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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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exhibits


Indoors: Discovery Museum

The all-new Discovery Museum opened in March 2018. Come explore reimagined exhibits—and many new ones!—from both original museums, now combined into one beautiful space for all ages to play, explore, and learn. There are intimate, immersive experiences for our youngest learners and new galleries of STEAM experiences for all ages. All exhibits are hands-on, low-tech, open-ended, and interactive, to encourage play and exploration. Come play and learn together!

 

Discovery Museum Exhibits


Outdoors: Discovery Woods

Come on a nature adventure, starting with the coolest, biggest treehouse you’ve ever seen, and built by DIY Network's The Treehouse Guys! Bounce the wiggly bridge, sway in the nest swing, explore the treehouse, and climb the cargo net…on your way to explore our woodland nook, rain garden, beaver lodges, and acres of adjoining conservation land. Discovery Woods is inclusive and fully accessible.  And, it is open year-round!

 

Discovery Woods Exhibits

Are you a teacher? Check out our Field Trips!

Indoors: DISCOVERY MUSEUM

Light & Color Gallery
a father and son work together to place colorful gears in place on a magnetic wall
Simple Machines Gallery
da Vinci Workshop
AirPlay Gallery
looking down into a water vortex
Water Gallery
a young girl plays with colorful objects on a light table
Brain Building Together
a boy experiments with a tuning fork
Sound Gallery
a young girl builds with clear geometric shapes on a light table
Yes! It's Math! Gallery
the camera looks down on a child in a pretend kitchen
Bessie's House: The Diner
two young boys play on an indoor slide in a dark room
Bessie's House: Backyard at Night
a grandmother reads a book to a boy while seated in a child's train engine exhibit
Bessie's House: Train Room
a mom and her kids sit and laugh in a pretend rowboat
Bessie's House: Ship Room

Outdoors: Discovery woods

da Vinci Outdoors
kids and parents play on a climbing hill with slide
Adventure Hill
view of treehouse and nest swing
Discovery Treehouse
view from an elevated walkway, looking down at a playscape

© Mitchell Green

Nature Playscape
a view of pathways and an elevated walkway through a nature playscape
Getting Around
two young boys sit atop a large dinosaur statue while their mom snaps a photo
More Outside Fun!
a girl holds an orienteering map in front of a trail head sign
Orienteering
177 Main Street (Route 27)
Acton, Massachusetts 01720
Phone: 978-264-4200
fun@discoveryacton.org 
©2021 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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