Lied Discovery Children'S Museum

Lied Discovery Children’s Museum (DISCOVERY Children’s Museum): Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Complete Guide to Las Vegas’s Premier Family Attraction

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, the DISCOVERY Children’s Museum (formerly the Lied Discovery Children’s Museum) is a cornerstone of the city’s educational and cultural scene. Serving families for over three decades, this dynamic institution has evolved from its original location and mission, expanding into a state-of-the-art 58,000-square-foot center designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning. The museum’s interactive, STEAM-based exhibits and hands-on programs make it a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. This comprehensive guide will help you plan your visit, with detailed information on history, hours, ticketing, accessibility, exhibits, and tips for maximizing your experience.

For the most current information, always refer to the official DISCOVERY Children’s Museum website, and consult trusted resources such as Discovery Children’s Museum Las Vegas, NVMoms, and the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Historical Overview
- Origins and Expansion
Visiting the Museum
Exhibits and Experiences
Tips for Visitors
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion & Planning Resources
References

Historical Overview

Origins and Expansion

Founded in 1984 through a collaboration of the Allied Arts Council of Southern Nevada and the Junior League of Las Vegas, the museum began as the Lied Discovery Children’s Museum, opening its first permanent location at 833 North Las Vegas Boulevard in 1990 (Discovery Children’s Museum Las Vegas). Spurred by generous support from the Lied Foundation and community partners, it quickly outgrew its original 35,000-square-foot space.

In 2013, the museum moved into the Donald W. Reynolds Discovery Center in Symphony Park. This $50 million, 58,000-square-foot facility features nine themed galleries, expanded educational spaces, and innovative STEAM-focused exhibits, solidifying its place as one of Las Vegas’s premier family destinations (Las Vegas Review-Journal).

Visiting the Museum

Hours & Admission

Regular Hours:
- Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed Mondays and on major holidays (Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day)
School Breaks & Holidays:
- Museum may open on Mondays; check the calendar for updates.

Admission Prices:

General Admission (ages 1+): $15.50
Children under 1: Free
Seniors (65+), military, and groups: Discounts available
Memberships: Offer unlimited admission, members-only events, discounts, and reciprocal admission to partner museums (NVMoms)

Purchase tickets online via the official website to streamline entry.

Accessibility & Amenities

Fully ADA-accessible: Elevators, ramps, wide corridors, wheelchair-accessible restrooms
Stroller and wagon friendly
Nursing nook (Toddler Town, first floor)
Family restrooms on every floor
Sensory accommodations for visitors with special needs (Discovery Kids LV)
Free WiFi, lockers, and a museum store
Snack rooms and a café for light refreshments (outside food and drinks not permitted; exceptions for infant needs)

Getting There & Parking

Address: 360 Promenade Place, Las Vegas, NV 89106
Parking: Connected garage with hourly rates; validation available at admissions desk
Transit: Accessible via RTC bus routes serving downtown Las Vegas
(NVMoms)

Exhibits and Experiences

Floor-by-Floor Guide

First Floor: Early Learners & Water Play

Desert Discovery: Sensory-rich, Nevada-themed space for children 5 and under, including Desert After Dark, Baby Oasis, Boulder Mountain, and Cactus Construction (Artcom Museums)
Water World: Interactive water experiments with raincoats and drying stations
Toddler Town: Crawling-only play area and nursing nook
Fantasy World: Imaginative play zones and birthday party rooms

Second Floor: Creativity & Real-World Role Play

Eco City: Miniature city for role-playing with a supermarket, airport, hospital, and more, teaching sustainability and financial literacy
Discovery Lab: Daily science experiments and STEAM workshops
Snack & Birthday Rooms: Family-friendly spaces for group events

Third Floor: Innovation & Artistic Exploration

Art Room: Rotating art projects using traditional and digital tools
Patent Pending: Makerspace and invention lab
Solve It!: Problem-solving and logic challenges
Science Tower: Multi-level climbing structure with physics and engineering activities

Signature Experiences

The Summit: Iconic three-story climbing tower connecting all floors, perfect for active explorers and photo ops
Traveling Exhibit Gallery: Rotating national and international exhibits such as “Chagall for Children” and “BUSYTOWN”
STEAM and Maker Spaces: Robotics, engineering, and creative invention workshops

Special Events & Tours

Workshops & Demonstrations: Daily programs in science, art, and culture
Guided Tours: Available for school groups and families by reservation
Community Outreach: Museum experiences brought to schools and local organizations
Birthday Parties & Event Rentals: Private rooms and activity packages available with advance booking

Check the events calendar for up-to-date schedules.

Tips for Visitors

Arrive early for best access to popular exhibits, especially on weekends or holidays
Buy tickets online to avoid lines and ensure entry during busy periods
Plan at least 2–3 hours for a thorough visit
Bring a change of clothes for water-based exhibits
Make use of family amenities like nursing rooms and the Parent Resource Room
Reference the museum map or virtual tour online to plan your route
Tag your photos on social media for a chance to be featured by the museum

Nearby Attractions

Take advantage of your location in Symphony Park and explore these nearby sites:

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts
Las Vegas Natural History Museum
The Neon Museum
Fremont Street Experience
Container Park shopping and dining area

Combining your museum visit with these attractions makes for a full day of family-friendly fun.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the museum’s visiting hours?
A: Tuesday–Sunday 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; closed Mondays and major holidays. Hours may vary during school breaks and holidays (Discovery Kids LV).

Q: How much are tickets and are there discounts?
A: General admission is $15.50 for ages 1 and up; children under 1 are free. Discounts for seniors, military, and groups; memberships are available.

Q: Is the museum accessible for strollers and wheelchairs?
A: Yes—elevators, ramps, wide corridors, and accessible restrooms on all floors.

Q: Is parking available?
A: Yes—a connected garage offers hourly rates, with validation available at the admissions desk.

Q: Can I host a birthday party or group event?
A: Yes—private rooms and special activity packages are available with advance booking.

Q: Are there food options inside the museum?
A: Snack areas and a small café are available; outside food is not permitted except for infant needs.

Q: Are guided tours or workshops available?
A: Yes—check the museum calendar for details.

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Only service animals are permitted.

Conclusion & Planning Resources

The DISCOVERY Children’s Museum is a vibrant, hands-on destination where children and families can learn, play, and grow together. With its thoughtful design, accessible amenities, diverse exhibits, and ongoing programs, the museum continues to inspire curiosity and discovery in visitors of all ages. Located in the heart of Las Vegas, it’s an essential stop for anyone seeking a blend of education, fun, and cultural enrichment.

Practical Information:

Address: 360 Promenade Place, Las Vegas, NV 89106
Phone: (702) 382-3445
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 10 AM–5 PM; closed major holidays
Parking: Connected garage with validation
Accessibility: Fully accessible, stroller-friendly, nursing nook

Plan Your Visit:

Visit the official museum website for current hours, ticketing, and program details
Download the Audiala app for interactive guides and exclusive content
Follow the museum on social media for updates and special offers