Special Events

Salvation Army School Supply Drive
July thru September 2008
Discovery Center is partnering with The Salvation Army for the 8th year in collect donations from the community to provide local children with school supplies. The drive ends September 30, 2008. Supplies can be dropped off during regular hours of operation. All donations will be placed directly into southwest Missouri elementary and middle schools.

Discovery members will receive a free guest pass for items brought in, and non-members will receive a buy-one-get-one-free admission pass for items donated. Donated supplies must be new and in original packaging. Possible donations include:

For more information contact Charlotte McCoy at 471.862.9910 x713.

Teacher Appreciation Day
Sept. 5, 2008: 3:00pm - 6:00pm
The Center is open to Educators only today! Public & Private School Educators and one guest receive free admission. Bring employment ID for admission.  Check out what we have to offer you in curriculum enrichment, field trips, and professional development. We'll also have coupons for 10% off fall field trips available at this event only!

Grandparent’s Day
Sept. 7, 2008
It’s a day to honor the family, as well as share the love and respect for our elders and our individual roots.  Grandparents get in free today with a paid child's admission ($5). Sign up for a Grandparent Membership today and receive $5.00 off membership. Grandparent Membership includes: Free admission to the DCS for up to four people, grandparent(s) and any two grandchildren (excluding birthday parties and group reservations), Invitations to DCS exhibit openings, Reciprocal admission to other participating ASTC member museums, Subscription to Imagine quarterly newsletter, and 10% discount at the DCS Gift Shop. The Grandparent Membership is valid for one year. Grandparents Day sponsored by CoxHealth, Springfield/Greene County Library and Springfield/Greene County History Museum.

Science Sprouts Days
Sept. 25 and Oct. 30, 2008
Brain Bytes on these days will be geared to early learners.  Early childhood groups, MOPS groups, play groups are encouraged to use these days for visiting the museum without fear of encountering older groups of students.  Early childhood programs can be added for an additional fee, to enhance the visit. For more information, contact Hayley Budd at 417.862.9910x726

Free Day
Oct. 19, 2008 1pm-5pm
Discovery Center & Midwest Dairy Association present The “People Behind the Product Free Day”. Learn more about how dairy farmers care for their animals and protect the land while producing quality milk that is wholesome and nutritious. Listen to a Missouri dairy farmer talk more about dairy farming, animal care and land and water preservation. Speak with a registered dietitian about the importance of 3-A-Day of Dairy and how three daily servings of low-fat milk, cheese or yogurt helps build strong bones and healthy bodies. Other activities will include butter making and recipe demonstrations, as well as milk mustache photographs. Information on dairy farming and dairy nutrition, including recipe and nutrition tips, will be available to take home. We will also be collecting non-perishable food items for Ozarks Food Harvest. Please bring your donations when you visit our free day!

Festival of Trees Kids Night at the Museum
Nov. 9, 2008 4pm-7pm
Couldn't make it to the Festival of Trees Event? Enjoy a healthy snack while participating in a live auction to benefit The Discovery Center! Play in the museum and be treated like a star! Only $20.00 per family. Holiday attire please.

Parents Night Out
Dec 5, 2008 5pm-10pm
Need to do some shopping or just have some time alone?  Take advantage of chaperoned play for ages 4-6th grade at Discovery Center while you enjoy an evening out.   Pre-payment and pre-registration required. Cost is $25 for Discovery Center Members and $30 for non-members for 1st child. Additional children are $10 each.  For availability information and to register, contact 417.862.9910 x706.