Daily Programs

Hours/Admission Cost

Monday – Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Visit FAQs and Discounts

Admission

Children (3-17) $11.50
Adults $14.50
Seniors (60+) $12.50
Children (under 3) Free
DSNH Members are FREE
Remember! Members must present ID with their membership card during every visit.

The Boonshoft Museum is committed to providing a safe environment for all guests; children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult (18+) at all times.
The Boonshoft Museum accepts cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AMEX, and personal checks with proper ID

Schedule Change Notice

Starting Monday, February 6th there will be some scheduling changes with daily programs. Please read the following information so that you can plan your visit to the museum.

Science on a Sphere will be closed for the week starting on Feb 6th for maintenance.
Do Lab will be closed on February 8th for maintenance.

We apologize for the inconvenience as we work on these spaces and get them open again as soon as we can. Thank you!

February | Monday - Thursday Daily Programs

9:30am – Toddler Exploration
Kid’s Park
11:00am – One World, One Sky; Big Birds Adventure
Caryl D. Philips Space Theater
11:30am – Do Lab
Do Lab
1:00pm – The Sky Tonight
Caryl D. Philips Space Theater
1:30pm – Science on a Sphere
Science on a Sphere
2:00pm – Stargazers of Africa
Caryl D. Philips Space Theater
2:30pm – Keeper Talk
Vet Hospital Stage
3:30pm – Do Lab
Do Lab

For an overview of certain public programs we offer throughout the year, Click To Visit our Public Programs Page

February | Friday Daily Programs

9:30am – Toddler Exploration
Kid’s Park
11:00am – One World, One Sky; Big Birds Adventure
Caryl D. Philips Space Theater
11:30am – Do Lab
Do Lab
1:00pm – The Sky Tonight
Caryl D. Philips Space Theater
1:30pm – Science Theater
Science Theater
2:00pm – Stargazers of Africa
Caryl D. Philips Space Theater
2:30pm – Keeper Talk
Vet Hospital Stage
3:30pm – Do Lab
Do Lab

For an overview of certain public programs we offer throughout the year, Click To Visit our Public Programs Page

February | Saturday Daily Programs

9:30am – Toddler Exploration
Kid’s Park
11:30am – Science Theater Program
Science Theater
12:00pm – One World, One Sky; Big Birds Adventure
Caryl D. Philips Space Theater
1:00pm – The Sky Tonight
Caryl D. Philips Space Theater
1:30pm – Science Theater Program
Science Theater
2:00 – Collection Encounter
Discovery Table
2:00pm – Stargazers of Africa
Caryl D. Philips Space Theater
2:30pm – Keeper Talk
Vet Hospital Stage
3:00pm – Spacepark 360
Caryl D. Philips Space Theater
3:30pm – Do Lab
Do Lab

For an overview of certain public programs we offer throughout the year, Click To Visit our Public Programs Page

February | Sunday Daily Programs

1:00pm – One World, One Sky; Big Birds Adventure
Caryl D. Philips Space Theater
1:30pm – Science Theater
Science Theater
2:00pm – The Sky Tonight
Caryl D. Philips Space Theater
2:30pm – Keeper Talk
Vet Hospital Stage
3:00pm – Stargazers of Africa
Caryl D. Philips Space Theater
3:30pm – Do Lab
Do-Lab
4:00pm – Spacepark 360
Caryl D. Philips Space Theater

For an overview of certain public programs we offer throughout the year, Click To Visit our Public Programs Page

Valentine's Under the Stars

Share the stars with your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery! Join us for a beautiful brand-new show that takes us on a breathtaking journey through the planets in our solar system and beyond!

Enjoy romantic stories drawn from the realm of astronomical myth and folklore presented with amazing visuals set to music. It’s the perfect date night!

The Eco-Eatery will also be providing complimentary Valentine’s Day treats you won’t want to miss!

All shows screen the same program, and the program itself changes from year to year. Seating for this annual event is limited. Advance tickets are recommended; all sales final.

Tickets are now on sale!

Saturday, February 11th

7p | 8p | 9p

Looking for a creative way to support our Discovery Zoo?

Adopt one of your favorite zoo residents for the coming year!

Show your love for the animals, knowing that your support will provide the care and enrichment needed to keep them safe, happy, and healthy.

Discoveries Gift Shop Hours

Monday – Saturday: 9:00a – 5:00p
Sunday:
12:00p – 5:00p

Our Humble Beginnings

The Dayton Museum of Natural History began in 1893 as a part of the Dayton Public Library and Museum. Over the years, collections gathered by prominent Dayton citizens on their trips around the world were contributed to the museum. Local natural history collections were also contributed.

1913 Floor - The collection was on the second floor of the library
1921 - the library moved the Museum into the nearby Steely Building located at the corner of 2nd and Ludlow.
1927 - The Museum moved back to the library into the newly constructed Library Annex.
List Item

* The Dayton Society of Natural History is the parent organization of the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery and its sister organization, SunWatch Indian Village – a museum of the area’s 12th century Fort Ancient Native Americans.

Such a fun experience for the little ones!! Not only are allowed to just be kids and play, everything they touch is educational! We will definitely be coming back!

Alaina Robinson

Great place for kids and adults, lots of interesting and educational exhibits, hands-on activities for children of all ages. All in a beautiful setting with a planetarium, and even a live animal area.