All Museum events and activities are free with admission.
For more information visit discoveryplacekids.org.
Theme: Chemistry Chaos: This month, Discovery Place Kids is diving into the world of science with the theme “What’s the Matter?” where curiosity meets chemistry and physics. Through hands on activities, young scientists will unravel the mysteries of matter in all of its forms. From the changing phases of matter to the science of density, and slime, children will have the ability to step into the role of scientists and experiment. Join us for a month full of experiments that will bring science to life!
Special Programs
April 29 — May 5 | Chemistry Makes Scents
Chemistry helps us understand the world around us! This week, we will use our sense of smell to discover how differences in molecules shape the scents in our everyday environment. Along with using our sense of smell, kids will be able to make models of molecules, bringing the chemistry behind everyday substances to life!
Story time | 11:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m. | Every Day, Chemistry by Julia Sooy
May 6 — May 12 | Oobleck
Can one item be a solid, liquid and a gas at the same time? Join us as we explore the fascinating phases of matter as we make Oobleck! This hands-on activity will help you discover how certain materials can be a solid and a liquid, while exploring the broader world of solids, liquids and gases. Let’s see how Oobleck challenges the phases of matter!
Story time | 11:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m. | Matter: Physical Science for Kids by Andi Diehan
May 13 — May 19 | Density
Explore the science of density with a fun and color experiment. This week, we will make a rainbow in a jar! Through this activity, kids will experience how liquids with different densities stack on top of each other to create a beautiful rainbow effect.
Story time | 11:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m. | What Floats in a Moat? By Lynne Berry
May 20 — May 31 | Slime Time
Its Slime Time! Together we will investigate the science of polymers and chemical reactions as we create our own slime! Kids will have the ability to see how molecules interact to form this stretchy substance!
Story time | 11:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m. | Too Much Slime by Frances Gilbert
Special Events
May 4 | Sensory-Friendly Hours | 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Join us during our Sensory friendly hours
May 10 | Member Hour: Matter of Science Show | 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Spark your imagination as you join us for the Matter of Science Show! Unleash your curiosity with chemistry and physics demonstrations that cover matter transformations, electricity and even the wonders of liquid nitrogen. You don’t want to miss out on this opportunity to ignite your child’s inner scientist!
May 11 | Mother’s Day | Self-guided activity
Make your way to Create to craft a special Mother’s Day card! Celebrate the amazing moms and caregivers in your life with a handmade card filled with love and creativity.
May 18 | Bach to Rock | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Join us at the Town Hall stage to learn about music with Bach to Rock! Come Rock Out with us during their Rock City class.
May 24 | North Carolina Youth Orchestra | 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Have you always wanted to play an instrument but didn’t know where to start? Join us for a FREE instrument Discovery Day, where you can explore a wide array of instruments from every orchestra family. Student participants will be guided every step of the way by our team of world-class musicians and educators!
Daily Programs
Puppet Show | 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Tortoise & The Hare: Does slow and steady always win the race? Join us for this exciting puppet show to find out who wins the race and see some familiar fairytale characters.
Science Show | 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Join us at the Town Hall all month for an adventure in science. Predict, observe, and experiment with different topics. From color-mixing to chemical reactions, our Science Show is sure to instill curiosity in our little scientist.
Big Fun (15 minutes before closing)
Big Fun is the time of the day when children and adults move and groove to three of our favorite songs. Put your dancing shoes on and join us for this daily dance party!
I CAN Create (All day)
Join us in I CAN Create this month as we see how talented we can be. Little artists can stop by anytime to paint, color, build or draw a masterpiece.