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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Toys: The Inside Story

January 18 - May 10, 2020

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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 many exciting new ones!

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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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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.
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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Chronicle visits Discovery Woods

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

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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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Our Philosophy: Play Matters

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

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Hands-on learning

Discovery Museum has been bringing early STEM learning to kids and families since 1982.

Today's Hours

Discovery Museum 9:00am - 4:30pm

Discovery Woods 9:00am - dusk

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

Young women wearing kimonos stand in front of a group singing and doing hand motions

Asobouyo! Explore the Songs and Toys of Japan

Tuesday, February 25, 2019 - 10am to 10:45am and 2pm - 2:45pm

How do you sing “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” in Japanese? Do Japanese children play with the same toys as me? Join visiting student teachers from Showa University in Tokyo to explore classic... READ MORE

Asobouyo! Explore the Songs and Toys of Japan

Tuesday, February 25, 2019 - 10am to 10:45am and 2pm - 2:45pm

How do you sing “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” in Japanese? Do Japanese children play with the... READ MORE

Backyard and Beyond: Summit Great Hill

Wednesday, Feb 26, 2020 11:00 am

Did you know that Discovery Woods is an entrance to the Great Hill Conservation Land? Have you ever... READ MORE

Doggy Days: Puppy Playthings

Thursday, Feb 27, 2020

10:00 am to 11:00 am

—Drop in

Do dogs play with toys just like us? What are some of Abby’s favorite toys? In what ways do dog... READ MORE

The Roots of Empathy in Childhood

Thursday, Feb 27, 2020

6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

“Childhood is the springtime of humanity” We all have personal experience with childhood but now we... READ MORE

Our blog: Play Matters

There's Not One Definition of Success

Natasha Venti

Discovery Museum visitors bring a wide range of interests, temperaments, ages, and abilities to their experiences here. And so, we design both our exhibits and programs around the basic idea that there is no one “right” way to participate and no “one-size-fits-all” definition of success.