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

Your NEW museum is ready!

The all-new museum combines the best STEAM exhibits from our original museums—for little kids, big kids, and adults—and many exciting new ones!

Learn more
Chronicle visits Discovery Woods!

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

Watch now
Our Philosophy: Play Matters

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

Learn more
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
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
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.
Hands-On, Minds at Play

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 - 4:30pm

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 and Motion to Weather, topics are designed to spark curiosity and strengthen the practices of science and ...

Learn more

Here's what's happening

Man holding some burning leaves in his hands while boy watches.

Backyard and Beyond: Fire-making with “PrimiTim”

Saturday, May 26, 2018

2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

—Drop in

Did you know that our ancestors started fires just by rubbing two sticks together? Join primitive-skills expert, Tim “PrimiTim” Swanson, to learn and practice the ancient skill of fire-making. He’ll... READ MORE

Celebrate National Scavenger Hunt Day! Fairyborough Trail Hunt

Thursday, May 24, 2018

9:00 am to 4:30 pm

—Drop in

I spy with my little eyes…Strange things have been popping up in Fairyborough. Head to the path to... READ MORE

Nature Sensations!

Thursday, May 24, 2018

10:00 am to 11:00 pm

—Drop in

Fuzzy, scratchy, smooth, and rough. Discovery Woods is full of natural materials to excite your... READ MORE

Backyard and Beyond: Forest Fridays

Friday, May 25, 2018

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

Make a Mess: Watercolor Resist

Friday, May 25, 2018

2:00 pm to 4:30 pm

—Drop in

Don’t resist your inner artist this afternoon. Experiment with the technique of resist painting by... READ MORE

Our blog: Play Matters

Brain Building Together

Alli Leake

More brain development happens before a child’s third birthday than at any other time in life. Between birth and age three, the brain grows from 25% to 80% of its adult size and forms one million new neural connections each second. If a baby’s body grew as quickly as its brain, three-year-old