Dayton Society of Natural History

Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

Calendar Events

November | Monday - Friday Daily Programs

9:30 – Toddler Exploration
Kid’s Park
11:00am – What’s in the Sky: Live Show for Littler Learners
Caryl D. Philips Space Theater
11:30am – Do Lab
Do Lab
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 on a Sphere
Science on a Sphere
2:00pm – Constellations
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

November | Saturday Daily Programs

9:30am – Toddler Exploration
Kid’s Park
11:30am – Science Theater Program
Science Theater
12:00pm – One World, One Sky: Sesame Street
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 – Constellations
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
4:00pm – Big Astronomy
Caryl D. Philips Space Theater

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

November | Sunday Daily Programs

1:00pm – One World, One Sky; Big Birds Adventure
Caryl D. Philips Space Theater
1:30pm – Science Theater Program
Science Theater
2:00pm – The Sky Tonight (Live Show)
Caryl D. Philips Space Theater
2:30pm – Keeper Talk
Vet Hospital Stage
3:00pm – Constellations
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

Admission Cost

WE ARE OPEN!

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

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

New Year's Eve Celebration

NYE Celebration at the Boonshoft!
December 31st | 9:00p – 12:30a

Tickets: $100 per adult/$25 per kid/$75 for designated driver ticket (wrist band provided)

Ring in the New Year with the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery and the Junior League of Dayton at this unique late-night celebration for adults and kids!

Guests can dance the night away in our Main Exhibit Hall, snack on tasty hors d’oeuvres provided by our brand-new Eco Eatery, grab a drink, and experience the museum at your choice of live experience. The night will round out with a champagne toast at midnight in our Planetarium!

Need a sitter? No Problem! Our education staff and volunteers will be providing childcare. Parents will have the opportunity to enjoy all this event has to offer while knowing their kids are in a safe, educational, and exciting environment. *kids must be between the ages of 3-11 years old and parents must remain onsite*

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

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.

Museum Store

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.
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* 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.

Come see all we have to offer

The Boonshoft museum of Discovery and SunWatch Indian village have much to offer.

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The Dome, at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery in Dayton.

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.