The Discovery Science Place

Imagine a place where curiosity isn't just welcomed, but is the main rule. The Discovery Science Place in Tyler is a unique educational space created specifically so that children can learn about the world through play and experimentation. Located in a colorful building that was once a car dealership, this children's science museum in the USA covers an area of over 2,400 square meters, offering endless opportunities to explore natural sciences, technology, and engineering (STEM).

Inside the museum, three themed halls filled with amazing exhibits await guests. Here, you can take a journey through an artificial cave with a geological earthquake simulator, feel like a paleontologist in a dinosaur dig pit, or head to the stars in the Orion space zone, created with support from NASA. Interactivity is the heart of the museum: every object can and should be touched, turned, and explored by hand.

Every year, tens of thousands of families visit this place, wishing to give their children bright emotions and new knowledge. Discovery Science Place is not just a museum, but a real scientific laboratory where every child can temporarily become a doctor, an engineer, a TV presenter in a mini-studio, or even an astronaut, finding inspiration for future achievements.

To plan your visit or inquire about special event details, you can contact the museum administration directly. The staff is always ready to help you navigate the current schedule and group admission prices.

Below are the organization's primary contact details:

The main motto of visiting this place is total interaction. You don't have to tiptoe and keep quiet here; on the contrary, visitors are encouraged to crawl through the tunnels of the geological cave, trigger a realistic earthquake simulator, and actively explore the surrounding space. For little adventurers, there is a special dig zone where dinosaur "fossils" are hidden in soft filler, including a replica of a Lambeosaurus skull.

Technology enthusiasts should definitely check out the NASA zone to study a model of the Orion space module and learn how astronauts live on the ISS. If your child prefers creativity, they can try on the role of a news anchor in the mini-TV studio, equipped with working cameras and microphones. This is a great opportunity to try your hand at creating a news broadcast right on the spot.

Interactive installations such as kinetic sculptures, aquariums, and models of local landmarks make the visit engaging even for adults. The entire experience at Discovery Science Place is built on the hands-on and feet-on principle, turning serious science into a thrilling attraction that is impossible to tear yourself away from.

Finding the Discovery Science Place is quite easy—it is located in the heart of Tyler. The exact address is 308 N Broadway Ave. For those traveling by private or rental car, convenient parking is provided right next to the museum building in the city's downtown area.

If you prefer public transportation, city bus stops are located within walking distance of the museum. For travelers arriving in the USA via the Tyler Pounds Regional (TYR) airport, it is most convenient to use a taxi or rent a car—the trip to the city center takes only 15–20 minutes.

Thanks to its central location, the museum is easily accessible on foot from many key points and downtown hotels. However, experienced tourists recommend families with young children use their own transport for maximum comfort throughout the day.

The history of this amazing place began in the early 1990s through the initiative of the Junior League of Tyler. A group of enthusiasts, including Penny Patterson, Diane Tutt, and Marsha Harrison, were concerned about the declining interest of schoolchildren in science. Social worker Nancy Wrenn literally "sold" the idea of the museum to local businesses by driving around town with a large 3D model of the future science center.

Success was not long in coming: in 1991, a temporary exhibition caused such a stir that creating a permanent museum became only a matter of time. The building that houses the exhibits today was generously donated by the Holley family (formerly their car dealership), and the Caldwell Zoo provided funds for a large-scale renovation. The grand opening took place on September 18, 1993.

Interestingly, many of the first exhibits were hand-crafted by the museum's "founding mothers" and volunteers—from interactive mirrors to an artificial beach. Today, Discovery Science Place is an important educational hub, partnering with UT Tyler and welcoming about 70,000 visitors annually, which is nearly five times the attendance of the museum's first week thirty years ago.

To thoughtfully explore all three main halls and give children enough time to play with the interactive exhibits, it usually takes about 2–3 hours. This is enough time to walk through the "cave," conduct excavations in the dinosaur zone, and learn about space technology in the NASA department.

Families with preschool-aged children should set aside a bit more time—up to 4 hours. Little ones often linger in the mini-TV studio or on the playground, so don't plan your visit in a rush. The museum is designed for leisurely exploration, where every exhibit can and should be touched with your hands.

The museum is open to the public daily, making it easy to include in your travel itinerary. From Tuesday to Saturday, the doors of the science center are open from early morning until evening, and on Sunday, the museum begins operations in the afternoon.

Opening Hours:

• Monday — Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

A stroll through the city center after visiting the museum can be a great continuation of the day. The Downtown district is rich in historical buildings and cozy establishments that let you feel the true spirit of Texas and learn more about the region's history.

In the immediate vicinity of the science center, you will find interesting monuments, old mansions, and local breweries. Below is a list of nearby sites worth visiting: