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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Science | Nature | Play

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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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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Chronicle visits Discovery Woods

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

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Our Philosophy: Play Matters

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

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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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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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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 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 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

Treehouse Takeover 2019

Friday, Jun 14, 2019

6:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Visit Discovery Woods and our 550-square foot treehouse–the grownup way! Leave the kids at home and come play in the treetops, bounce on the wiggly bridge, have a drink with friends, and enjoy the... READ MORE

Make a Mess: Spray Art Resist

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

10:00 am to 11:00 am

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

Backyard and Beyond: Pollinator Friends

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

11:00 am to 12:00 pm

—Drop in

Our pollinator friends, like bees and butterflies, help beautiful Spring flowers bloom every year... READ MORE

Snip and Tear

Thursday, May 23, 2019

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

Power of the Baby Brain

Thursday, May 23, 2019

6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

We have much to learn from infants. Early experience enduringly shapes the brain, creating windows... READ MORE

two boys work with translucent geometric shapes at a light table

Our blog: Play Matters

Do we have to leave? When 6th grade STEAM students come to play and learn.

Caitlin Kiley

As I make my way around the museum floor, I see eight students huddled around our three Sand Spinners, focused on the patterns they are creating together. I mentally note that they have been there for a while—a good sign of student engagement. I head outside and notice four students cooperating