Discovery Zone

The Discovery Zone—made possible by Kaiser Permanente—is bursting with activities that help build a strong foundation of science skills in young children through hands-on, highly experiential Museum experiences.

Exhibits, activities, and programs focus on science process skills, such as observing, quantifying, inquiring, analyzing, creating, and communicating. Children can “excavate” fossils, manipulate and observe water in action, experiment with building methods and materials, and conduct investigations and create art projects.

NEW! Enjoy a special guest, such as a storyteller, drummer, or scientist in the Explorer’s Playhouse on the third Monday of the month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• May 16: To celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Alfredo Pinto and other drummers share the fun of rhythm and rhyme.
• June 20: Express yourself through movement with local group Community-Minded Dance.
• July 18: Meet an interesting cast of exotic animals, including chameleons and poison dart frogs, with Museum educator Stefan Karg.
• August 15: Find out what life was like for little kids back in ancient times with Museum anthropologist Michele Koons.

Our youngest visitors may also enjoy:

• AstroTot Training, Space Odyssey, Level 1: Strap on a jet-pack and take off for space from the kid-sized shuttle flight deck.
• Tykes Peak, Expedition Health, Level 2: Multisensory experiences, such as shadow play and testing your heart beat, get kids’ bodies moving.
• Wildlife Halls, Levels 2 & 3: Count baby animals, hunt for colors, and visit the new kid-sized statues of black bear cubs and a fur seal pup in Bears and Sea Mammals Hall.
• Camp PaleoPals, Prehistoric Journey, Level 3: Puppets, books, puzzles, and real fossils on display get kids excited about our ancient world.

Targeted to children ages 3-5 with activities for younger and older siblings