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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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Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

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.

03/17/2025

NASA has announced the return of two astronauts, Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for an extended stay of 286 days. Originally intended to be an 8-day mission, the astronauts found themselves stranded after issues with their spacecraft left them without a way to return to Earth. Despite this, NASA has since slotted them into the crew rotation schedule, and they are now ready for their long-awaited return.

We are incredibly thankful that Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore will finally be returning home safely after their unexpected mission extension. Their perseverance and dedication have been nothing short of inspiring. 🚀✨

Here’s the live coverage schedule for their return:

Monday, March 17
10:45 p.m. – Hatch closing coverage begins on NASA+

Tuesday, March 18
12:45 a.m. – Undocking coverage begins on NASA+
1:05 a.m. – Undocking
Following undocking coverage, NASA will switch to audio-only
Pending weather conditions at the splashdown sites, coverage will resume prior to the start of the deorbit burn:

4:45 p.m. – Return coverage begins on NASA+
5:11 p.m. – Deorbit burn (time is approximate)
5:57 p.m. – Splashdown (time is approximate)
7:30 p.m. – Return-to-Earth media conference on NASA+

You can find full mission coverage, NASA’s commercial crew blog, and more information about the Crew-9 mission at:

https://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew

03/17/2025

🌈✨ They say there's a pot of gold at the end of every rainbow... but at Boonshoft, there's something even better—Keni the Von der Decken’s hornbill! 💛 With his striking beak and charming personality, he’s the real treasure waiting to brighten your day! Stop by and let Keni steal your heart—no leprechaun tricks required! 🍀💛

📷: Amanda Stine, Lead Animal Keeper

03/17/2025

🍀✨ Happy St. Patrick’s Day! ✨🍀

Today, we're celebrating all things GREEN at the Boonshoft Museum! From our emerald-hued animal ambassadors to stunning natural wonders, we're feeling extra lucky to share them with you. 🌿💚

🐸 Our dazzling dart frogs and Riptide the Amazon milk frog bring a splash of vibrant green to our animal kingdom.
🦜 Rico the red-flanked lorikeet may be small, but his gorgeous green feathers make him a standout!
💎 Our collection of rocks and minerals showcase nature's beautiful green hues, from malachite to fluorite!

So put on your best green outfit, embrace the luck of the Irish, and come visit some of nature’s most stunning shades of green today! ☘️🐍🌎

03/16/2025

🌍 Celebrate our Earth with Us! 🌿

Join us on Saturday, April 26th, from 10 AM – 4 PM for our Celebrate Our Earth event in partnership with EarthDay.org! Together, we’re rallying behind renewable energy and the goal to triple global clean electricity generation by 2030.

🔹 Meet local conservation organizations and explore their hands-on activities.

🔹 Enjoy Earth Day-themed daily programs, special activities, and fun coloring sheets for guests of all ages!

Let’s celebrate our planet and work toward a cleaner, greener future! 💚♻️

03/16/2025

Hazelnut is being a perfect model for our Adopt an Animal program! Adopting an animal is a great way to support the animals you care about in our Discovery Zoo. Proceeds from each adoption go directly toward animal care, enrichment, and education programs.

The Discovery Zoo at the Boonshoft Museum is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). It is one of only 238 facilities in the U.S. and overseas that meets the highest standards in animal care and welfare and provides a fun, safe, and educational family experience. Your support will help us keep our animals healthy and happy so more families can continue to enjoy them! 🦥🦔🐍

Learn more here:
https://boonshoft.org/support/adopt-an-animal/

📷: Sophia Blessing, Animal Keeper

03/15/2025

🐻🩺 We had a fantastic time at our Teddy Bear Clinic! So many little doctors-in-training got to care for their plush pals, learning all about check-ups and the importance of animal care.

A huge THANK YOU to our sponsors the Humane Society of Greater Dayton (who even brought some adorable dogs! 🐶🐾) and Dayton Children's Hospital, who was also here promoting their On Our Sleeves program, as well as our incredible volunteers, and our very own Discovery Zoo veterinarian, Dr. Staab, for making this event extra special! 💙

We loved seeing all the tiny caregivers in action—until next time! 🧸❤️

📷: Renee Wilson, Digital Operations Manager

03/15/2025

🎉🎂 Happy Birthday to our rescued family! 🎂🎉

Today, we're celebrating the amazing lives of our rescued animals who fill our hearts with joy every day! 🎉 These incredible creatures deserve all the love, so let's wish them a very Happy Birthday on this special day!

🎈 Lucy & Ziggy - Our wonderful turkey vultures
🎈 Kirby - The mischievous kinkajou
🎈 Ted - The ever-adorable opossum
🎈 Esther - Our sweet and sassy rabbit
🎈 Apollo - The regal leopard gecko
🎈 Puff & Niles - Our charming uromastyx duo
🎈 Frank - Our larger-than-life marine toad
🎈 Meatball - Our fierce red rump tarantula
🎈 Arizona Blonde Tarantula - Our arachnid adventurer
🎈 Octavia & King - The distinguished Eastern box turtles

Thank you for being a part of our family and bringing so much happiness to everyone who meets you! 🥳🎁💚

Help us celebrate by sharing your favorite memories or moments with these incredible animals! 🦋

03/15/2025

Mark your calendars! Join us as we celebrate Military Child Night, Tuesday, April 8th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery! This ticketed event will be FREE to military families to enjoy and explore the museum at no cost. Enjoy delicious snacks in our Eco Eatery, travel through our solar system in the Caryl D. Philips Space Theater, meet a furry (or not so furry) friend with our Animal Encounters, learn about interesting artifacts with our Collections Encounters, or be blown away with a Science Theater show! This awesome event is proudly sponsored by SRC, Inc., Rieck Services, Dayton Children's Hospital, and Wright-Patterson Officers' Spouses' Club.

Register here:
https://reservations.daytonnaturalhistory.org/Performance.aspx?pid=91110&cal=https%3a%2f%2freservations.daytonnaturalhistory.org%3a443%2fCalendar.aspx

Please note: Each military family will need to provide ID along with their ticket receipt at the front desk to gain entry.

03/14/2025

Happy Pi Day! 🔢🥧

March 14 (3.14) is a day to celebrate the mathematical constant π (pi), the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter. Pi is an irrational number, meaning it goes on forever without repeating—kind of like our love for science! 🔬✨

Here at Boonshoft, circles are everywhere—from the lenses in our telescopes to the orbits of planets in space! Speaking of orbits, did you know that pi is essential for calculating planetary motion? Without it, space exploration wouldn’t be the same! 🚀🌎

So, how are you celebrating today? Enjoying a slice of your favorite pie? Memorizing as many digits of pi as possible? Let us know in the comments! 👇

03/14/2025

Get ready for an explosive night of science and comedy as Ben Miller returns to the Boonshoft Museum with his latest show, “Volcano”! Following his sold-out 2024 performance of “Stand-Up Science,” the NYC-based scientist-turned-comedian is back with a brand-new multimedia experience that dives deep into the fiery world of volcanology, entomology, Hawaiian history, and even cookies—all delivered with his signature wit and scientific curiosity. 🎙🌋

In 2023, Miller made history as the first-ever stand-up comedian selected as an artist-in-residence at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Now, he’s bringing the heat to Dayton, combining laugh-out-loud humor with fascinating science, plus real stories from his time performing in front of an actual lava lake.

A veteran of top comedy clubs and international festivals, including a sold-out run at the 2022 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Ben Miller blends stand-up, storytelling, and multimedia visuals to make science both hilarious and unforgettable.
Perfect for nerds, scientists, teachers, and the endlessly curious!

Recommended for ages 18+ due to suggestive (but not too explicit) content.
Don’t miss this one-night-only event! Secure your seats now and prepare for a night of laughter, learning, and lava.

April 4, 2025
7:00pm - 8:00pm
$15 members | $20 Non-Members

For more information and tickets, Click the link below:
https://boonshoft.org/benmillercomedyshow/

03/13/2025

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the PNC Foundation for their generous support of our Passport to Kindergarten program. We would also like to give a huge shout-out to all the volunteers that helped with special programming.

Thanks to their commitment and in collaboration with educators in Montgomery County, we have been able to help foster reading and observation skills with in-school programs offering hands-on science activities presented by the AWEsome moments format.

In addition to the in-school programs, the Boonshoft Museum is offering two free Family Nights for the participants. These events offer free admission to the museum for children and their families/guardians and includes facilitated programs led by volunteers and staff, an activity book, and special science themed takeaway awards.

Their partnership has been invaluable to our mission here at DSNH, and we are truly grateful for their support.

03/13/2025

❄We still have tickets available for Out of School Program: Xtreme Science: Nitrogen vs Hydrogen❄

Kick off your spring break with an incredible science theater show as we learn about two elements on the periodic table: nitrogen and hydrogen. Learn about the states of matter and chemical reactions as we explore the freezing temperatures of liquid nitrogen and the explosive energy of hydrogen.

This 30-minute show will be taking place in our Science Theater on March 24th at 10:00am, 11:00am, & 3:00pm. This event is not included with admission.

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

03/12/2025

Did you know bat-eared fox Denise has a tiny pink freckle on her nose? Now you do. You're welcome 🩷

📷: Amanda Stine, Lead Animal Keeper

03/12/2025

🚨🚨Employee Spotlight🚨🚨

Did you know Liz Toth, Associate Curator of Live Animals, has worked at the museum for over 30 years? Liz started caring for the animals at the museum and teaching visitors how to conserve wildlife back when the museum was known as the Dayton Museum of Natural History!

Liz enjoys caring for the variety of animals at the museum and finds it hard to pick her favorite. She has a special place in her heart for kinkajous and has served as the AZA Kinkajou Studbook and Program Manager for 18 years. During this time Liz has published multiple documents on the management of the kinkajou population in zoos across North America. Her most recent publication is the Kinkajou Ambassador Animal Guidelines. We at the museum and our zoo animals are lucky to have her!

03/11/2025

2025 Summer Teen Volunteer applications are now open until April 1st! The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery welcomes young scientists and educators to be a part of our 2025 Teen Volunteer Program this summer. Join the education team for a fun summer that aims to build and develop valuable skills in informal science instruction and public speaking. All while have a little bit of fun along the way.

This year we are excited to announce two updates to our summer program. Our regular volunteer experience title has been updated to Junior Museum Educator to better reflect the educational opportunities this volunteer position provides to our guests. This is still our main position for those looking to jump into the museum world. The second update is a new position for volunteers looking to take that next step as a Junior Camp Assistant and learn about how the museum offers an amazing summer camp experience to families.

Apply for a volunteer position here:
https://boonshoft.org/support/volunteer/

03/11/2025

Does your favorite stuffed animal need a little TLC? Bring your well-loved plush companion to the Boonshoft Museum’s Teddy Bear Clinic on Saturday, March 15, for a special check-up with our very own veterinarian, Dr. Staab!

From 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., young visitors can bring their stuffed animals for a wellness exam in the Zoo Vet area, with activities extending into the exciting new Dayton Children’s exhibit. If you forget to bring a plush friend, don’t worry—everyone will have a chance to participate!

In collaboration with Dayton Children's Hospital and Humane Society of Greater Dayton, this heartwarming event is designed to help children feel more comfortable with medical visits while learning about animal care. Our partners from the Humane Society will be on-site with an informational booth! Plus, Dayton Children’s will share insights about their On Our Sleeves program, which helps families navigate doctor visits with ease.

The Teddy Bear Clinic is free for members and included with general admission. Join us for a fun and educational day filled with snuggles, smiles, and hands-on learning! 🧸🩺🩻

03/10/2025

If you've been wandering through the museum and wondering where some of our Ice Age animals have gone—don’t worry, they haven’t migrated south! 🦣🏗️ The First Floor Project construction is officially well underway, and with it comes some exciting changes to our exhibits.

While we prepare for an incredible new experience, some familiar faces from the past (looking at you, short faced bear and friends!) are temporarily stepping aside. Stay tuned for updates as we continue transforming our space—we can’t wait to share what’s in store!

03/10/2025

🌕🔴 Get ready for a total lunar eclipse! 🔴🌕

Another incredible celestial event is on the way, and this one is easy to observe—no special equipment needed! If the skies are clear, anyone in the U.S. can witness this breathtaking sight with just their eyes.

On the night of Thursday, March 13, into the early hours of March 14, the Moon will pass through Earth's shadow, creating a total lunar eclipse! This happens when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align perfectly, casting our planet’s shadow across the lunar surface.

So, what will you see? 🌘🌑🌒

✨ The Penumbral Phase (Starting at 11:57 PM EDT, March 13) – The outer, lighter part of Earth's shadow begins touching the Moon. This phase is subtle and may be difficult to spot right away.

🌗 The Partial Eclipse (Starting at 1:09 AM EDT, March 14) – Earth's darker shadow, the umbra, starts covering the Moon, creating a dramatic contrast.

🔴 Totality – The Main Event! (2:26–3:31 AM EDT) – The Moon will be completely covered by Earth's shadow, taking on stunning shades of red, orange, or brown—a true "Blood Moon." The exact color depends on the amount of dust and particles in Earth's atmosphere at the time.

🌖 The Partial Eclipse Ends (4:47 AM EDT) – The Moon starts emerging from the umbra, and the bright lunar surface slowly returns.

🌕 The Eclipse Concludes (6:00 AM EDT) – The Moon fully moves out of Earth's shadow.

Lunar eclipses like this don’t happen every day—on average, total eclipses occur about every 2½ years—so don’t miss this chance to see one!

🔭 Will you be staying up to watch? Let us know in the comments!

📷: Philippe Moussette

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/

Alerts

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Videos

Frida toucan

Frida the toucan takes playtime very seriously—especially when toys are involved! 🎾💛 Whether she’s tossing, tapping, or testing out new textures, enrichment keeps her sharp and curious. Who knew beak boops could be this adorable? 😍✨ 📽: Donna Harrison, Curator of Live Animals #FridaFun #ToucanPlayThatGame #EnrichmentTime

peanut butter

🧈🥜 Happy National Peanut Butter Lovers Day! 🥜🧈 Did you know some of our zoo animals love peanut butter just as much as you do? 🍽️ Watch as they enjoy this tasty (and animal-safe!) treat—whether it’s a fun snack or part of enrichment, peanut butter is a hit! Who in your household is the biggest peanut butter fan? Tell us in the comments! ⬇️ 📽: Amanda Stine, Lead Animal Keeper #PeanutButterLoversDay #ZooTreats #AnimalEnrichment #SnackTime

If this isn't the cutest pair of owls you've ever seen 📽️: Skyler Hada, Assistant Manager of Guest Services #bmd #boonshoftmuseum #owl #burrowingowl

Jamaican fruit bats are essential pollinators to many species of fruits in the tropics, including mangos, bananas, figs, papayas, and avocados. As a matter of fact, plants like agave, durian, and guava are pollinated only by different species of fruit bats. Next time you enjoy a fruit salad, be sure to thank the numerous bat species that kept them pollinated and growing. 📽: Bailey Cole, Senior Animal Keeper #bmd #boonshoftmuseum #Jamaicanfruitbat

You've seen a dog wag their tail or maybe even a cat wag their tail, but have you ever seen a snake wag their tail? Well, now you have. Lenox the ball python was caught wagging his tail during dinnertime. Tail wagging, or vibration, is observed in many species of snakes, most famously is the rattlesnake who wags their tail as a warning sign to nearby intruders to back away. But many non-venomous species, like ball pythons, also exhibit this behavior. Why? Scientists actually have no idea! Some theorize that it is to mimic the warning that a rattlesnake gives but most scientists think that it is a way to distract potential prey by making them look at the snake's tail. 🐍 📽: Bailey Cole, Senior Animal Keeper #bmd #boonshoftmuseum #ballpython

It's not a delay on mole rat I-75...it's a Yam Jam!! 🍠 Video: Donna Harrison, Curator of Live Animals #bmd #boonshoft #nakedmolerats

🏈 Super Bowl LIX: Bomani’s Big Pick! 🏈 Our very own sand cat, Bomani, has spoken! Without hesitation, he put his paws behind his hometown team—the Kansas City Chiefs! 🏟️🐾 Will his feline instincts prove right? We’ll have to wait and see! Who are you rooting for this Super Bowl Sunday? Let us know in the comments! ⬇️ 📽️: Sophia Blessing, Animal Keeper #SuperBowlLIX #BomaniTheSandCat #GoChiefs

Frida’s Super Bowl Prediction! 🏈✨ Our toco toucan Frida has made her pick for the Big Game! Presented with two paper bags—each labeled with a team—she wasted no time making her choice. After some curious inspecting and a dramatic hop, Frida landed on the Philadelphia Eagles as her Super Bowl champions! Will her pick prove to be a winner? We’ll have to wait and see! In the meantime, Frida will be celebrating with some extra enrichment and her favorite fruits. Do you think Frida got it right? Drop your Super Bowl predictions below! ⬇️ 🎥: Reese Miller, Animal Keeper #SuperBowlPrediction #FridaTheToucan #BoonshoftAnimals #TocoToucanPicks

Meerkat fun

Miss Coriander enjoying her mirror ball enrichment 🪩🕺 Video: Amanda Stine, Lead Animal Keeper #bmd #boonshoftmuseum #meerkat

Who's going to win the National Championship tonight 🏆?? Jasper agouti picked the Ohio State Buckeyes, TWICE without prompting. We shall see. Who would you like to see win? Let us know in the comments. Video: Bailey Cole, Senior Animal Keeper #bmd #boonshoftmuseum #nationalchampionship

Sheldon is a big fan of 👟 #bmd #boonshoftmuseum #armadillos

Frida having some fun with her rings! In the wild, toucans spend their days foraging, exploring, and navigating complex habitats. Their large, colorful bills aren’t just for show—they’re vital tools for reaching fruits, probing into crevices, and even playing. Without the challenges of their natural environment, captive toucans can become bored, which can lead to stress or unhealthy behaviors. At the Boonshoft, enrichment helps mimic these natural activities. For example, offering food puzzles or hiding fruits encourages foraging behaviors. Perches of varying heights and textures support climbing and balance, while toys provide stimulation and prevent boredom. Even interactions with caretakers and guests can serve as social enrichment! Providing these opportunities ensures that Frida remains active, engaged, and healthy, allowing her playful personality to shine while educating visitors about her unique adaptations and the importance of protecting their habitats in the wild. Video: Donna Harrison, Curator of Live Animals #bmd #boonshoftmuseum #toucan

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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.

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Frida toucan

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