Search Results

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 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 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?

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

< 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

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

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

3-5 < Back Chemistry Matters 3-5 Chemistry Previous Next

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

6-8 < Back Comparative Anatomy 6-8 Life Science Previous Next

Career Opportunities We are currently hiring for the following positions: To inquire about other opportunities, contact us . It is the policy of the Discovery Museum to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, the Discovery Museum will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Volunteering at the Science Center is a wonderful way to contribute to the community and to our mission. Help to promote STEAM literacy by volunteering your time at Discovery There are many ways to use your skills and expertise to help at the Science Center and make a difference in our com munity. We are looking for community members age 16 and up to serve as docents and community scientists in our exhibits, as well as assist with some of the following special projects: STEAM Learning Programs Development & Fundraising Guest Services & Special Events Social Media/ Website/ Blog Plan, propose and schedule social media posts to promote Science Center activities, events, and news Cross promote using Facebook and Instagram Draft blog content Propose new ways to grow our social media following and to incorporate social media into guest experience Prepare and clean-up classrooms for science demonstrations and activities Prepare materials for special programming Assist with classes, planetarium shows, Science-on-a-Sphere demonstrations, and live science demonstrations Assist with newsletters, annual reports, and large mailings Assist with special fundraising event activities Marketing and graphic design projects (must use Canva or Adobe products) Be a gallery docent and help guide guests’ STEAM experiences at the Science Center Assist in preparation for public weekend events and programming Organize supplies and inventory for special events and birthday parties Assist with special event activities To apply, please fill out our volunteer application and return it to volunteer@shudiscovery.org . Please check all areas of interest that apply and put an asterisk by your top two choices. Please note, all volunteers must complete a mandatory orientation prior to participating in any museum activities, and all long-term volunteers must begin with docent training and experience prior to taking on special projects. Volunteer shifts are 2-4 hours and must be scheduled in advance with our Family Engagement Coordinator.

K-2 < Back We’re Only Human K-2 Life Science Previous Next