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.

Learn more

Toys: The Inside Story

January 18 - May 10, 2020

Learn More
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!

Learn more
5 for Good: WCVB-TV5

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

Watch now
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.

Learn more
Chronicle visits Discovery Woods

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

Watch now
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!

Learn more
Our Philosophy: Play Matters

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

Learn more
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 ...

Learn more

Here's what's happening

Boy holds his homemade kaleidoscope up to his eyes while his mom watches smiling

Tinkering with Toys: Colorful Kaleidoscopes

Friday, Jan 24, 2020

2:00 pm to 4:30 pm

—Drop in

Join us to explore this classic and colorful toy, as we create simple but dazzling kaleidoscopes. Use your handmade kaleidoscope and your artistic talents to experiment with different designs,... READ MORE

Make a Mess: Spray Art Resist

Thursday, Jan 23, 2020

10:00 am to 11:00 am

—Drop in

Join us as we experiment with resist painting. Make an image created by using materials that repel... READ MORE

Backyard and Beyond: Forest Fridays

Friday, Jan 24, 2020

10:00 am to 10:45 am

A great way for the whole family to enjoy time outdoors, our Forest Friday program will be held... READ MORE

Tinkering with Toys: Colorful Kaleidoscopes

Friday, Jan 24, 2020

2:00 pm to 4:30 pm

—Drop in

Join us to explore this classic and colorful toy, as we create simple but dazzling kaleidoscopes.... READ MORE

Asobouyo! Explore the Songs and Toys of Japan

2:00pm-2:45pm

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

the legs of a toddler climbing up a mud hill

Our blog: Play Matters

Learning Is Messy

Alli Leake

When Hillary Einboden visited the Discovery Museum for the first time, she knew she’d found a “unique and wonderful place"—a noteworthy observation coming from someone who spent a full year exploring wonderful places with her children.

Hillary and her children, Ezra, 7, and Eve, 3, went