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  • Planetarium Shows | SHU Discovery

    Planetarium Shows From constellations and space exploration to telescopes and dark matter, the Discovery Science Center’s full-dome Henry B. duPont III Planetarium is an experience your students will enthusiastically embrace! All planetarium shows are offered on a reserved basis for groups and must be booked in advance. Groups of 10 or more may not purchase media passes at the door and must book a private show. Book Now! Explore our Digital show catalog below or jump to our Live shows. DIGITAL SHOWS Click on the show posters to learn more about each show. Jump to Live Shows PK- Grade 3 Grades PK - 1 ONE WORLD, ONE SKY: Run Time: 25 mins BIG BIRD'S ADVENTURE Young audience members will be thrilled when they find themselves on Sesame Street with their famous friends, Big Bird and Elmo. The fun begins when Elmo’s friend, Hu Hu Zhu, visits from China and the three of them take the audience on an exciting journey of discovery to learn about the Sun, stars, and Big Dipper. Elmo and Hu Hu Zhu blast off on an imaginary trip to the Moon and when they return home to Earth everyone discovers that, no matter where we live, we all share the same sky Grades K - 3 FLIGHT ADVENTURES Run Time: 25 mins In this multimedia planetarium show about the science of aeronautics, you will discover the science of flight through the eyes of a young girl and her grandfather as they explore how birds, kites, planes, and models fly, and imagine where flight might take them. Learn about famous inventors and aviators of the past and the pioneers who first revealed the four forces of flight and how NASA is looking for new and safer ways to travel with the help of future engineers and aviators like your students! Grades 2 and up WE ARE ALIENS Run Time: 25 mins What does a planet need to support life? Are we alone in the Universe? Explore the extreme environments here on Earth where life thrives, then take a close-up look at the research happening on Mars and throughout the Solar System in search for life. Learn how astronomers are discovering extrasolar planets and studying their environments. Join the quest to understand our place in a Galaxy that might be teeming with life. Grades 3 and up ICE WORLDS Run Time: 28 mins The delicate balance between ice, water, and the existence of life has been a topic of scientific inquiry for generations. In travels to the Arctic and Antarctic regions of our planet, we’ll examine the ecosystems that exist and thrive there and learn how their survival is connected with our own. Beyond Earth, we’ll see how the existence of ice shapes the landscape and the natural systems on other planets and moons in our Solar System. Winner of five Telly Awards. Narrated by Academy Award-nominated actress, Emily Watson. Produced in cooperation with the University of New Hampshire, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, with the support of the National Science Foundation. Grades 4 and up Grades 4 and up DARK SIDE OF LIGHT Run Time: 22 mins Have you ever been to a planetarium? Have you admired the beautiful night sky dotted with thousands of stars projected above your head? Doesn’t it feel strange that the naturally dark starry night sky – the one that was a source of inspiration for our ancestors for thousands of years – is now so rare for us that we have to travel to designated areas to see it in its full beauty? Why and how do we humans destroy our surroundings with light pollution, what impact it has not only on us, but on nature as a whole, and also what each of us can do about it – all of this is presented in the Dark Side of the Light. Grades 4 and up SECRET LIVES OF STARS Run Time: 25 mins Not all stars are created equal. Some are massive. Others are tiny; almost insignificant. The specific characteristics of a star will determine what type of life it will lead, how long it might live and even the type of death it will die. We will witness the amazing variety of stars and peer into their secret lives. Narrated by Sir Patrick Stewart of TV’s Star Trek: The Next Generation and the X-Men films. Winner of 4 Telly Awards. Grades 4 and up BIRTH OF PLANET EARTH Run Time: 24 mins Birth of Planet Earth tells the twisted tale of our planet’s origins. Scientists now believe that our galaxy is filled with solar systems, including up to a billion planets roughly the size of our own. The film employs advanced, data-driven, cinematic-quality visualizations to explore some of the greatest questions in science today: How did Earth become a living planet in the wake of our solar system’s violent birth? What does its history tell us about our chances of finding other worlds that are truly Earth-like? Produced by Spitz Creative Media, NCSA’s Advanced Visualization Lab, Thomas Lucas Productions, Inc., in association with Tellus Science Museum. Grades 4 and up EDGE OF DARKNESS Run Time: 25 mins Edge of Darkness highlights the exploration of asteroids, comets, and the Kuiper belt, following interplanetary space missions that are currently underway. The film features amazing scenes of places never before seen gathered by key space missions that culminated with groundbreaking discoveries in 2015. It features a spectacular flight through the great cliffs on Comet 67P, a close look at the fascinating bright “lights” on Ceres, and the first-ever close-ups of the dwarf binary planet Pluto/Charon and its moons. Narrated by Hayley Atwell, Agent Carter, from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the ABC television series. Grades 4 and up DAWN OF THE SPACE AGE Run Time: 40 mins We begin with the launch of Sputnik and important Russian space history as well as the American Gemini, Apollo, and Shuttle programs. The show transports viewers to the International Space Station, the X-prize winning private space ship, and on to future Mars exploration. Be immersed and inspired by a reconstruction of humankind’s first steps into space. Who were these men and women that took part in these dangerous and heroic endeavors? Witness their drive, passion, and perseverance to explore, in this epic animated production. Grades 4 and up MESSENGERS OF TIME AND SPACE Run Time: 29 mins Messengers of Time and Space is a free, immersive, full-length 4K NSF NOIRLab-produced planetarium show made possible through a grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation called Gemini in the Era of Multi-Messenger Astronomy (GEMMA). Messengers of Time and Space highlights how Gemini will work together with observatories that monitor the night sky for exciting astronomical events that change with time, such as the NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory. Grades 4 and up BIG ASTRONOMY Run Time: 26 mins In Big Astronomy: People, Places, Discoveries, journey to three world-class observatories in Chile’s rugged Andes Mountains and the arid Atacama Desert— remote, extreme regions that happen to have the perfect conditions for astronomical research. Along the way, you’ll meet an inspiring cast of astronomers, engineers, technicians, and support staff who keep these mega-machines running. Grades 5 and up Grades 5 and up Mars: The Ultimate Voyage Run Time: 25 mins On a two year journey to Mars astronauts will face extraordinary challenges—long distance, a closed environment, isolation, altered gravity, radiation. What will it take to get astronauts to Mars—and back—safely? This new, animated planetarium production highlights NASA research and training initiatives that are preparing the next generation of astronauts who will head to Mars. The film shows how creativity, collaboration, communication, and expertise in a diverse number of fields are key for the success of deep space travel—while also inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals! Witness what it takes to embark on the first human mission beyond Earth’s orbit. Grades 5 and up FROM EARTH TO THE UNIVERSE Run Time: 30 mins The night sky, both beautiful and mysterious, has been the subject of campfire stories, ancient myths, and awe for as long as there have been people. A desire to comprehend the Universe may well be humanity’s oldest shared intellectual experience. Yet only recently have we truly begun to grasp our place in the vast cosmos. To learn about this journey of celestial discovery, from the theories of the ancient Greek astronomers to today’s grandest telescopes, we invite you to experience From Earth to the Universe! Grades 5 and up SEEING: A PHOTON'S JOURNEY Run Time: 25 mins ACROSS SPACE, TIME, AND MIND Ride a photon across the Galaxy to your mind’s eye and experience how we see. This planetarium show follows a photon’s creation and journey across the Galaxy to a young stargazer’s eye. We’ll follow the photon into the stargazer’s eye to learn about the structures of the eye and their functions before taking a ride on the optic nerve! Grades 5 and up THE HOT AND ENERGETIC UNIVERSE Run Time: 30 mins Explore how high-energy astrophysics plays a key role in understanding the hot and violent nature of the universe. It will take you on journeys through our own galaxy, revealing the hidden characteristics of neutron stars, supernova remnants, stars, like our Sun, and very hot gas, which emit copious amounts of high-energy radiation that can be detected by astronomical instruments in space and on the ground. Grades 5 and up STARS OF THE PHARAOHS Run Time: 36 mins Travel to ancient Egypt to see how science was used to tell time, make a workable calendar and align huge buildings. You’ll learn about the connection the ancient Egyptians felt with the stars and various astronomical phenomena, and experience some of the most spectacular temples and tombs of the ancient world recreated in all of their original splendor. Telly Award winner. Narrated by John Rhys-Davies, of the Indiana Jones films and The Lord of the Rings films. Grades 6 and up Grades 6 and up THE SUN, OUR LIVING STAR Run Time: 25 mins The Sun has shone on our world for four and a half billion years. The light that warms our skin today has been felt by every person who has ever lived. It is our nearest star and our planet’s powerhouse, the source of the energy that drives our winds, our weather and all life. The passage of the Sun’s fiery disc across the sky — day by day, month by month — was the only way to keep track of time for countless past civilizations. Don’t be fooled by the terminology; although it is a typical dwarf star, the Sun consumes 600 million tons of hydrogen each second and is 500 times as massive as all the planets combined. Discover the secrets of our star in this planetarium show and experience never-before-seen images of the Sun’s violent surface in immersive fulldome format. Grades 6 and up DARK MATTER MYSTERY Run Time: 38 mins What are the building blocks of our universe? We’ve been trying to answer this question since time began, but still haven’t found the ultimate answer! Approximately a quarter of the universe consists of mysterious dark matter. We know it is there; however, we don’t know what it is made up of. This planetarium show takes you on the biggest quest in astrophysics! Discover why we know there must be dark matter at all. Join scientists as they observe space, as well as deep underground. Will they be able to reveal the dark matter mystery? Grades 8 and up EUROPE TO THE STARS Run Time: 30 mins Fulldome show “Europe to the Stars” takes the viewer on an epic journey behind the scenes at the most productive ground-based observatory in the world, revealing the science, the history, the technology and the people. Discover the European Southern Observatory in a story of cosmic curiosity, courage and perseverance; a story of observing a Universe of deep mysteries and hidden secrets; and a story of designing, building and operating the most powerful ground-based telescopes on the planet. The movie focuses on the essential aspects of an astronomical observatory while offering a broader view of how astronomy is done. From site-testing to locate the best places in the world for observing the sky, to how telescopes are built and what mysteries of the Universe astronomers are revealing. Grades 8 and up MAYAN ARCHEOASTRONOMY: Run Time: 18 mins OBSERVERS OF THE UNIVERSE In a feast of colors and sounds, Mayan Archaeoastronomy: Observers of the Universe makes a tour of 6 Mayan temples: San Gervasio, Chichen Itzá, Uxmal, Edzná, Palenque, and Bonampak where the spectator dives into a Mayan world of knowledge about the importance of the orientations of its temples in relation to the movement of some stars like the Sun, the Moon and Venus. Mayan Archaeoastronomy: Observers of the Universe is the first movie for fulldome completely animated made in Mexico. It is narrated in 4 languages English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Chinese. It is a film financed by the National Council of Science and Technology of Mexico, produced by Frutos Digitales with the support of the European Southern Observatory (ESO). Grades 6 and up OneSky Run Time: 45 mins One Sky is a collection of beautiful short films about constellations, astronomical instruments and scientific knowledge from various cultures around the world. Each chapter is presented in an original and engaging way with its own artistic style featuring the work of international artists. Each short film represents the perspective of a different culture or Indigenous society from around the globe. Each film stands alone as a short story or in combination as a longer narrative – organized around themes of "Finding Patterns" and developing tools, or as we say, "To Seek Far." LIVE SHOWS Custom Show – All Ages Join our experts for a special planetarium show created to support your learning goals! Shows must be booked a minimum of four weeks in advance, and the Director of the Planetarium must be consulted a minimum of six weeks prior to your show. Pricing varies with content and production. Please call (203) 416-3529 . The Skies Tonight – All Ages Coming to a dark sky near you! Join our experts as they take you on a fantastic journey through the nighttime sky. Students are shown how to locate and identify the stars, planets, and constellations visible in the evening sky at the time of their visit. The Galaxy awaits… Tour of the Solar System – All Ages Join our educators for a tour of Earth’s nearest neighbors! From planets and dwarf planets to moons and more, you’ll see some of the major bodies in our solar system and learn about how our understanding of our place in the universe develops with each new discovery. Jump to Digital Shows

  • Reports | SHU Discovery

    Reports This page is still being updated. There will be more info to come. Annual Reports Annual Report 2023 Click here to download. Annual Report 2024 Click here to download. Impact Report Notable Exhibits: Masters of the Night: The True Story of Bats (travel exhibit) Extreme Deep: Into the Abyss (travel exhibit) Sikorsky Archives (designed by our team with support from Sikorsky/Lockheed and the Sikorsky Archives) If/Then Gender Equity Exhibit (designed by our team with support from the Association of Science and Technology Centers; about 75% of visitors complete our scavenger hunt!) Milestones- In July 2023, we opened our Recentering Center, a semi-private space for guests to visit with sensory-friendly stimuli, calming lighting and furniture, and external sound dampening. Discovery aims to serve all audiences with high-quality, interactive STEAM learning throughout our public exhibit spaces, and seeks to embed accessibility practices into all facets of a visit. In our efforts to do so, we have implemented many efforts such as special sensory-friendly event days, the inclusion of markings for loud noises or bright lights on our maps, the creation of a family restroom and lounge, the installation of Braille-friendly artwork and books, and offering free admission for special needs caretakers. Even with these efforts, it is clear that some of our guests would benefit from a place to decompress and to be separated from the busy exhibits if they become overwhelmed. The goal of the Recentering Center is to provide a safe space to do so, with activities inside that will provide options for our guests to spend time while they get ready to rejoin the audience at large. In school year 2022-2023, Discovery marked our 10th year of operation for our STEM Accelerators: Future Innovators afterschool program, which serves students from Bridgeport Public Schools with programming that develops their skills in fields they may not have an opportunity to explore in school. The program provides transportation, meals, summer scholarships, and family memberships to break down barriers to participation in STEAM. Our summer programs had a record year, with 273 unique students served. We were able to provide scholarship support for 37% of registrations, which included extended childcare and meals, thanks to our sponsors. We served about 12,000 students on field trips in school year 2022-2023, about 50% of whom visited from Bridgeport schools and community organizations. Other notable mentions, some ongoing - Discovery offers free admission to Bridgeport residents every Wednesday Discovery served as the presenting sponsor for this year's WEBE108 Backpack Giveaway back-to-school event 2 Discovery staff now serve as adjunct professors at SHU Many of our public-facing staff (birthday hosts, receptionists, volunteers, summer and weekend educators) are SHU students or alumn 990s FY 2022 990 FY 2023 990 FY 2024 990 FY 2021 990 FY 2020 990

  • Hours & Showtimes

    Science Center Hours Hours & Showtimes The Discovery Science Center is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday! We are open for members only on Mondays. Hours Monday 10:00m – 5:00pm **Members only** Tuesday 10:00am – 5:00pm Wednesday** 10:00am – 7:00pm Thursday through Sunday 10:00am – 5:00pm Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. **Wednesdays Only: Free for Bridgeport residents with ID showing a valid Bridgeport address** Come see us Wednesdays for free admission, free science demos, and free planetarium shows for all Bridgeport Residents. Ven a vernos los miércoles para admisón gratis, demostraciones de ciencia gratis, y presentaciones de planetario gratis para todos los residentes de Bridgeport. Please Note: Doors will open 10 minutes before the listed showtime and close promptly at the listed showtime. Late entry will not be permitted. October Planetarium Show Schedule 10:30 AM 12:00 PM 2:00 PM 4:00 PM Monday Dark Side of Light Skies Tonight (Live) Secret Lives of Stars Tuesday Skies Tonight (Live) Secret Lives of Stars Dark Side of Light Wednesday One World One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure Dark Side of Light Solar System Tour (Live) Secret Lives of Stars Thursday Skies Tonight (Live) Secret Lives of Stars Dark Side of Light Friday Dark Side of Light Skies Tonight (Live) Secret Lives of Stars 11:00 AM 2:00 PM 4:00 PM Saturday Dark Side of Light Solar System Tour (Live) Secret Lives of Stars Sunday Secret Lives of Stars Solar System Tour (Live) Dark Side of Light Dark Side of Light: Have you ever been to a planetarium? Have you admired the beautiful night sky dotted with thousands of stars projected above your head? Doesn’t it feel strange that the naturally dark starry night sky – the one that was a source of inspiration for our ancestors for thousands of years – is now so rare for us that we have to travel to designated areas to see it in its full beauty? Why and how do we humans destroy our surroundings with light pollution, what impact it has not only on us, but on nature as a whole, and also what each of us can do about it – all of this is presented in the Dark Side of the Light. Watch a trailer here! Secret Lives of Stars: Not all stars are created equal. Some are massive. Others are tiny; almost insignificant. The specific characteristics of a star will determine what type of life it will lead, how long it might live and even the type of death it will die. We will witness the amazing variety of stars and peer into their secret lives. Narrated by Sir Patrick Stewart of TV’s Star Trek: The Next Generation and the X-Men films. Winner of 4 Telly Awards. Watch a trailer here! One World One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure: Young audience members will be thrilled when they find themselves on Sesame Street with their famous friends, Big Bird and Elmo. The fun begins when Elmo’s friend, Hu Hu Zhu, visits from China and the three of them take the audience on an exciting journey of discovery to learn about the Sun, stars, and Big Dipper. Elmo and Hu Hu Zhu blast off on an imaginary trip to the Moon and when they return home to Earth everyone discovers that, no matter where we live, we all share the same sky. Skies Tonight (Live): Coming to a dark sky near you! Join our experts as they take you on a fantastic journey through the nighttime sky. Students are shown how to locate and identify the stars, planets, and constellations visible in the evening sky at the time of their visit. The Galaxy awaits… Solar System Tour (Live): Join our educators for a tour of Earth’s nearest neighbors! From planets and dwarf planets to moons and more, you’ll see some of the major bodies in our solar system and learn about how our understanding of our place in the universe develops with each new discovery. To learn more about our other shows, click here. *Shows indicated as (Live) feature a live presenter. All other shows are pre-recorded. All shows are 25-30 minutes long and are appropriate for all ages. *All visitors must check in at the front desk to reserve a seat. A maximum of 65 seats will be available per show on a first come, first serve basis. **Presentation schedule subject to change. For the most up-to-date schedule, please call us at (203) 416-3564. Discovery is closed for the following holidays: Friday, July 4, 2025 - CLOSED for July 4 Monday, September 1, 2025 - CLOSED for Labor Day Admission Directions

  • Birthday Parties | SHU Discovery

    Birthday Parties BIRTHDAY FUN BIRTHDAY FUN BIRTHDAY FUN BIRTHDAY FUN at Discovery Science Center! Parties at Discovery include a STEAM-themed activity for your intrepid young scientists, as well as time for food and cake in a private party room! Leave all the set up and clean up to us! We will supply the paper goods and table covers, as well as some light “themed” decorating. All parties come with a STEAM host to lead you and your guests through the activity and to help with party needs. Pizza and beverages for the young scientists are included and you are welcome to bring in other food and beverages for your guests including the Birthday Cake!! Want to learn more? Contact us or fill out the Birthday Party Request for more information to discuss your party needs! We are proud to support our preferred caterers: Goodfellas Pizzeria , Bridgeport CT J Bagels and Cafe , Trumbull CT Birthday Party Package includes: Up to 13 young scientists & 15 adults STEAM Party Host Private Party Room (maximum 35 guests) Private Planetarium Show (digital only) Themed Craft & Decorations for the kids Digital Invitations Paper Goods (classic white) 2 Large Cheese Pizzas Juice or Water for the kids PLUS: Admission for the full day for all your guests Extras*: Additional Child - $15 Additional Adult - $8 Additional Large Cheese Pizzas - $20 each Pizza Toppings - $5 per topping per pizza Extra Decorations/Table covers - $20 Want to upgrade the experience? Check out these add-ons*! +$150 - Larger Dining Court room includes up to 18 Kids & 25 Adults, 2 STEAM Party Hosts and an extra pizza. Larger parties will require this upgrade. +$75 - Live “Tour of the Solar System” planetarium program - replaces digital show. Recommended for ages 6+, not available for After Dark parties. *All rates subject to change without notice. Blast Off Into Space Discovery Dinos Scavenger Hunt Creature Design Lab After Dark Blast Off into Space Do you want an out of this world experience? Join us for a space-themed party. Enjoy some meet and greet time while the kids make a space-themed craft they can take home. We take care of the decorations so you can relax and have fun. All parties include a planetarium show, with pizza and beverages for the kids. Request more information! $450* Discovery Dinos Does your child love dinos? Whose doesn’t? We have the Dino party for you! Enjoy some meet and greet time while the kids make a dinosaur-themed craft. We supply the dino decorations for a festive prehistoric party. All parties include a planetarium show, with pizza and beverages for the kids. Request more information! $450* Scavenger Hunt Does your child like to explore? We have the party for you! Find the clues around the building to complete the hunt. UV light pens (included) add to the fun. Choose the hunt that will work best for your child’s age group. All parties include a planetarium show, with pizza and beverages for the kids. Request more information! $475* Creature Design Lab Why do creatures look the way they do? It’s up to you! With this party for older kids (6+), we supply a myriad of craft supplies, and you bring your imagination! Your “Mad Scientists” can create a creature of their own design using their own creativity. All parties include a planetarium show, with pizza and beverages for the kids. Request more information! $475* After Dark Ages 8+ Have you ever wondered what it is really like at night at the Science Center? Find out firsthand with a Discovery after Dark party! Enjoy pizza and cake, then a private planetarium show, complete with popcorn for your guests. After the show, everyone can venture out to explore the exhibits. This party includes our Dining Court upgrade for up to 18 kids and 25 adults. Request more information! $675* Frequently asked questions Birthday Parties What are the times available to book a party? Our parties are booked either 11am-1pm or 2pm-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Discovery After Dark parties are only booked on Fridays and Saturdays, 5:30pm-8:30pm. What dates are available to book? We book parties on weekends only through our Birthday Party Administrator. Fill out our Birthday Party Request for Information to request dates. Birthday Party Request . There is no obligation to book when you fill out this form What is the party schedule? *Schedule A: For an 11am-1pm party: 10:30am-11am set up 11am-11:30am craft 11:30am-12pm show 12pm-1pm pizza & cake For a 2pm-4pm party: 1:30pm-2pm set up 2pm-2:30pm craft 2:30pm-3pm show 3pm-4pm pizza & cake *Alternate Schedule B: For an 11am-1pm party: 10:30am-11am set up 11am-11:30am craft 11:30am-12pm pizza 12pm-12:30pm show 12:30pm-1pm cake For a 2pm-4pm party: 1:30pm-2pm set up 2pm-2:30pm craft 2:30pm-3pm pizza 3pm-3:30pm show 3:30pm-4pm cake *Check with the Birthday Party Administrator for your party schedule. Do I need to tip the Party Hosts? Tips are not required but they are appreciated. We cannot charge tips to your final bill. Can I bring my own food? Yes, you can. We include pizzas and drinks (juice or water) for the kids, but you can bring any extra snacks or drinks you like. You can also order extra pizzas through the Birthday Party Administrator (recommended). NO alcoholic beverages are allowed. You are responsible for all outside food orders. Can I bring alcoholic beverages? No, alcoholic beverages are NOT allowed at Discovery Science Center. Failure to comply may result in fines and/or cancellation of your party – NO refunds. Can I bring in my own decorations Yes, you can EXCEPT NO helium balloons, NO glitter or confetti of any kind and NO pinatas. Failure to comply with these exceptions may result in a $50 cleaning fee. We supply themed table covers, a “Happy Birthday” banner and some themed wall decorations. Can I use an outside vendor? Yes, you can. However, you must inform the Birthday Party Administrator of any outside vendors you plan to use. Restrictions may apply Do I need to bring paper goods? No, we supply classic white paper goods, including napkins, cups, plates, forks, and spoons. You are welcome to bring decorative paper goods if you like How many guests are included in the base price? Up to 13 kids and up to 15 adults are included in the base price for our party rooms. Extra charges will apply for any additional guests. Party rooms hold a maximum of 35 people per Bridgeport fire code. Our Dining Court upgrade (if available) can be added on for an extra charge to allow for up to 18 kids and 25 adults. Extra charges will apply for any additional guests. The Dining Court can accommodate up to 80 people per Bridgeport fire code and MUST be booked in advance to guarantee its availability. How many people fit in the party room? Our party rooms hold a maximum of 35 people per the Bridgeport fire code (additional guest charges may apply). How many people fit in the Dining Court? For an extra charge, our Dining Court upgrade (if available) can accommodate a maximum of 80 people per the Bridgeport fire code (additional guest charges may apply). This upgrade MUST be booked in advance to guarantee its availability. How much is the Dining Court upgrade? Please see our website for all possible upgrades and extras you can add to your party Who supplies the cake? You provide cake, cupcakes or dessert; we have plates and utensils. Do you provide invitations? Yes, included with your party package is a complimentary digital invitations platform. A party invite that matches your selected theme will be provided to you (with an option to swap). Digital invites also include: Online portal to send out invites via email or text message RSVP tracking Automated reminders Guest messenger tool to send out any event updates Event website page to share additional information with guests Group Card for guests to sign with written or video messages Event photo wall for guests to share their photos from the celebration What is the cancellation policy? We will make every effort to reschedule your party at no cost to you. However, the standard policy is as follows: If notice is given more than 30 days prior , a full refund or reschedule will be granted. If notice is given 15-30 days prior to the event: a. Party can be rescheduled at no charge. -OR- b. Partial refund will be given - Discovery will withhold 20% of reservation fee. Food items ordered through us will be refunded 100%. If notice is given 1 week prior to the event: a. Party can be rescheduled for a 10% rebooking fee. -OR- b. Partial refund will be given - Discovery will withhold 30% of reservation fee. Food items ordered through us will be refunded 100%. If notice is given 48 hours prior to the event: a. Party can be rescheduled for a 25% rebooking fee. -OR- b. A partial refund will be given - Discovery will withhold 50% of the reservation fee including all food/catering. If a party is cancelled within 24 hours of start time, Discovery will withhold 100% of the reservation fee including food/catering. In the case of inclement weather where safe travel is hindered and Discovery is notified of intent to cancel in proper time; Discovery will work to reschedule the party at the next available time for both with no additional fees incurred. When do I pay for extra guests? We calculate the number of extra guests on the day of the party. Your STEAM host will provide the final head count to the Birthday Party Administrator. You can either pay the extra guest fees at the front desk, or you will be billed to the form of payment used for booking (credit card or electronic invoice). Full payment will be due within 7 days. Do the guests have time during the party to visit the exhibits Admission to Discovery for the day of the party is included for all your guests, but they are invited to visit the exhibits before or after the scheduled party times. For the Discovery After Dark Themed party, guests will have access to the exhibits during the entire scheduled time except during the planetarium show. How do I choose my planetarium show? All our digital planetarium shows are listed on our website linked here: Planetarium Shows | SHU Discovery They are grouped by grade level, and they all have previews to help you decide. Upgrade to a live “Tour of the Solar System” for an extra charge. Live planetarium shows are not available for Discovery After Dark party bookings. Need more information? Our Birthday Party Administrator is available for questions. How do I choose the craft for my party We will send you pictures of all the available options for you to choose from once you’ve filled out the Birthday Party Request For Information. Need more information? Our Birthday Party Administrator will be able to discuss the craft options in more detail. What if there is inclement weather? In the case of inclement weather where safe travel is hindered and Discovery is notified of intent to cancel in proper time, Discovery will work to reschedule the party at the next available time for both with no additional fees incurred. How do I contact the Birthday Party Administrator? Fill out our Birthday Party Request for Information-SHU Discovery . There is no obligation by filling out the form. You can also email birthdays@shudiscovery.org

  • Pre-K

    Pre-K Learning Labs Our preschool programs are designed to fit the learning style of preschool-aged children. Classes are taught in an inquiry-based, hands-on atmosphere. Our objective is to bring out your preschoolers’ natural curiosity and increase their understanding of the world around them. Our programs are typically 45 minutes in length. Most preschool programs include a take-home project . Each preschool group will receive an age-appropriate planetarium show included with the purchase of an on-site Learning Lab program. Back to All Labs Bubbles Chemistry Travel, Onsite NGSS Standards: S.48.1, S.48.2, SS.48.10 For all preschool standards with emotional / social learning, physical development and health and creative arts, click this link here. Students will learn & make observations about bubbles! We will explore their shape, strength, color, and more as we blow bubbles! In this lab, students will make their own bubble blower and create art! I Want to Be an Astronaut Space Science Travel, Onsite NGSS Standards: S.36.2, S.36.4, S.60.12, PH.36.6, CA.36.8 For all preschool standards with emotional / social learning, physical development and health and creative arts, click this link here. Students will learn about how astronauts live and work in space! We will discuss gravity and how rockets launch people & items into space. In this lab, students will make a twirly spacecraft & launch them in class! This lab pairs well with Big Bird Adventure Planetarium show! Party with the Stars Space Science Onsite NGSS Standards: S.36.9, M.36.9, M.48.13 For all preschool standards with emotional / social learning, physical development and health and creative arts, click this link here. Students will learn all about what a star is, different types of stars, different types of constellations and explore the universe! In this lab, students will make a sticker craft and watch a live planetarium show! Sink and Float Engineering Travel, Onsite NGSS Standards: S.36.7, S.48.11, S.48.1, S.48.2 For all preschool standards with emotional / social learning, physical development and health and creative arts, click this link here. Students will learn all about buoyancy, specifically making observations on what materials float and what materials sink. In this lab, students will test their own boat to apply an understanding of why certain materials float. Challenge: by adding cargo, will your boat still float?

  • Gene Lab

    6-8 < Back Gene Lab 6-8 Life Science Previous Next

  • Discovery Dinos | SHU Discovery

    < Back Discovery Dinos $450 15 minutes Book Now About Does your child love Dinos? Whose doesn’t? We have Dino parties for all age groups! We will supply our paleontologists with a puzzle to try their hand at "reassembling" a fossil and making a reusable craft that they can play with again and again! Previous Next

  • Molecule Mysteries

    6-8 < Back Molecule Mysteries 6-8 Chemistry Previous Next

  • Individual AA | SHU Discovery

    Discovery Science Center Membership Register here for an INDIVIDUAL size membership at the ALL ACCESS level. This membership includes unlimited admission for 1 adult individual plus 1 guest (adult or child) to the exhibits, with discounts on the Discovery gift shop, birthday parties, Goodfella's Pizzeria, and the Adventure Park. This membership includes ASTC Passport Program reciprocal locations and special Member Monday hours. This membership includes admission to the planetarium, live demonstrations, and special presentations. This membership does NOT include discounts on children's programming. Select your membership type (choose one)* Individual + guest, All-Access Membership - 1 year $ 125 Individual + guest, All-Access Membership - 2 years $ 210 Cardholder Information - Must be completed in full to receive your card! This membership is a gift. First name of Primary Membership Cardholder* If you purchased an Individual + guest or a 1 adult + 4 children membership, this is your only cardholder unless you purchase an additional guest. Last name of Primary Membership Cardholder* If you purchased an Individual + guest or a 1 adult + 4 children membership, this is your only cardholder unless you purchase an additional guest. Email of Primary Membership Cardholder* Phone of Primary Membership Cardholder* Please provide the address for the primary membership cardholder. This is where we will send your card(s). Multi-line address Country/Region* Address* City* Zip / Postal code* Register

  • Discovery Creature Design Lab | SHU Discovery

    < Back Discovery Creature Design Lab $475 15 minutes Book Now About Why do creatures look the way they do? It's up to you! In this party for older kids (6+), we supply a myriad of craft supplies, and you bring your imagination! Party goers can create a creature of their own design using their own creativity. Previous Next

  • Chemistry Matters

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  • Mission: LEO | SHU Discovery

    Community Science Projects Exploration awaits... Mission L.E.O is an interdistrict, immersive, high school program that has participants simulate what it might be like to take part in the exploration of an exoplanet. Students will work together in teams to successfully launch and deliver materials to Planet X. They will explore the terrain and take soil samples. When they return safely back to Earth, they will then analyze the samples to determine the best location to build a habitat. Students will take part in two different rocket launches; one designed with budget and distance in mind and the other with payload safety. They will also program robots to act as R.O.V.s! This interdisciplinary program provides excellent enrichment opportunities for students. Participation in this program will look great on college resumes. Students who complete this program will receive a certificate to add to those college portfolios! Pertinent study tracks for this program include engineering, computer coding, biochemistry, and environmental studies. Includes lunch for each participant! Financial assistance applications available upon request. REGISTER NOW

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Location and Hours

4450 Park Avenue

Bridgeport, CT 06604

(203) 416-3521

info@shudiscovery.org

Mondays we are open 10:00am – 5:00 pm to members only.

Tuesday 10:00am – 5:00pm

Wednesday* 10:00am – 7:00pm

Thursday through Sunday 10:00am – 5:00pm

*Wednesdays free for Bridgeport residents with ID​

​Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Copyright © 2025 The Discovery Museum Inc. All rights reserved.

Sacred Heart University's Discovery Science Center and Planetarium

is an independently-operated non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation.

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