The Discovery Children’s Museum in Las Vegas is a massive three-story sensory and intellectual playground for kids (and adults!) of all ages.
With nine unique interactive exhibits to explore, the Discovery Children’s Museum offers every child the opportunity for play, discovery, and igniting the imagination.
The Discovery Children’s Museum is a great family activity that offers early childhood development, science-themed discoveries for children of all ages, and an opportunity to explore the arts in many different ways.
The three-story museum was previously known as the Lied Discovery Children’s Museum and opened its doors in Las Vegas in 1990. About twenty years later, the decision to move to its current location was made, and the new museum reopened as the Discovery Children’s Museum in 2013. Along with the reopening came the nine-themed exhibition halls that hold limitless adventure for little ones and kids of any age.
Exhibits
At the Discovery Children’s Museum, you’ll find nine different exhibits spread out over three floors. Each exhibit is designed for children to interact, and more importantly, encourage play, learning, and exploration. Each of the exhibits is themed, some leaning toward science and others offering the opportunity to explore art in new ways. Some are just for play that allows the imagination to flourish.
Discovery Lab
The DISCOVERY Lab is a place where anything is possible. This immersive workspace encourages children to try something new, explore, create, use critical thinking skills, and even…fail. Trial and error, problem-solving, and moving past failed attempts are all important aspects of the world of science. The DISCOVERY Lab encourages children and parents to embrace them all.
Children can explore the open-making areas and use their creativity and curiosity to build, dream, and experiment. Guests can use the interactive computer lab that includes CAD software, 3D printers, laser cutters, and a kiln. There are all sorts of possibilities in the DISCOVERY Lab, where children can engage in STEAM-themed activities, circuitry, woodworking, sewing, sculpting, and more.
The Summit
The Summit is where kids can be kids, release some energy, and embark on scientific adventures, all at the same time. The Summit exhibit features a 70 ft tower, made up of twelve levels, each with something new to explore.
One of the many things that’s great about The Summit is that instead of feeling small, children feel like giants, capable of nearly anything. At the ground level of The Summit, children can use their muscles to lift a real, life-size car using a lever. Then at the very top, they can view the entirety of Downtown Vegas…without needing a lift or to sit upon an adult’s shoulders.
Fantasy Festival
Fantasy Festival is where children can be anything they dream of at the Discovery Children’s Museum. Does your child dream of pirate adventures on a life-size pirate ship? Perhaps they want to play the role of royalty at a medieval castle. Whatever your child’s dream, from an astronaut exploring the universe to a doctor of cutting-edge medicine, the imagination is the only limit at Fantasy Festival.
Eco City
There aren’t many children’s museums that encourage children to play the role of adults, but at Eco City in the Discovery Childrens Museum, kids get a first-hand perspective on what it’s like to run errands, live an urban lifestyle, and most importantly, discover what it means to be a responsible citizen in today’s world.
Eco City is designed to be familiar and easily accessible to your child; with representations of easily recognized businesses, and even a replica of the Las Vegas Airport and Allegiant Stadium, young ones learn to make decisions and choices that have an impact on the future.
Patents Pending
What child doesn’t love to tinker? Patents Pending is one of the ongoing exhibits at the Discovery Children’s Museum that lets visitors first imagine, then create, and finally test their brilliant ideas. Of course, all this testing happens in super fun ways. Can your creation withstand an earthquake? There’s only one (safe) way to find out!
Toddler Town
Toddler Town is an exhibit designed for the youngest visitors to the Discovery Children’s Museum. All children who are five or younger are welcome to play, roam, and explore – accompanied by an adult, of course.
In addition to the sensory stimulation in this desert-themed playspace, Toddler Town is a welcome reprieve for parents of young ones who often find it difficult to relax and let their child explore areas where older kids interact as well.
Water World
Water World is filled with interactive water playstations for kids can perform experiments and discover some of the many mysteries about water. This is a fun way to let children splash and play, plus there’s no swim attire required. Water World provides adorable hooded raincoats to keep everyone dry.
For parents and older kids who are curious about history, Water World offers history and interactive exhibits of local attractions like Lake Mead, the Hoover Dam, and the new Bypass Bridge.
Solve It!
Do you have a young person in your life who loves the challenge of solving a good mystery? At Solve It! Participants are encouraged to use their problem-solving skills in this highly interactive ongoing exhibit. From digging up clues to examining DNA evidence, this is a fun, engaging attraction at the Discovery Children’s Museum.
Young at Art
Imagine opening a door and entering a realm where artistic expression and creativity are the driving force behind everything. This is what you’ll find when you visit Young at Art. Guests can explore the arts from many different perspectives and create art of their own.
Plus, you can let everything that you create dry while you explore the rest of the museum, then pick it up before you leave to take home for free.
Hours & Prices
- Tuesdays – Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sundays: 12 noon to 5 p.m.
- Open on Mondays during holidays, winter, and spring break
With the exception of holidays, the Discovery Children’s Museum is open Tuesday-Sunday. The museum opens at 10 am each day, except for Sunday when the museum opens at noon.
Normal hours have the museum closing at 5 pm, but hours of operation may change. Although the museum typically isn’t open on Monday, it does open any time the local school district does not have classes on the first day of the school week.
Because the Discovery Children’s Museum wants to create the safest space possible for young explorers, they do limit capacity, so that safe distancing is possible.
Because of this, it’s strongly encouraged to purchase tickets and reserve your spot on their website. A very small number of walking admissions are available daily.
Tickets | Ticket |
Locals | $14.50 |
General | $17 |
Museums For All Admission for patrons with a valid EBT, SNAP or WIC card. Only valid for 4 tickets per adult cardholder | $5 |
Member Admission Admission for all museum members | FREE |
Yearly Membership Admission for one adult and one child | $95 |
General admission tickets start at $16, but there are lots of ways that you can get discounted entrance into the museum. First, Nevada residents receive a discount with a valid ID showing their current Nevada address.
The Discovery Children’s Museum also participates in the Museums for All program, where guests who show a valid EBT, SNAP, or WIC card are eligible for a significantly discounted price on tickets. Tickets are limited to four per qualifying adult.
Visitors who are members of the Discovery Children’s Museum always get free admission, and there are also discounts for groups, military members, and non-profit organizations.
Location & Parking
The Discovery Children’s Museum is located at 360 Promenade Place, Las Vegas, NV. The museum is located in Downtown Las Vegas, in Symphony Park, which is adjacent to the Smith Center.
Parking is always free for guests of the Discovery Children’s Museum. There’s lots of parking nearby, but you’ll want to park in the Smith Center Museum garage. They offer a handy parking map on their site, so you know exactly where to go.
Having fun in Las Vegas isn’t limited to just the grown-ups. Bring the family to the Discovery Children’s Museum and discover that there really are no limits to a child’s imagination or potential.
