pm 2:15 pm Kite walk (weather permitting)
April is National Kite Month! Join our special guest, Glenn Davison, as he talks about kites and... READ MORE
Celebrate National Kite Month! Tinker Tuesday: Kites
Tuesday, Apr 7, 2020
10:00 am to 11:00 am
 —Drop in
April is National Kite Month. Help us celebrate by engineering your very own kite. Create and... READ MORE
Sensory-Friendly Afternoon
Tuesday, Apr 7, 2020
1:30 pm to 4:30 pm
 —Drop in
Come explore the accessible Discovery Museum and Discovery Woods. Sensory-Friendly Afternoons are... READ MORE
Snip and Tear
Thursday, Apr 9, 2020
10:00 am to 11:00 am
 —Drop in
Our visitors LOVE to snip and tear paper! Show off your scissor skills, try cutting for the first... READ MORE
Calendar
a small boy stands with pieces of styrofoam clinging to his clothes all over his body

Our blog: Play Matters

From Discovery Museum to discovery...at home?

Alli Leake

Although the Discovery Museum is temporarily closed and so many things feel uncertain these days, I'd like to share with you a few things that I know for sure.

The spark of discovery can happen anywhere.
As a museum educator, my very favorite thing to hear

READ MORE | ALL POSTS

Latest News

Discovery Museum will be closed through May 4: Information and Resources for Families

Update: Thursday, March 26, 2020

Discovery Museum will be closed through May 4, due to business restrictions in MA to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Along with museum visitation, all birthday parties, Field Trips, Especially for Me events... READ MORE

SEE ALL NEWS >

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177 Main Street (Route 27)
Acton, Massachusetts 01720
Phone: 978-264-4200
fun@discoveryacton.org 
©2020 Discovery Museum I Site Credits
Discovery Museum is a community-supported nonprofit organization.

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We appreciate the ongoing support of the Mass Cultural Council and the Institute for Museum and Library Services.
Thank you!
 
 
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