Calling all curious minds and playful spirits! The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier is bursting with exciting events and activities planned throughout the summer. Whether you're celebrating their 40th birthday bash, exploring innovation through history, or participating in themed programs like "Dino Discoveries" and "Ahoy Matey! Adventures with the Pirates," The Discovery Center has something for everyone. So pack your sense of adventure and get ready for a summer of learning and laughter at The Discovery Center! 

ADMISSION
If you're not members yet, admission to the Museum is $10 for visitors over the age of 12 months. The Museum offers discounts for EBT cardholders, active duty military personnel, veterans, and their household family members. And, [almost] every first and third Friday of the month is Free Admission Night when everyone can enjoy three hours (4-7pm) of unlimited play for $0.

Here are some of the special events and programs you can look forward to this summer:

Free Admission Night and Art Show 🕞 4-7pm 📅 Friday, June 7, 2024 💰 Free Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of video games at "Level Up," The Discovery Center's end-of-year art show! Visitors can check out the artwork in Kids Commons and then enjoy all of the hands-on exhibits throughout the Museum for FREE from 4-7pm on Friday, June 7th, courtesy of Miller Auto Group.
40th Birthday Carnival: Celebrating the Power of Play 🕞 10am-2pm 📅 Saturday, June 8, 2024 💰 Free with Museum Admission (View Admission Rates) The Discovery Center is turning 40, and they're throwing a Carnival Birthday party on Saturday, June 8th. The Discovery Center and Story Garden will transform with fun games, contests, entertainment, and even birthday surprises! Meet your favorite storybook characters, test your skills in the hula hoop and limbo contest, witness a Rubik's Cube master in action, and get a special birthday t-shirt printed by the Girl Scouts. Plus, enjoy delicious food from the Weis BBQ tent. All activities are free with admission, with food and t-shirts available for purchase. This fun-filled event is sponsored by Weis Markets, Raymond Foundation, and Sante: Comprehensive Women's Health Care.
Timeless Discoveries: Exploring Innovation and Play 🕞 10am-5pm 📅 Saturday, June 15, 2024 💰 Free with Museum Admission (View Admission Rates) 🕞 12-5pm 📅 Sunday, June 16, 2024 💰 Free with Museum Admission As part of New York State's Path Thru History Weekend, The Discovery Center is inviting the community to explore the Museum's evolution from its humble beginnings in 1984 to its current sprawling complex with over 50 exhibits. Witness the rich history of Broome County through featured exhibits like Matthews Auto Service Station, DICK's Sporting Goods - Sports Matter, and Weis Markets - Grocery Store.
Juneteenth Celebration 🕞 11am-1pm 📅 Wednesday June 19, 2024 💰 Free with Museum Admission (View Admission Rates) Celebrate freedom, equality, and the rich cultural heritage of African Americans at The Discovery Center's Juneteenth Celebration. Through interactive activities and engaging crafts, children will gain a deeper understanding of Juneteenth's significance.
Third Friday Free Admission Night 🕞 4-7pm 📅 Friday, June 21, 2024 💰 Free Here's the perfect opportunity to explore The Discovery Center's amazing hands-on exhibits without breaking the bank! Free admission nights are typically offered on the first and third Fridays of each month, but there won't be any in July. So, June 21st is your last chance to enjoy The Discovery Center's magic for free until August!
An Evening of Wine and Roses: Raise Your Glass to 40 Years of Play 🕞 5:30-8pm 📅 Friday, July 19, 2024 💰 $50 Indulge your senses at a sophisticated summer soirée! The Discovery Center's "An Evening of Wine and Roses" returns on Friday, July 19th. This 21+ event is the perfect opportunity for a date night or a fun night out with friends. Mingle amidst the vibrant blooms of the Story Garden as you savor delicious local and Finger Lakes wines paired with light food fare. Watch talented artists paint the scenery en plein air, explore The Discovery Center's newest exhibits, tempt your luck in the basket raffle, and unwind with delightful musical entertainment. Get Tickets!
Truck Day: Celebrating 40 Years of Horn Honking Fun 🕞 10am-1pm 📅 Saturday, August 24, 2024 💰 Free with Museum Admission (View Admission Rates) Rev up your engines for a truck-tastic day at The Discovery Center! Get up close and personal with a variety of trucks, from big rigs and fire engines to police cars and the Bookmobile!  Little ones can climb aboard a bulldozer, explore the inside of an ambulance, and learn all about these fascinating vehicles. It's a day filled with honking horns, exploration, and unforgettable memories!
Terrific Tuesdays & Tremendous Thursdays 🕞 11am-1pm 📅 Tuesdays & Thursdays in July & August 💰 Free with Museum Admission (View Admission Rates) Don't miss Terrific Tuesdays and Tremendous Thursdays throughout July and August! Every Tuesday and Thursday from 11am to 1pm, The Discovery Center ignites young minds with exciting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) programming. These drop-in activities are designed to be enjoyed at your own pace during your visit, making it a perfect way to add some extra learning and fun to your day at The Discovery Center!
July 2: Red, White, and Blue July 9: Dino Discoveries: Roaring Adventures for Young Explorers July 11: Ahoy Matey! Adventures with the Pirates July 16: Green Thumb July 18: Everything Bubbles July 23: Wilderness Wanderers July 25: Musical Marvels: Exploring the World of Sound July 30: Artful Antics	August 1: Superhero Spectacular: Unleash Your Powers and Save the Day August 6: Imagination Station August 8: Figure it Out August 13: Fuzzy Fur Babies August 15: Sports Matter August 20: Character Creation August 22: Community Helpers August 27: Story Telling August 29: Welcome Fall/ Kindergarten Prep
Toddler Time & STEAM for Little Hands 🕞 10am-12pm 📅 Mondays and Wednesdays 💰 Free with Museum Admission (View Admission Rates) The Discovery Center regularly offers two fantastic drop-in programs specifically designed for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 1-4). On Mondays, "Toddler Time" provides an opportunity for little ones to explore their creativity and build essential developmental skills through specifically designed activities. On Wednesdays, "STEAM for Little Hands" offers hands-on activities to introduce youngsters to the fascinating world of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM).

With a jam-packed calendar filled with art shows, educational programs, birthday bashes, truck displays, and even an elegant evening with wine and roses, The Discovery Center promises a summer of endless fun for the whole family. So, mark your calendars, grab your curious crew, and get ready to create lasting memories at our community's one-of-a-kind children's museum! Don't forget to check their website or social media pages for the latest updates and information on how to plan your visit.

And for some outdoor fun, don't forget that The Story Garden at The Discovery Center is also open for the season! Let your little ones climb into a police car, putt-putt on the mini golf course, or pretend to drive in the Little Blue Truck. The Story Garden is a great way to burn off some energy and enjoy some fresh air, and it's completely free and open daily from dawn to dusk.

This article is sponsored by The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier, a valued sponsor of Macaroni KID Binghamton. We appreciate your support in reviewing our sponsors' articles and hope that their offerings are useful for you and your family. Macaroni KID Binghamton is run by a local mom and this website is supported solely by our local sponsors. If you would like to join our network of family-friendly businesses and connect with local parents in Binghamton, Johnson City, Vestal, Apalachin, Owego, and beyond, please reach out and learn how you can share your services with our readers!