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

March | 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 – Earth, Moon, and Sun
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
3:00pm – 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

March | 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 – Earth, Moon, and Sun
Caryl D. Philips Space Theater
1:30pm – Science Theater
Science Theater
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

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

March | 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
2:00pm – Earth, Moon, and Sun
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 – The Secret Lives of Stars
Caryl D. Philips Space Theater

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

March | 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 – Spacepark 360
Caryl D. Philips Space Theater
3:30pm – Do Lab
Do-Lab
4:00pm – The Secret Lives of Stars
Caryl D. Philips Space Theater

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

March | Schedule Changes

Schedule Change Notice
To better prepare for your fun visitor to the museum, please be aware of the schedule changes for public programs and shows taking place this month.

March 9th and 23rd: The 9:30am Toddler Exploration and 11:30 Do Lab will be closed.
March 22nd: The 3:30 Do Lab will be closed.

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

Summer STEM Camps 2023

Spend your Summer with the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery!

Camps run from June 5 – August 4 | Ages 5 – 13

Descriptions, Dates and Times are available on the Summer Camp page.

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.