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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  • long view of new museum building

    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!

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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

    Watch now
  • elevated treehouse and wooden walkway leading under it

    Chronicle visits Discovery Woods!

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

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

    Science. Nature. 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 ...

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Here's what's happening

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Member Morning
Thursday, Jan 17, 2019
8:00 am to 9:00 am
Rise and shine and join us early! Our doors will open an hour early for members only--come on in and get a jump start on your day of learning through play!
Member Morning
Thursday, Jan 17, 2019
8:00 am to 9:00 am
Rise and shine and join us early! Our doors will open an hour early for members only--come on in... READ MORE
Doggy Days: Taking Care of Abby
Thursday, Jan 17, 2019
10:00 am to 11:00 am
 —Drop in
Having a pet is a big responsibility! Help Abby’s owner demonstrate some of the things she does to... READ MORE
Take Aparts
Thursday, Jan 17, 2019
2:00 pm to 4:30 pm
 —Drop in
Are you curious about what’s inside telephones, computers, radios and more? Grab a screwdriver and... READ MORE
Backyard and Beyond: Forest Fridays
Friday, Jan 18, 2019
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
Calendar
two researchers sit with a child at a table, while his mom looks on

Our blog: Play Matters

Which One Is Nicer?

By the time they reach preschool age, children are remarkably adept at evaluating others. That is, they understand that someone who shares is more generous than someone who doesn’t share, and that someone who shares more is more generous than someone who shares less. However, children tend to

READ MORE | ALL POSTS

Latest News

kids hold a long red ribbon across an entryway while to men prepare to cut it
Middlesex Savings Bank and Discovery Museum Announce $100,000 Sponsorship of the new Discovery Museum

Bank is funding the museum’s Community Gallery, a changing exhibit space for traveling exhibits, community events, and cultural presentations 

Velocity Engineering Lab exhibit... READ MORE

SEE ALL NEWS >

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177 Main Street (Route 27)
Acton, Massachusetts 01720
Phone: 978-264-4200
fun@discoveryacton.org 
©2019 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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