General Admission
Adult (ages 13-59)
$16.00
Child (ages 3-12)
$13.00
Senior (ages 60+)
$14.00
All DSNH Members and Children 2 & Under
FREE
*Members must present photo ID at each check-in.
We also close for our annual fundraising event, as well as occasional training days and other special events.
We accept cash, checks and travelers’ checks (with proper ID), Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Please note that there is not currently an ATM available at the Museum.
HOLIDAY HOURS
The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery and SunWatch Village are always closed for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
We also close for our annual fundraising event (August 22, 2026), as well as occasional training days and other special events.
Tickets
Click here to reserve your admissions tickets!
Please note: All discounted tickets must be purchased in person.
Available Discounts
Museums For All Discount
$5.00 ticket
Must present a valid photo ID and valid SNAP EBT/WIC card – good for up to 4 individuals.
Must present valid photo ID and valid Medicaid card – good for individual card holders only.
Must present valid Miami Valley Community ID card – good for up to 4 individuals.
Sponsored by
Reciprocal Discounts
50% or Free Admission
Must present valid proof of membership to an
institution participating in any of the following
associations:
Association of Science & Technology Centers (ASTC)
Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA)
Association of Children’s Museums (ACM)
Click the association links to check their updated reciprocity lists.
Military Discount
$1 off up to 5 admissions
Must present valid military ID, Geneva
Convention common access card (CAC),
a DD Form 1173 ID card, or a DD Form 1173-1 card.
Spouse or dependent ID cards are also accepted.
Discount applies to both active and former military
individuals from any branch.
AAA Insurance Discount
$0.50 off each admission in party
Must present valid AAA membership card
State Farm Insurance Discount
$0.50 off each admission in party
Must present valid State Farm membership card
Frequently Asked Questions
Upgrading Admission to Membership
Visitors have up to 14 days to apply their regular admission toward an annual membership!
Must submit the original receipt and purchase the membership in person; some restrictions apply. Does not apply to group admission.
See our Guest Services staff for more details during your visit.
Reciprocity
Because The Dayton Society of Natural History is affiliated with the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC), Association of Children's Museums (ACM) and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), other accredited organizations offer our members special admission opportunities.
WHO: Reciprocal benefits are offered to individuals and families that retain a membership; benefits may vary. People who have Standard and Premium Level Memberships enjoy special benefits at science/technology centers and zoos & aquariums.
*NOTE: See below for special reciprocity agreements with other Ohio institutions.
WHAT: Reciprocity is a mutual exchange of privileges between two institutions, such as one science and technology center or zoo offering reduced admission to members of another science and technology center or zoo.
WHEN: Reciprocity is exercised year-round, but when you are visiting a museum, science/technology center, or zoo/aquarium please observe their daily schedule and be sure to call ahead to confirm their reciprocity commitment to your specific institution's membership, as institutions can opt out of the program at any time throughout the year.
WHERE: With over 300 museums, zoos, and other attractions across the country, we encourage traveling families to visit these amazing facilities. For your convenience we have provided lists of institutions that offer reciprocal benefits at science and technology centers (ASTC) zoos & aquariums (AZA) and participating children’s museums (ACM). Again, please review the lists below to verify that the institution you plan on visiting participates in reciprocal program.
WHY: The reciprocal benefits offered with a DSNH Membership are a valuable benefit, to not only our guests, but also other instituions that so graciously host DSNH Members. These institutions take pride in sharing their educational resources, local history, culture, and entertaining attractions with our Members, as do we when we host guests using reciprocal memberships.
HOW: Simply purchase a membership! Visit our Membership page to find the membership level that best suits you and your family, or simply click the button below to start enjoying all the entertaining, educational attractions the Dayton Society of Natural History has to offer.
While both the Cincinnati Museum Center and COSI are within the 90-mile radius, Boonshoft Museum members currently receive 50% off regular admission to both of these locations. The Boonshoft Museum extends the same 50% discount to CMC and COSI members.
The Boonshoft Museum matches the 50% discount offered to our members by the Cincinnati Zoo and Columbus Zoo.
Please be aware that reciprocal benefits for your DSNH/Boonshoft Museum membership may have additional restrictions if you do not live in the Dayton, OH area. In particular, please note that the Great Lakes Science Center and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History will not accept reciprocity with Boonshoft Museum of Discovery members who reside in the Cleveland area.
Please note that each institution sets its own policy on this agreement; call the institution prior to visiting to ensure that reciprocal agreements are in effect.
Group Rates
Our group rate begins at $157.50 (includes up to 15 people). Each additional person in the group is an additional $10.50
Your group must call the admissions desk at 937-275-7431 prior to arrival to receive the group rate. We will ask for the number you expect to bring and a name for the group. Upon arrival, one person in your group will make the payment at the front desk.
Walk-in groups that have not called ahead will have to pay the regular admission rate.
No other discounts, memberships, or reciprocals can be applied to the group rate.
Are you an educational organization such as a school, daycare, or summer camp? Book your field trip online here (Field Trips & Group Visits – DSNH).
Parking & Transportation
Free parking is available at the museum.
A driveway to the right of the parking lot allows for drop-offs and pick-ups in front of the museum.
Group transportation to the Boonshoft Museum is available through a variety of partners including GOGO Charters, Total Charter Bus, and National Charter Bus
Accessibility
Elevators are located at both ends of the museum to move between the first and second floors.
A limited number of wheelchairs are available on a first come first served basis, free of charge, for guests.
On the first floor we offer a universal changing station in the Hall of the Universe and a quiet room outside the Beiser Room of Wonders.
Sensory bags can be borrowed for a day on a first-come, first-served basis at the front desk.
Daily Programs
There is no additional cost to your admission to attend a program listed on the Daily Public Program Schedule. It is part of your ticket to the museum!
Programs begin at the time they are listed on the schedule, and late entry may not be allowed depending on the program. All programs are offered on a first come first serve basis, and seats cannot be reserved in advance.
Please be aware the program schedules are subject to change.
Specialty programs offered throughout the year may have advanced registration requirements, or an additional fee, to attend the program.
Lost Items
The Museum is not responsible for lost, misplaced, or stolen items. Items in the Lost and Found will be kept for up to 30 days.
Child & Adult Supervision
Children under the age of 18 must always be accompanied by an adult (18+).
Do not drop off and leave children at the museum. The museum will notify appropriate authorities if we believe children are not supervised.
Rules to play by:
We keep socks and shoes on in the museum.We use walking feet to explore new exhibits.We use indoor voices, especially in the Discovery Zoo, so we do not scare anyone.We always stay with our adults and groups, and we do not explore alone.We give everyone a chance to explore, learn, and play.Food & Drink
Light snacks and drinks are permitted in the museum, but staff may require you to close and put them away before entering certain exhibits and programs.
The Eco Eatery is open every day if you would like to purchase a drink, snack, or meal during your visit. Click here to learn more. Please, no groups larger than 10 at a time.
Family styles meals and food deliveries are not allowed in the museum and must be eaten outside.
Dress Code
Please dress appropriately for an indoor museum environment that will be shared by other museum guests. This includes shoes, tops, and bottoms.
We recommend dressing wearing comfortable shoes for lots of walking, especially if you want to take a stroll on the Werthner Woods Trail outside.
Strollers & Wagons
Stollers and Wagons are required to be smaller than 29” in width and 52” in length to help all guests navigate through out exhibits.
Staff may ask you to leave strollers and wagons in designated areas before entering a program space.
Animals
Pets are not permitted in the museum. The museum will notify appropriate authorities of any pet left unattended outside the museum or in a vehicle in the parking lot.
Trained Service Animals are permitted in the museum. Our staff will only ask what duty/task they perform.
Photography
For those wishing to document your visit today, you must limit photography to the children and guests in your immediate group. The museum reserves the right to confiscate any photo or video documentation that violates this policy. In addition, any harassment or deliberate intimidation of other patrons and staff will not be tolerated. Guests who violate this policy may be asked to leave the premises; members who violate this policy may have their membership revoked.
Staff frequently document programs and activities for promotional and historical purposes. Please notify the staff members if you do not wish to be filmed or photographed.
Cigarettes & Firearms
The museum is a non-smoking facility; regular and electronic cigarettes are prohibited. Designated smoking areas are available outside of the museum.
Weapons (such as firearms and blades) are not permitted in the museum. The museum will notify appropriate authorities of any reports of weapons in the building.
