What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday 12pm - 5pm

Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

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Dayton, OH
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

The Boonshoft Museum is the premier destination for family learning in the Miami Valley.
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Note: The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery has created this page to share our love of learning in a fair and safe space. As in the physical Museum, online visitors are expected to conduct themselves in ways that are honest and respectful toward others, regardless of disagreements. Any comments that violate this basic premise of civility will be deleted, and repeat offenders may be blocked from posting on the page.

01/03/2025

Did you know? 🦊

Flora the bat-eared fox, one of our beloved animal ambassadors at the Boonshoft Museum, has some of the biggest ears in the animal kingdom! Her large ears, which can grow up to 5 inches long, aren’t just for show—they’re perfectly adapted for survival.

Bat-eared foxes like Flora use their oversized ears to detect insects, such as termites, moving underground. With their incredible hearing, they can even pinpoint their prey before digging it up.

Next time you visit the museum, be sure to stop by and say hello to Flora—and see her amazing ears in action!

Photo: Reese Miller, Animal Keeper

01/03/2025

ABC Night is next week!

Join us for our next ABC Night at the Museum on January 11, 2025 | 6:30p-9:00p
$150 per couple

Hosted by Jason and Tia Trimbach and sponsored by 2J Supply and Raditattoo Me, ABC Night brings together rare and unique bourbons, natural history, and philanthropy.

With over 100 different bourbons to sample, you and guest receive rare and traditional tastes and a behind the scenes Boonshoft sneak peek. Learn about what exciting projects are on the horizon and experience the museum after dark!
We will have a beautiful charcuterie spread provided by our Eco Eatery to compliment our bourbon selections. Beer, wine, soda and other beverages will also be available.

Join us for one our most popular events and help support Boonshoft's Mission to create and provide meaningful learning experiences for all ages.

*All food and beverage is included in the ticket price*

Purchase your tickets here:
https://checkout.square.site/buy/OKNBDB73J4THNPETIDA7GKHK

01/02/2025

Mr. Bono gecko doing an excellent job getting weighed. At the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, weighing our animals is an essential part of their care! Regular weigh-ins help our animal care team monitor their health, track growth, and adjust diets to meet each animal's unique needs.

It’s just one of the many ways we ensure our residents are happy, healthy, and thriving in their roles as ambassadors for wildlife conservation. 🦎🐍🦦

Next time you visit, think about how even small details like weight play a big role in caring for our incredible animal family!

Photo: Bailey Cole, Senior Animal Keeper

01/02/2025

It's a new month and year! Check out all we have to offer for the month of January. 🎊🏮

01/01/2025

We hope you have a safe and Happy New Year's! These two party animals definitely stayed up too late.
Eno and Sikwa (and everyone at the Boonshoft Museum) wish you a year full of joy, playfulness, and smooth waters ahead. Happy New Year! 🦦🎉🍾🎆

Photo: Amanda Stine, Lead Animal Keeper

01/01/2025

🎉✨ Happy New Year from the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery! ✨🎉

As we say goodbye to an incredible 2024 and welcome 2025, we want to thank YOU for being part of our journey. This past year, we’ve made so many unforgettable memories—hosting curious explorers, caring for our amazing animal ambassadors, and inspiring wonder in science, nature, and discovery.

Here’s to another year of learning, growing, and uncovering the magic of the world around us—together! 🌟

What are you most excited to discover in 2025? Share your goals or dreams with us in the comments below—we’d love to celebrate them with you!

From all of us (including the Discovery Zoo animals 🦥🐾🦉🐸), we wish you a joyful, adventurous, and inspiring New Year.

Thank you for making the Boonshoft Museum a place where curiosity thrives. Cheers to 2025! 🥂🍾

12/31/2024

Due to unforeseen circumstances we will now be CLOSED on December 31st. We apologize for the inconvenience!

We will reopen for normal operating hours (9am-5pm) on Thursday, January 2nd.

Have a safe and Happy New Year!

12/31/2024

Tanuki are a unique species of Japanese canine that are often mistaken for regular raccoons or badgers. They are confusing to identify, which is why in English they are usually called “raccoon dogs”. In ancient Japanese religions they were considered gods that ruled over all things in nature and hold great cultural significance. Not only are Tanuki some of the most common spirits or supernatural beings in Japanese folklore, but statues of these creatures are also very popular decorations in Japanese homes and shops. They are beloved due to their super cute appearance and very funny personalities. Even though the real animals are often shy, nocturnal creatures, the depictions of Tanuki in Japanese folklore are quite different. They are commonly characterized as either good-humored and cheerfully helpful, or mischievous and delighted to play tricks on humans. They possess powerful magical abilities, like the superb power to change shape into anything they want, even humans! One of the most famous depictions of a Tanuki in present day pop culture is Tom Nook, the love/hate leader of every island in the video game, Animal Crossing!

12/31/2024

Just another friendly reminder that the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery will be closed on New Year's Day so our team can ring in the new year with their loved ones.

We’ll be back and ready for more fun and exploration on January 2nd! Wishing you all a joyful and safe start to 2025—see you soon! 🎆🍾🥂

12/30/2024

We still have spots available for our Out of School programs! These programs will be taking place today December 30th, and 31st. December 30th will be a Meet the Animals program and December 31st will be New Years Eve themed. Spots are limited so register while you can!

Register here:
https://reservations.daytonnaturalhistory.org/Calendar.aspx

12/30/2024

Did you know that turkey vultures have an impressive wingspan of up to 6 feet? Our ambassador turkey vulture, Lucy, might not be able to fly due to an injury, but her wingspan is still just as remarkable!

Lucy’s story helps us teach visitors about the challenges wildlife can face and the important role turkey vultures play in keeping ecosystems clean and healthy. Come visit Lucy at the Boonshoft Museum to learn more about her and see her impressive wings up close!

Photo: Amanda Stine, Lead Animal Keeper

12/30/2024

Join us Monday, January 13th for the next Homeschool Day!

January's theme is Characteristics of Living Things. Our younger students (Kindergarten through 3rd grade) will explore animal life cycles using the darkling beetle. The older students (4th-8th grade) will explore genetics by looking at the model organism: the strawberry. There will be a focus on heredity, variation, and selective plant breeding.

Please note that registration and prepayment are mandatory to secure your spot in these exciting programs. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to enhance your child’s education in a dynamic, interactive environment!

Register here:
https://3oyzepbdqesoz9gruhegxq.jumbula.com/homeschool-days

12/29/2024

This is a Ted whisker appreciation post. Beautiful 🙌

Photo: Amanda Stine, Lead Animal Keeper

12/29/2024

This is the last week to purchase our special Membership in a Bottle package. Give the gift of a Boonshoft membership! This annual end-of-year favorite offers an unforgettable way to share the joy of discovery.

Here’s what’s included:

• A Family Standard Gift Membership Voucher—valid for an entire year starting from the date it’s redeemed.

• A custom-designed Otter Water Bottle, perfect for staying hydrated on your adventures.

• Two free passes to the museum, usable anytime in the next year.

• A unique, one-of-a-kind Boonshoft Museum sticker to show off your love for science and exploration.

The promotion runs until December 31, so don’t miss your chance to grab this thoughtful gift. Whether it’s for a family new to the museum, a friend with an expiring membership, or someone who’s always hard to shop for, Membership in a Bottle is a gift that truly keeps on giving!

12/28/2024

Joe was a busy elf this year

Video: Amanda Stine, Lead Animal Keeper

12/28/2024

Friendly Reminder from the Boonshoft Museum!

We’ll be open on New Year’s Eve (December 31) for a day full of fun and exploration, but please note that we’ll be closed on New Year’s Day (January 1) to celebrate the start of 2025.

We wish you a safe and joyful New Year and can’t wait to see you again soon! 🥂🍾🎆

12/27/2024

Cutie agouti Jasper enjoying some corn on the cob. Yum! 🌽

Photo: Amanda Stine, Lead Animal Keeper

12/27/2024

Join us for our next ABC Night at the Museum on January 11, 2025 | 6:30p-9:00p
$150 per couple

Hosted by Jason and Tia Trimbach and sponsored by 2J Supply and Raditattoo Me, ABC Night brings together rare and unique bourbons, natural history, and philanthropy.

With over 100 different bourbons to sample, you and guest receive rare and traditional tastes and a behind the scenes Boonshoft sneak peek. Learn about what exciting projects are on the horizon and experience the museum after dark!
We will have a beautiful charcuterie spread provided by our Eco Eatery to compliment our bourbon selections. Beer, wine, soda and other beverages will also be available.

Join us for one our most popular events and help support Boonshoft's Mission to create and provide meaningful learning experiences for all ages.

*All food and beverage is included in the ticket price*

Purchase your tickets here:
https://checkout.square.site/buy/OKNBDB73J4THNPETIDA7GKHK

Address

2600 Deweese Parkway
Dayton, OH
45414

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm
Saturday	9am - 5pm
Sunday	12pm - 5pm

Telephone

(937) 275-7431

Website

http://www.boonshoft.org/

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Videos

Joe was a busy elf this year Video: Amanda Stine, Lead Animal Keeper #bmd #boonshoftmuseum #burrowingowl #owl

The otter boys having a grooming sesh 🦦 Video: Amanda Stine, Lead Animal Keeper #bmd #boonshoftmuseum #otter #otters

Sheldon getting a little exercise outside of his enclosure. We love his little steps. Video: Skyler Hada, Gift Shop Manager #bmd #boonshoftmuseum #armadillo #zoo

Joe being Joe Video: Skyler Hada, Gift Shop Manager #bmd #boonshoftmuseum #burrowingowl #joeburrow

We're pretty sure he's part gremlin 😼 Video: Amanda Stine, Lead Animal Keeper #bmd #boonshoftmuseum #sandcat #cat

We have a new Discovery Zoo animal coming!! Can you guess what it is by the sound? Drop your guesses below. Video: Donna Harrison, Curator of Live Animals #bmd #boonshoftmuseum

He's a pink pony boy 🎠 Video: Sophia Blessing, Animal Keeper #bmd #boonshoftmuseum #otter #otters

Bomani

Bomani morning scent marking! Cats have scent glands all around their body. They frequently will rub on furniture or objects to communicate with other cats and to feel safe and relaxed in their environment. 😸🐈 Video: Sophia Blessing, Animal Keeper #bmd #boonshoftmuseum #sandcat

Meerkat

For this #FlashbackFriday we have our meerkat gals enjoying some fresh lettuce from The Foodbank, Inc. 🥬 Listen to their cute happy noises. Video: Amanda Stine, Lead Animal Keeper #bmd #boonshoftmuseum #meerkat #TheFoodBank

Bomani sharpening his murder mittens 🐾 Video: Sophia Blessing, Animal Keeper #bmd #boonshoftmuseum #sandcat

Ted digs for treats in a pile of crunchy leaves 🍁🍂 Video: Amanda Stine, Lead Animal Keeper #bmd #boonshoftmuseum #opossum #opossomsofinstagram

Bomani enjoys some chicken flavored baby food as a treat. Yum! Video: Sophia Blessing, Animal Keeper #bmd #boonshoftmuseum #sandcat

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Our Story

The Boonshoft Museum is the Dayton region’s science center, children’s museum, natural history museum, planetarium, observatory and zoo! It provides critical STEM learning opportunities for nearly 200,000 visitors of all ages each year through permanent and traveling exhibitions, educational programs, special events, day camps, and more.