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If you need to interview someone at Discovery Center for a news story, please contact Ann Marie Walker, director of marketing, at annmariew@discoverycentermuseum.org or call 815-963-6769.
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Overview
Discovery Center Museum is a hands-on children's museum with more than 300 exciting interactive exhibits spread over a two-floor area and an outdoor park. All our exhibits relate to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math). Out in the museum's backyard, visitors can explore Rock River Discovery Park, a giant, multi-level science park with a hands-on twist! Discovery Center is one of the top attractions for family fun in Northern Illinois.
In addition to Discovery Center's exhibits and award-winning outdoor park, the museum also hosts traveling exhibits, special events and programs throughout the year. For up-to-date information, check out What's Happening
Our Mission
Create opportunities for playful learning and discovery through hands-on experiences in the sciences and arts.
Recent National Recognition
2020
Trip Advisor – Traveler's Choice Award
2019
Trip Advisor – Hall of Fame award
2018
Vacation Critic - named to the national list of "Best Museums to Take Toddlers"
Trip Advisor – Hall of Fame award
Trip Advisor – Certificate of Excellence
2017
Trip Advisor – Certificate of Excellence
2016
Trip Advisor – Certificate of Excellence
2015
Trip Advisor - Certificate of Excellence
2014
Trip Advisor - Certificate of Excellence
Flipkey.com names Discovery Center in list of top family attractions
USA TODAY names Discovery Center #5 in top 10 "Best Museums for Families"
USA TODAY/ 10Best.com Reader's Choice Award - Discovery Center earned 5th place in its contest for "10 Best Museums for Families"
DestinationsTravelMagazine.com included Discovery Center in its list of “Nation’s Best Children’s Museums”
2013
Family Vacation Critic names Discovery Center one of the "10 Best Children's Museums in the U.S."
2012
Forbes names Discovery Center a top children's museum in the article, "The 12 Best Children's Museums in the U.S."
2009
2007
Grand magazine “Top 20 Children’s Museums in America”
2006
Family Fun magazine featured Discovery Center's traveling exhibition Team Up: The Science of Sports in an article about the best hands-on traveling exhibitions. Discovery Center made two copies of the exhibition, one to stay permanently at Discovery Center and the is rented to museums across the nation.
2005
Family Fun magazine featured Discovery Center in a story titled "Great American Escapes: Out of Chicago"
2002
Child magazine ranked Discovery Center #4 in an article titled, "The 10 Best Children's Museums"
Recent Local Recognition
2023
Rockford Register Star newspaper's annual "What Rocks" community choice award in two categories: "Museum" and "Family Amusement"
2022
Rockford Register Star newspaper's annual "What Rocks" contest for best "Family Amusement"
2021
Rockford Register Star newspaper's annual "What Rocks" contest - "Best Child-Friendly Place"
2020
Rockford Register Star newspaper's annual "What Rocks" contest - "Best Child-Friendly Place"
2019
Rockford Register Star newspaper's annual "What Rocks" contest - "Best Child-Friendly Place"
OnlyInYourState.com article, "The Outdoor Discovery Park in Illinois That's Perfect for a Family Trip
2018
Rockford Register Star newspaper's annual "What Rocks" contest - "Best Child-Friendly Place"
2017
Rockford Register Star newspaper's annual "What Rocks" contest - "Best Child-Friendly Place"
2016
Rockford Register Star newspaper's annual "What Rocks" contest - "Best Child-Friendly Place"
2015
Rockford Register Star newspaper's annual "What Rocks" contest - "Best Child-Friendly Place"
B103 Radio Station “Best Place to take the Kids in Rockford”
Rockford Register Star newspaper's “50 Places” in the Rock River Valley – 5th Place
2014
Rockford Register Star newspaper's annual "What Rocks" contest - "Best Child-Friendly Place"
2012
Rockford Register Star newspaper's annual "What Rocks" contest - "Best Child-Friendly Place"
2009
Rockford Register Star newspaper's annual "What Rocks" contest - "Best Place for a Family Outing"
2005
Rockford Register Star newspaper's annual "What Rocks" contest - "Best Place to Take Children"
2002
Rockford Register Star newspaper's annual "What Rocks" contest - "Best Place for Free Entertainment for Children"
2001
Rockford Register Star newspaper's annual "What Rocks" contest - "Best Place to Take Children"