Discovery Center Museum is a children's science museum located on the Riverfront Museum Park campus, with the Rockford Art Museum and Burpee Museum of Natural History in downtown Rockford, Illinois. We're ideally located for a full day or two of education, adventure and family fun! Discovery Center is one of the top family attractions in Northern Illinois and has received recognition at the local, state, and national levels. Explore our more than 300 hands-on exhibits. Check out our schedule of special events and temporary exhibits.

Collins Aerospace Live Science Theater

Enjoy entertaining, interactive science shows in theater setting. These 30-minute shows are fun and educational for the whole family and include topics such as physics, chemistry, electricity, sound, color and light and more. The theater is also available to rent for meetings and special events.

Hours

Tuesday - Sunday – 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Closed on Mondays

Makerspace Hours

 Wednesday-Friday – Noon - 4:00 PM

Saturday – 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Sunday – Noon - 4:00 PM

For lodging and additional attractions in the Rockford area, visit GoRockford.com.

Where We Are

Discovery Center Museum
711 North Main Street
Rockford, IL 61103
(815) 963-6769

Free Parking

Discovery Center has ample free parking

Admission Prices

$10.00/person 
Free - Members and children age one and younger

All children must be accompanied by an adult. If you are an adult without a child interested in visiting the Museum during regular business hours, we suggest you call our office and schedule a visit. A valid ID or driver’s license must be presented upon arrival, and a staff member will accompany you. If you are unable to schedule a visit in advance, simply indicate to staff at the Admission Desk that you wish to visit without a child. We will then locate an available staff person to accompany you. 

Discovery Center on PBS

Watch Discovery Center's national debut on PBS's Behind the Scenes show! The short form documentary showcases the importance of children's museums to the education of children, as well as fostering family connections and the the impact on the quality of life in a community. Discovery Center was chosen to represent children's museums across the country!

Membership Options

Discovery Center offers a variety of membership options. Memberships typically pay for themselves in just a few visits! Basic family memberships start at $135 for a full year. Learn more at Become a Member.