Don Harrington Discovery Center Amarillo
A vibrant science museum in Amarillo with interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and outdoor fun for all ages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more hands-on time
Don Harrington Discovery Center Amarillo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more hands-on time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant science museum in Amarillo with interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and outdoor fun for all ages.
"This place is amazing! So many hands-on activities to keep kids and adults busy."
Allocate Plenty of Time
Plan for at least 3 hours, or even a full day! Kids get engrossed and don't want to leave. :clock1:
Check Planetarium Schedule
Catch an engaging show in the planetarium/theater. Check times upon arrival. :movie_camera:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interactive Science Exhibits
Throughout the center
Engage with a wide array of hands-on displays covering science, weather, and space. Perfect for curious minds of all ages!
Planetarium Shows
Planetarium Theater
Explore the cosmos with captivating shows that are both educational and visually stunning. A must-see for aspiring astronomers!
Maker Metropolis
Maker Metropolis exhibit
Unleash creativity in this dedicated space for building and innovation. A favorite for hands-on fun and problem-solving.
Outdoor Play Area
Grounds
Enjoy the fresh air with an outdoor play space featuring natural elements and opportunities to observe local wildlife.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan for a Full Day of Discovery
Check the Planetarium Schedule
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allocate Plenty of Time
Plan for at least 3 hours, or even a full day! Kids get engrossed and don't want to leave. :clock1:
Check Planetarium Schedule
Catch an engaging show in the planetarium/theater. Check times upon arrival. :movie_camera:
Embrace Hands-On Fun
This is a place for active learning! Don't be afraid to touch and experiment with exhibits. :sparkles:
Outdoor Exploration
Don't miss the outdoor play area and opportunities to see local birds and ducks. :duck:
Tips
from all over the internet
Allocate Plenty of Time
Plan for at least 3 hours, or even a full day! Kids get engrossed and don't want to leave. :clock1:
Check Planetarium Schedule
Catch an engaging show in the planetarium/theater. Check times upon arrival. :movie_camera:
Embrace Hands-On Fun
This is a place for active learning! Don't be afraid to touch and experiment with exhibits. :sparkles:
Outdoor Exploration
Don't miss the outdoor play area and opportunities to see local birds and ducks. :duck:
Affordable Gift Shop
The gift shop offers very affordable items, perfect for a small souvenir. :gift_heart:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Don Harrington Discovery Center, calling it an 'awesome place' and a 'headlight of Amarillo.' The hands-on exhibits are a huge hit with both kids and adults, offering hours of engaging fun. While some wish for more time, the planetarium shows and outdoor areas add to the overall positive experience.
"Spent the entire day here with our seven kids. We loved every minute of it. It was more to do then we could get done and the kids did not grow tired of the time at all. In fact, they were disappointed when we had to go get lunch late in the day. Definitely one of the headlights of Amarillo area. It is awesome and it’s even fun for adults. Your kids probably won’t want to wait through all of the different learning elements but they’ll definitely love all the activities. Glad we went and look forward to going back again."
D Bebber
"Oh my goodness! This place is amazing. So many hands on activities to keep kids and adults busy. We had a great time. We needed more time, but got tired. There are artifacts also of birds and dinosaurs. We watched a short film in their planeterium/ theater that was very interesting. I highly recommend this place when you visit Amarillo with your kids. There is also an outdoor play area with varieties of birds and ducks out on the lake on the Duscovery grounds. A great family place not to miss!
M- S hrs 9:30 to 4:30.
Sun- 12:00 to 4:30."
liz ojeda
"Wow! What an awesome place! This is the hot spot for your junior naturalist/future scientist! We were passing through from Colorado and looking for somwhere to take the kids on our route. Our 4 year old twins had a blast! We enjoyed it as well! It was hard to pick a favorite because every part was great! I did love the tree house area with the scat and track displays and the birds of prey taxidermy! We didn't realize how fun it would be and wish we could've stayed longer. We stayed about 3 hours. In that time we explored the whole center and even got to watch a movie in the planetarium. The gift shop was small, but very affordable! Check this place out ESPECIALLY if you have kids!"
Noel Lee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Don Harrington Discovery Center is located at 1200 Streit Dr, Amarillo, TX. It's easily accessible by car. Many visitors driving through Amarillo find it a convenient stop.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the Don Harrington Discovery Center, making it easy for visitors arriving by car.
Information on public transport routes to the Discovery Center is limited. Driving is the most common and recommended method of arrival.
Absolutely! Many travelers find it a fantastic place to break up a long drive and let kids stretch their legs with engaging activities.
From downtown Amarillo, head west and follow signs for the Discovery Center. It's a straightforward drive, often mentioned as a key attraction for those passing through.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The center is typically open Monday to Saturday from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and Sundays from 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website for any seasonal changes.
Admission prices are generally affordable, making it a great value for families. Special discounts may be available, such as $1.00 admission for dressing up as a book character on Read Across America Day.
While online ticket purchasing options are not explicitly mentioned, it's recommended to check their official website or call ahead. However, many visitors purchase tickets upon arrival.
Yes, special events like Read Across America Day offer discounted admission for themed costumes. Keep an eye on their social media for announcements.
Yes, the center has areas and activities suitable for toddlers, offering a full 2 hours of indoor and outdoor play for the youngest visitors.
🎫 🔬 Onsite Experience
Expect a wide range of interactive exhibits focusing on science, weather, space, and natural history. Highlights include dinosaurs, a tornado simulator, and a Maker Metropolis.
Yes, the planetarium offers interesting and educational short films. It's a popular feature that many visitors enjoy as part of their experience.
Absolutely! The hands-on nature of the exhibits makes it engaging and fun for adults too. Many reviewers mention enjoying it just as much as their children.
Maker Metropolis is a dedicated space for hands-on creation and innovation, allowing visitors to build and experiment. It's a favorite for its interactive nature.
Yes, there are exhibits featuring animals, including dinosaur artifacts, and an outdoor area where you can observe birds and ducks.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While specific dining facilities are not detailed, visitors often mention needing to leave for lunch, suggesting that on-site food options might be limited or non-existent. It's advisable to pack snacks or plan for a meal nearby.
Bringing your own snacks and drinks is generally a good idea, especially for families planning a full day. This allows for flexibility and can save time.
Amarillo offers a variety of dining options. You can find numerous restaurants a short drive from the Discovery Center if you plan to eat out.
Information about an on-site cafe or snack bar is not readily available. It's best to assume limited options and plan accordingly.
Many visitors opt for a late lunch after spending the morning exploring, or they bring their own food to enjoy during a break.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the Discovery Center for personal use. It's a great place to capture fun family moments and interesting exhibits.
The interactive exhibits, the planetarium, and the outdoor play area all offer great photo opportunities. The newly completed mural is also a fantastic backdrop.
While photography is generally allowed, flash photography might be restricted during planetarium shows to avoid disturbing the viewing experience.
Drone photography is not typically permitted inside the center. However, drone footage has been used to showcase the exterior and surrounding areas, like the new mural.
Weekdays during the morning hours tend to be less crowded, offering more opportunities for unobstructed photos. However, the vibrant exhibits are photogenic any time.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Don't miss the outdoor play area and the Maker Metropolis for creative fun. While some older kids might rush through certain learning elements, the sheer amount of interactive activities ensures everyone stays engaged. Packing snacks or planning for a late lunch is a good strategy to maximize your time.
🧑🏫 Future Scientists & Educators
Consider enrolling children in the summer camp, which is highly praised for its structured learning and fun themes. The staff's dedication ensures a positive and educational experience that can shape young minds.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Many travelers find it to be a highlight of their trip, wishing they had more time to explore. It's a convenient and entertaining way to add an educational and fun element to your road trip itinerary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Exhibits: A Hands-On Adventure
Key exhibit areas include Maker Metropolis, a space dedicated to creativity and building, and displays featuring dinosaurs and local wildlife. The center also hosts visiting shows and has permanent collections that showcase scientific principles in an accessible way. The outdoor play area offers a chance to connect with nature, observe birds, and enjoy the Texas sunshine.
Visitors often find that the exhibits are so engaging that they can easily spend several hours or even a full day exploring. The variety ensures that both younger children and adults find something captivating, making it a truly family-friendly destination.
The Planetarium Experience
While the specific show schedules can vary, checking the daily program upon arrival is recommended to catch the most appealing presentations. The planetarium provides a different pace from the hands-on exhibits, offering a more seated, observational experience that complements the overall learning environment of the center.
It's a fantastic way to learn about astronomy and space in an engaging format, making it a must-do for anyone visiting the Discovery Center, especially those with an interest in science and the stars.
Summer Camp and Educational Programs
The staff are noted for being friendly and genuinely caring about the children's well-being and learning. This makes the camp a trusted option for parents seeking enriching summer activities for their kids.
Beyond summer camp, the center likely offers other educational opportunities throughout the year, catering to school groups and families looking for engaging learning experiences.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit