The Discovery Children’s Museum is one of the great family-friendly options in Las Vegas that combines fun and education. Located in downtown Las Vegas, this interactive museum offers three floors of hands-on exhibits designed to spark creativity, curiosity, and imagination in children and adults alike.
A Brief History
The Discovery Children’s Museum formerly opened in 1990 as the Lied Discovery Children’s Museum. The museum relocated to a state-of-the-art facility in 2013 near The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, boasting 58,000 square feet of exhibit space. The modern interior, the engaging themes, as well as its latest design, quickly made this museum a favorite for families visiting or living in Las Vegas.
What Makes It Special?
This is not an ordinary museum. It is a playground of possibilities. The Discovery Children’s Museum is designed to make learning fun with interactive exhibits encouraging hands-on exploration in science, art, engineering, and more.
Highlights of the Museum
The Summit
Prepare for an adventure! The Summit is a towering 70 foot tall climbing facility stretching across every level of this children’s museum. Kids could crawl, scamper, climb the structure along slides, tunnels and bridges among its interactive details. It provides kids with ways of burning lots of energy within motor skill acquisition as well as understanding spatial issues.
Eco City
Eco City Miniature is a kid-sized world in which children role-play through putting on grocery costumes, banker outfits, doctors, and more. It teaches children about community, responsibility, and economics by imagination. Just watch your little ones excitedly as they “shop” for their groceries or “manage” their very own business!
Water World
Get ready to get wet! This hands-on water exhibit is all about the science of H2O. Kids can build dams, create water currents, and experiment with the properties of water. Don’t worry—raincoats are provided to keep young explorers dry while they splash and play.
Patents Pending
This display focuses on invention and innovation, so kids can try to solve some problems with their engineering skills. From building a bridge to a flying machine, this place encourages imagination and critical thinking.
Fantasy Festival
A theatrical wonderland. Fantasy Festival provides kids the opportunity to take center stage. There’s a space for costumes, props, and a stage where young performers can act out their favorite stories or come up with new adventures.
Fun Facts
- A Place for All Ages: The museum is made for the ages of 2 to 12 years, but adults get easily engaged and it is a true family destination.
- Dedicated to Education: The museums work with schools and community organizations both by providing educational programs and workshops throughout the year.
- Hands-on Exhibitions: No exhibit in this museum will be found untouched, climbed upon, or played with because of how curious minds get about everything.
Tips for Visiting
- Plan for a Full Day: With so much to see and do, set aside at least a few hours to explore the museum thoroughly.
- Dress Comfortably: Kids will be running, climbing, and splashing—make sure they wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
- Check for Events: The museum often hosts special events, workshops, and performances, so check their schedule for added activities during your visit.
Why Families Love It
The Discovery Children’s Museum is not just a place of entertainment but a place where kids can learn while having fun. From experimenting with science to role-playing in a mini city, the museum offers something for every child, encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration.
A Must-Visit Spot
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Discovery Children’s Museum is a fantastic way to spend a day away from the bustling Strip. It’s a reminder that Las Vegas is more than just glitz and glamour—it’s also a city that values education, family, and imagination.
Let the Adventure Begin
Discovery Children’s Museum: Enter a world of learning through play. A place where children can dream big, explore their interests, and make memories that last a lifetime!
