The playful river otters at Boonshoft Museum chuckle, “Have an adventure!” as little feet run excitingly into the museum.
Nestled in a quiet park slightly north of downtown Dayton, Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is a hidden gem full of discovery and learning!
You’re welcomed into the museum with large prehistoric bones and fossils to explore before taking off into outer space with meteorites, tektites, nebulas and interactive infrared cameras. Science On a Sphere® and Hall of the Universe are sure to excite the future astronaut in your family.
Explorers Crossing, a favorite amongst many of the young visitors to Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, features several levels of climbing and sliding to encourage gross motor play with our littles. Kids Place, for children under the age of 4, keeps the tiniest of our kiddos safe and happy with sheltered, interactive activities.
An impressively large water play area remains irresistible for the whole family. Splash your way into building aquifers, exploring water weight and understanding where our water comes from.
Our personal favorite highlight was undoubtedly the splishing and splashing from two American River Otters in the Discovery Zoo exhibit. The Zoo is home to meerkats, Patience the Sloth, boas, porcupines, bats and over one hundred more animals and insects.
Rotating exhibits keep Boonshoft Museum of Discovery fresh and full of new adventurous learning. An impressive list of STEM summer camps accompanies an even more impressive calendar of events and activities. Super Science Saturdays, Sensory Sundays, Dayton Science Festival, Boonshoft Bash and Red, White and Boonshoft entice museum go-ers into a world of discovery.
Know before you go:
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is located at 2600 Deweese Pkwy Dayton, OH 45414. The museum has re-opened entirely with daily admission. You do not need to make reservations in advance, but check ahead for the incredible video showings in the planetarium. These are time specific but do not require an additional ticket.
If you have a reciprocal network pass, you’re in luck! Association of Zoos & Aquariums members and Association of Children’s Museums members receive 50% off admission while others can enjoy the museum for a low price plus free parking.