Discovery Children’s Museum: Where Kids Curiosity Run Wild

If you’re a parent in Las Vegas, you know the struggle—how do you keep a little one entertained without resorting to endless screen time? As a local toddler mom, I’ve made it my mission to find the best kid-friendly spots in the city, and let me tell you, Discovery Children’s Museum is the ultimate jackpot.

This place is so packed with activities that your kiddo will be begging to stay longer. From water play and climbing adventures to pretend city life and hands-on science experiments, this museum has something for every age! So, let me take you through everything you need to know before visiting this three-story wonderland of learning and fun!

The Three Floors of Fun!

The Discovery Museum is a non-profit that provides a unique experience for families in Southern Nevada and visitors from around the world.

But let’s talk about the real reason you’re here—the activities! This museum is huge, with three levels of interactive exhibits designed to keep kids engaged, entertained, and (bonus!) learning.

Level 1: The Little City That Could

• Toddler Town: If you have a child under three, this is their safe haven. Soft play areas, age-appropriate toys, and a worry-free space for parents.
• Fantasy Festival: Kids can dress up in costumes and put on their own theatrical performances. Perfect for your mini Broadway star.
• Water World: Warning! Your kid will get soaked—but they’ll love every second of it. There are interactive water tables, dams to build, and even a giant air-powered ball machine.
• The Summit: The biggest attraction (literally) in the museum—a 70-foot-tall climbing structure that stretches across all three floors. If your kid is a little daredevil, they’ll be racing to the top in no time.

Level 2: The Art & Mystery Zone

After going through the first floor, be sure to go through the second floor.

Eco City: Picture a miniature version of a real town, where kids can run their own businesses. One minute, your child is a doctor giving checkups, and the next, they’re a grocery store cashier scanning play food. (My toddler is obsessed with the grocery store here!)

Solve It! Mystery Town: Got a little detective on your hands? Kids can crack puzzles, solve riddles, and uncover hidden secrets inside the museum.

Level 3: The Ultimate Climbing Adventure

Lastly, finish things off with the last level, which is the most interactive zone!

• Patents Pending: Budding inventors can test their engineering skills with hands-on challenges. This area is especially great for older kids who love to tinker.
• Young at Art: If your little one loves painting, sculpting, or just making a giant mess in the name of creativity, this is the spot for them.
• Energy Exploration: A hands-on exhibit where kids can discover how energy powers our world. From wind turbines to solar panels, little scientists will love experimenting with different forms of renewable energy.

Mom Hacks: How to Survive & Thrive at the Museum

After multiple visits, I’ve picked up a few tips that can make your experience a lot smoother:

Go early. The museum opens at 10 AM, and the earlier you arrive, the fewer crowds you’ll deal with.

Bring extra clothes. If your kid touches anything in Water World, they’re going to be drenched.

Let them lead the way. Your kid will naturally gravitate toward what interests them the most—no need to rush!

Take breaks. There are plenty of benches and quiet spots to recharge.

Plan for at least 2-3 hours. You’ll need time to explore, plus an extra 30 minutes for convincing your kid it’s time to leave. Trust me when I say, bring any food bribes you might need – we had a mini tantrum at the end because my son was having so much fun!

• Location: Discovery Children’s Museum is located in Symphony Park, right next to The Smith Center. (If you see a giant, colorful climbing structure inside, you’re in the right place!)
• Admission: General admission is $20.00 per person, but if you’re a Nevada resident, you get a small discount at $14.50.
• Pro Tip: If you plan to visit more than a couple of times a year, a $95 membership covers admission for two visitors for an entire year and pays for itself quickly.
• Ages: All ages are welcome!

Dive into a World of Wonder at Discovery Museum!

Las Vegas isn’t just about casinos, and Discovery Children’s Museum proves that kids can have just as much fun in this city as the adults do. Whether your child dreams of being a scientist, an artist, or a detective, they’ll have a blast here.

And as a mom, I love that this place makes learning fun while giving my toddler a chance to explore, create, and (most importantly) burn off some of that endless energy.

“The kids completely lose themselves in the experience. One minute they’re building dams in the water area, the next they’re racing to the top of The Summit. There’s so much to do, they don’t even realize how much they’re learning.”

So, the next time you’re wondering what to do with kids in Las Vegas, skip the touristy attractions and spend a few hours at Discovery Children’s Museum. Trust me, your little ones will thank you—and they just might take a nice long nap afterward.