Discovery Center Museum is a children's science museum located on the Riverfront Museum Park campus, with the Rockford Art Museum and Burpee Museum of Natural History in downtown Rockford, Illinois. We're ideally located for a full day or two of education, adventure and family fun! Discovery Center is one of the top family attractions in Northern Illinois and has received recognition at the local, state, and national levels. Explore our more than 300 hands-on exhibits. Check out our schedule of special events and temporary exhibits.
Collins Aerospace Live Science Theater
Enjoy entertaining, interactive science shows in theater setting. These 30-minute shows are fun and educational for the whole family and include topics such as physics, chemistry, electricity, sound, color and light and more. The theater is also available to rent for meetings and special events.
Hours
Tuesday - Sunday – 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on Mondays
Makerspace Hours
Wednesday-Friday – Noon - 4:00 PM
Saturday – 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday – Noon - 4:00 PM
For lodging and additional attractions in the Rockford area, visit GoRockford.com.
Where We Are
Discovery Center Museum
711 North Main Street
Rockford, IL 61103
(815) 963-6769
Free Parking
Discovery Center has ample free parking
Admission Prices
$10.00/person
Free - Members and children age one and younger
All children must be accompanied by an adult. If you are an adult without a child interested in visiting the Museum during regular business hours, we require you to contact our office and schedule a visit at least 5 days in advance of your visit. A valid ID or driver’s license must be presented upon arrival, and a staff member will accompany you. For more information about our Adult Visitor Policy click here.
Donation Days
Discovery Center aims to provide a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible play environment for all children to learn, create, and explore. Donation Days offer select afternoons and evenings when Illinois residents are encouraged to contribute what they feel the experience is worth and can afford.
Designed specifically for families, Donation Days are open to Illinois residents. With a valid state ID or driver’s license proving Illinois residency for adults, children and their caregivers can enjoy free general admission on designated Donation Days.
Summer 2024 dates include:
Tuesday, September 3: 1:00 - 4:30 pm
Tuesday, September 10: 1:00 - 7:00 pm
Wednesday September 11: 1:00 - 4:30 pm
Tuesday, September 17: 1:00 - 4:30 pm
Wednesday September 18: 1:00 - 4:30 pm
Tuesday, September 24: 1:00 - 4:30 pm
Wednesday September 25: 1:00 - 4:30 pm
Discovery Center on PBS
Watch Discovery Center's national debut on PBS's Behind the Scenes show! The short form documentary showcases the importance of children's museums to the education of children, as well as fostering family connections and the the impact on the quality of life in a community. Discovery Center was chosen to represent children's museums across the country!
Membership Options
Discovery Center offers a variety of membership options. Memberships typically pay for themselves in just a few visits! Basic family memberships start at $135 for a full year. Learn more at Become a Member.