Discovery Center

Reminder: The Discovery Center will be closed today, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.

But don't worry, adventure awaits this Saturday! Join us for a StarLab Planetarium Show and take a journey through the solar system. Meet our neighboring planets, explore the night sky and experience the wonder of space in our immersive inflatable planetarium.

Shows at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Just a $3 add-on with paid admission

Learn more at www.mydiscoverycenter.org

Can snakes, turtles and birds really be related?

Join us for this week's Critter Chats and discover the connections between reptiles and birds. Our critter team will share facts, answer your questions and help you see these animals in a whole new way.

Thursday, June 18
3 p.m.
Free with paid admission

Learn more at mydiscoverycenter.org

Can you catch a mermaid? Join us for Story Time Science at the Discovery Center as we dive beneath the waves and meet underwater friends as we read “How to Catch a Mermaid!”

Thursday, June 18
10:30 a.m.
FREE with paid admission

Learn more at mydiscoverycenter.org

The Discovery Center will be closed on Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.

We'll reopen on Saturday, June 20, and look forward to welcoming you back for a day of hands-on learning, exploration and fun!

Learn more at mydiscoverycenter.org

This week in Wonder Lab, we're exploring the world of magnets during Magnet Mania! Test your skills with fun magnet challenges and create one-of-a-kind art using magnetic forces.

Drop in anytime during lab hours for this quick, hands-on STEAM activity that's perfect for young curious minds of all ages.

June 16-20 (Closed June 19)
1:30-3:30 p.m.
Free with paid Discovery Center admission

What do you think you'll create with magnets?

Learn more at mydiscoverycenter.org.

What's on the menu today?

Most of our critters enjoy a big plate of leafy greens along with a variety of fruits and vegetables three times each week. Just like people, animals enjoy variety, and offering different foods is a great form of enrichment that keeps mealtime interesting.

One plate on this tray looks a little different! Our red-footed tortoise, Pteri, needs a bit of extra enrichment. Instead of bite-sized pieces, he gets larger chunks and long stalks that encourage him to work for his food throughout the day. We also tuck vegetables and hay into a toy ball to create a tortoise-style slow feeder.

These activities help keep Pteri active, engaged and using his natural behaviors.

Stop by the Discovery Center Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and be sure to wave hello to Pteri during your next visit!

Celebrate America 250 at the Discovery Center!

FREE admission on Saturday, July 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Explore our newest exhibit, create patriotic crafts, enjoy giveaways and meet some of our amazing critters. There's something for curious minds of all ages.

Learn more at ocalafl.gov/julyfourth.

Spot is heading to the farm, and you're invited!

Join us for Story Time Science on Thursday, June 11, at 10:30 a.m. as we read Spot Goes to the Farm by Eric Hill. Little learners will enjoy a fun farm-themed story, hands-on science activities and a chance to explore the Discovery Center.

It's the perfect way to spark curiosity, encourage learning and make new discoveries together. Free program for all ages with paid admission.

Who’s ready to visit the farm with Spot? Tell us your favorite farm animal in the comments!

This week's Wonder Lab is making Cut-n-Paste Collages! Explore different prompts and themes to create wonderous works of art. You'll even have the option to take home your art or leave it for our Gallery Hall. Drop by during lab hours for this free activity.

Wonder Lab is free with general admission and runs every day from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Cut-n-Paste Collage week will run from June 9-13, hope to see you there!

We had a great time at last night's event, Date Night at the Dicovery Center: Love Birds. Here, couples listened to some feathery facts and constructed bird houses together. With all our date nights, we then offer kid-free time in our current exhibit.

Our next Date Night will be held on July 17 and the theme will be Solar Science.

Registration is now open at mydiscoverycenter.org/events.

Tickets are $30 per couple.