Visiting the Discovery Science Center in Bridgeport with Kids

The Bridgeport Discovery Science Center and Planetarium is a great place for Connecticut kids to explore science. The Discovery Museum provides kids with hands-on, STEAM-based fun. That’s science, technology, engineering, art, and and mathematics. Located just of the Merritt Parkway, The Discovery Science Center is convenient for families in Fairfield County and across Connecticut.

Explore our top picks for the best Connecticut museums for kids and families. For more educational fun, check out our Connecticut Museums Guide.

Is the Discovery Museum in Bridgeport Worth a Visit? Yes!

The museum is dedicated to sharing the wonders of science and technology with students of all ages. In addition to its regular exhibits, the Discovery Science Center features special exhibits on a variety of topics. The musum also features regular science demonstrations. Beyond the exhibits and attractions, the center offers a range of programs and camps. And the adventure park next door is just another reason to pay the Discovery Museum a visit!

 

Get face to face with some cool exhibits at the Discovery Museum. Discovery Science Center photo courtesy of Visit CT

Must See Things at the Discovery Science Center and Planetarium

The Discovery Science Center has a variety of fun in its regular exhibits. The following are always available for visitors.

Hall of Space

The center’s hall of space features a stellar sandbox, hand-crafted rockets, and interactive stations.

Science at Play

The Science at Play zone has climbable and stackable building blocks. There’s also a draw-yourself wall and a digging station. This area is great for kids under 5 years old.

Science in Motion

The Discovery Center’s Science in Motion exhibit lets families explore the laws of physics with race cars, a mini adventure course, and more.

Science of Flight

This exhibits focusses on air travel. Kids can explore spaceships, planes, and helicopters.

Teddy Bear Triage

Teddy bears are the patients in this exhibit. Kids learn about medicine in the most adorable way!

The Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum

Separate from the Science Center, this aerial adventure center features ziplines, axe-throwing, and more. Combine a trip to this adjacent park with a tour of the museum for a full day of fun. The Adventure Park is open in warmer months.

Henry B. duPont III Planetarium

The Discovery Science Center’s planetarium has a 33-foot digital full-dome theater. The planetarium features real-time visualizations and pre-recorded shows. Purchase a pass at the front desk for admission to all the day’s shows. The Henry B. duPont III Planetarium holds 65 people.

 

Get your steps in at the Discovery Science Center in Bridgeport. Photo by kristen@trimbolik courtesy of Tripadvisor

Know Before You Go

The Discovery Center is ideal for kids age three to 7. But the museum has plenty for younger and older children as well. The museum is stroller-friendly, with access ramps and elevators. There are changing stations on the upper and lower levels. There’s also a private nursing room on the lower level.

Eating or Restaurants at the Discovery Science Center and Planetarium 

The front desk at the Discovery Science Center features concessions from This and That Catering of Trumbull, Connecticut. The museum encourages guests to bring a bag lunch as well. There is a dining area overlooking the Adventure Course.

Visiting The Discovery Museum in Bridgeport

The museum is open daily at 10 am, closing at 5 pm Friday through Monday and 6pm Tuesday through Thursday. Mondays are for members only.

At the time of writing, tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for kids 3 to 17, and free for children 2 and under. Admission is free for Bridgeport residents (with ID) each and every Wednesday. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online. Check the website for the latest information. The museum offers a variety of discounts for teachers, seniors, and more.

Parking is available onsite and at the adjacent Veteran’s Memorial Park.