General Admission
Adult (ages 13-59)
$15.00
Child (ages 3-12)
$12.00
Senior (ages 60+)
$13.00
All DSNH Members and Children 2 & Under
FREE
*Members must present photo ID at each check-in
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.
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.
Additional Costs
Parking
Parking is FREE at both of our sites, and all exhibits, planetarium shows, and most public programs are included with general admission.
Programs & Shows
The majority of our daily programs are included with General Admission! At times, certain educational programs or shows may require pre-registration or an additional, nominal charge. This will be clearly announced prior to the day of the respective program. Public Programs run daily! Click here to check out our daily schedule.
Food
Food and drinks are available for purchase in our Eco Eatery.
Group Rates & Transportation
Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more, with prior arrangement. Due to staffing requirements, drop-in groups will still be required to pay regular admission rates at the front desk.
For more information regarding scheduled group rates, please contact us at 937-275-7431 ext. 125 or email education@boonshoftmuseum.org.
Group transportation to the Boonshoft Museum is available through a variety of partners including GOGO Charters, Total Charter Bus, and National Charter Bus
Holiday Hours
The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery and SunWatch Indian Village are always closed for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
We also close for our annual fundraising event, as well as occasional training days and other special events.
Strollers & Wagons
Due to ongoing construction, we recommend strollers and wagons that are smaller than 29" in width and 52" in length in order to help all of our guests best navigate our exhibits and galleries. Thank you for your consideration of these guidelines while planning your visit with us!
Accessibility
Handicap Parking
There are designated handicapped parking spaces at the top of the circular drive, which leads directly to the Museum entrance. A ramp leads from the parking lot to the front door.
Elevators
There are elevators at both ends of the building to reach the second floor.
Coat Room & Lockers
Due to ongoing renovations, we no longer have lockers or a coat room on the premises.
Sensory Accommodations
We strive to make your visit as smooth and enjoyable as possible, and that sentiment extends to all guests. Please read more about our sensory accommodations and the tools we offer on our Accessibility page.
Stroller & Wheelchair Rental
Wheelchairs and strollers are available on a first come basis, free of charge, for guest use while visiting the Museum.
Family Restroom
We are proud to have an accessible universal changing station on our first floor. Please see our Accessibility page for more information.
Nursing Spaces
For those who prefer privacy, the Museum offers a Quiet Room for families on the first floor. There are also numerous benches and seating arranged throughout the Museum for your convenience.
Service Animals
We do allow trained service animals inside the Museum. Pets and emotional support animals, however, are not permitted. We reserve the right to inquire as to the service the animal provides and will promptly alert our zoo staff of the animal's presence in the building.
Policies
Unsupervised Children
Children under the age of 18 be accompanied by an adult (18 years+) at all times. The Museum reserves the right to notify appropriate authorities if we believe children are not adequately supervised.
Group Spaces
Families/groups may not bring large family-style meals or full-size cakes to the Museum. No parties or groups larger than 10 may convene in The Loft or the Eco Eatery; tables cannot be reserved or moved. Absolutely no decorations are permitted. If you wish to book a birthday celebration or rental that includes private space for your group, we have lots of options! Please click here to learn more.
Rolling Shoes
The Museum does not permit any rolling shoes on the premises. If a visitor engages their wheels, they will be asked to remove the wheels from their shoes for the duration of their visit.
Photography
We encourage guests to capture the special moments they spend with their children at the Museum.
Please note that visitors must limit their photography to the children and guests in their immediate group. The Museum reserves the right to confiscate any photo or videos that violate this policy.
Code of Conduct
We ask that you play safe, play nice, and play often! Below are some important rules for the safety and enjoyment of all our visitors and staff.
Adults must remain with and supervise children in their group at all times.Under 18? If so, you must be accompanied by an adult (18+ years) upon admission. Please refrain from dropping off children for unsupervised play.The Boonshoft Museum is committed to providing a safe environment for all guests; children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult (18+) at all times.Parents and guardians should always maintain a 1:6 ratio. This means at least 1 adult (18 and over) for every six children (17 and under).Dos and Don’ts of Dress: DO wear a shirt and shoes at all times! DON’T wear “wheelies” or other rolling shoes.We all get excited to explore, but please refrain from running, screaming or disruptive behavior in general. Causing deliberate damage to the Museum or the person or property of others cannot be tolerated.Give everyone a chance to learn and play; please respect the exhibits and other visitors’ experience.The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery staff frequently document our visitors and activities for promotional and historical purposes. Please notify the Admissions Desk upon arrival if you do not wish to be included in photography or videography.
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.
The Museum is not responsible for lost, misplaced, or stolen items. Items placed in the Lost and Found will be kept for up to 30 days.
Food and drink are not permitted in the Museum, except in designated areas, like the Eco-Eatery. Coolers are welcome, but seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and seating may not be held, nor tables moved. Learn more about booking a birthday party at the Museum.
For the safety of guests and our animal residents, pets are not permitted in the museum. Licensed service animals are welcome, but must be checked in at the Admissions Desk so that our Live Animals staff can be notified and adjust programs accordingly. Please be aware that our Guest Services staff may ask a few questions to verify that your service animal is required because of a disability, and what work or task the animal is trained to perform.
Due to the danger to the animals, pets may not be left unattended in vehicles in the Museum parking lot. Guests with unattended pets will be paged by license number; if the guest cannot be found, Museum staff will contact the appropriate authorities for assistance.
The Museum is a non-smoking facility; regular and electronic cigarettes are prohibited. Designated smoking areas are available outside the main Museum entrance.
As posted at the Museum's entrance, weapons are not permitted in the Museum. Any reports of weapons in the Museum will be directed immediately to the appropriate authorities.
