About Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

Science museum & archaeological site. Archaeological park & all-ages science museum with a planetarium, live animals, fossils & more.

💬 What Parents Say

  • 🕐Visit on weekdays when field trips are occurring—reviewers noted they didn't feel overwhelmed even with multiple school groups present, making weekday visits ideal for avoiding crowds while maintaining a good experience.
  • 💡The planetarium and laser light shows are major attractions with frequent mentions (154 and 16 mentions respectively)—plan to experience these early in your visit as they're popular draw points that may have wait times during peak hours.
  • 💡This museum is exceptionally well-suited for toddlers and young children (ages 2-5), with dedicated play areas, water tables, and interactive building stations—allow at least 3-4 hours for young children to fully engage with hands-on exhibits.
  • 💡Consider membership with ASTC reciprocity benefits included—members note reasonable pricing and the reciprocal membership program provides value if you plan multiple visits or want to visit other member museums.
  • 💡Schedule visits around Scientist Lab programs on Saturdays & Sundays or specialized events like Homeschool Days (September 2025 onward) and Toddler Time (March-April 2026) to maximize hands-on learning opportunities beyond standard exhibits.

Hours

Monday9 AM–5 PM
Tuesday9 AM–5 PM
Wednesday9 AM–5 PM
Thursday9 AM–5 PM
Friday9 AM–5 PM
Saturday9 AM–5 PM
Sunday12–5 PM

Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

★★★★☆ 4.7 (3730 reviews)
📍 2600 Deweese Pkwy, Dayton, OH 45414
Type
Natural History Museum
Best For
All ages
Main Attractions
Discovery Zoo, Planetarium, SunWatch Village, Ice Age exhibits
Admission
Children (3-12) $13, Adults $16, Seniors $14, Under 2 free
Hours
Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 12pm-5pm

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