Programs
Discovery Space offers a variety of programs, science adventures, and makerspace projects for kids of all ages.
Some of our activities can get a little messy, involving materials like paint, water, and other materials. We recommend dressing your child in clothes that can handle a bit of creative chaos, and we have plenty of aprons to share. Look for the ‘Messy’ sticker on our social posts each week to know when to expect some extra fun!
Weekly Programs
Join us for Water Wednesdays!
While our other PreK programs are on pause for the summer, we’re excited to bring back our parent-led water exploration sessions starting May 28—weather permitting!
Come splash, explore, and play together in this fun, hands-on outdoor experience designed for our youngest learners and their grown-ups.
Come make a splash with us—we can’t wait to sea you there!
📅 Dates: Every Wednesday from May 28 through August 20
📍 Location: Front patio at Discovery Space, 1224 N. Atherton Street, State College
⏰ Time: 10am to 12pm
👶 Ages: Best for 1-5 years old with their caregiver
🎟 Cost: Free with admission or membership
REMINDER: Dress for water play and bring a change of clothes.
Limited Programs
In addition to our weekly offerings, we offer unique learning experiences through one-time programs and special events. These programs are designed to dive deeper into specific topics and often include partnerships with local STEM experts, organizations, and schools.
End Of School Celebration
Friday, June 6
🕐 1:00–4:00pm
📍 Discovery Space
👨👩👧👦 All ages welcome
FREE with admission or membership
Celebrate the end of the school year with hands-on science and summer fun at Discovery Space!
🖍️ Drop into the classroom anytime from 1–4pm for a make-and-take craft
🎨 Head outside to help us decorate our brand-new picnic tables with colorful handprints
🍦 Cool off with sweet treats available for purchase from Classic Cones, onsite from 2–4pm
Let’s kick off summer the Discovery Space way! No registration required.
DIY with Dad
Sunday, June 8
9:30 – 11:30am
Pre-Registration Required
Ages 6+ with caregiver
$25 per pair
📍 The Rivet
In this hands-on workshop, you and your child will team up to build a wooden patiocaddy—perfect for summer gatherings or organizing tools and supplies.
- Learn beginner woodshop skills (no experience needed!)
- Enjoy a donut break during the workshop 🍩
- Includes same-day admission explore Discovery Space exhibits after the workshop
Thank you to board member Benson Lichtig of Lion & Cub / Nittany Outlet for sponsoring this event!
World Ocean Day
Sunday, June 8
11:00am – 1:00pm
Drop-In Program
Ages 3-10
Free with Admission or Membership
📍 Discovery Space
🌊 Join us to Celebrate World Ocean Day!
Wonder: Sustaining what sustains us
Meet Dr. Thomas Stewart, Assistant Professor of Biology at Penn State, and learn about Tiktaalik—a remarkable prehistoric fish that tells the story of life moving from water to land.
Kids can arrange 3D printed Tiktaalik bones and make their own fossil imprint to take home!
Rivet Youth Programs
Unlock your child’s creativity and curiosity with hands-on youth workshops at The Rivet! Each class offers an exciting opportunity for young makers to learn new skills and create something uniquely their own.
These programs are meant for kids ages 8-14. In some cases, specific age requirements are noted in the class description.
Discovery Space On-Demand
Calling all Junior Scientists!
Materials science is the study of stuff— what it’s made of, how it can be used, and even how it can be changed to create new kinds of stuff.
Your mission? To learn how materials science and engineering is at work all around you.