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

May 23rd and 24th Schedule Changes

We apologize ahead of time for some changes to the daily schedule. Please observe the dates below and their changes. We hope to see you at our other amazing programs!
May 23rd
The 11:30 and 3:30 Do Labs will be closed.
May 24th
Toddler Exploration, Do Lab, Science Theater and the 1:00 Sky Tonight show in the Planetarium will be closed.

May | Monday - Tuesday Daily Programs

Do Lab
11:30 & 3:30 Hands on Science Activity
Keeper Talk
2:30 Animal Encounter
Planetarium
11:00 One World, One Sky: Big Birds Adventure
1:00 The Sky Tonight
2:00 Earth, Moon, and Sun
3:00 Sunstruck
Science on a Sphere
1:30 Interactive Exhibit Presentation
Toddler Exploration
9:30 Family Activity Baskets

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

May| Wednesday - Friday Daily Programs

Do Lab
11:30 & 3:30 Hands on Science Activity
Keeper Talk
2:30 Animal Encounter
Planetarium
11:00 One World, One Sky: Big Birds Adventure
1:00 The Sky Tonight
2:00 Earth, Moon, and Sun
3:00 Sunstruck
Science Theater
1:30 Amazing Science Demonstrations
Toddler Exploration
9:30 Family Activity Baskets

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

May | Saturday Daily Programs

Collection Encounter
2:00 Collection Showcase
Do Lab
3:30 Hands on Science Activity
Keeper Talk
2:30 Animal Encounter
Planetarium
12:00 One World, One Sky: Big Birds Adventure
1:00 Earth, Moon, and Sun
2:00 The Sky Tonight
3:00 Spacepark 360
4:00 Sunstruck
Science Theater
11:30 & 1:30 Amazing Science Demonstrations
Toddler Exploration
9:30 Family Activity Baskets

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

May| Sunday Daily Programs

Do Lab
3:30 Hands on Science Activity
Keeper Talk
2:30 Animal Encounter
Planetarium
1:00 One World, One Sky: Big Birds Adventure
2:00 The Sky Tonight
3:00 Spacepark 360
4:00 Sunstruck
Science Theater
1:30 Amazing Science Demonstrations

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

We are excited to announce our NEW laser show lineup!

Our laser shows are back and better than ever!

Every other weekend on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings beginning May 4th

$6 Members | $9 Non-Members

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.

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.