The Discovery Center https://thediscoverycenter.org/ Developing the intellectual, physical and emotional well-being of the children of the Southern Tier Wed, 20 Aug 2025 02:39:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 Brand-New WBNG Channel 12 News Exhibit Now Open! https://thediscoverycenter.org/brand-new-wbng-channel-12-news-exhibit-now-open/ Sat, 26 Jul 2025 02:33:51 +0000 https://thediscoverycenter.org/?p=10887 Lights, camera, action! On Saturday, July 19, The Discovery Center unveiled its brand-new WBNG Channel 12 News exhibit! Step into a realistic news set, complete with the latest technology, a green screen, and dedicated areas for "First Alert Weather" and "Pet of the Week." Ever wonder what it's like to deliver the news? Now's your [...]

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Lights, camera, action! On Saturday, July 19, The Discovery Center unveiled its brand-new WBNG Channel 12 News exhibit!
Step into a realistic news set, complete with the latest technology, a green screen, and dedicated areas for “First Alert Weather” and “Pet of the Week.” Ever wonder what it’s like to deliver the news? Now’s your chance! Report live, track the weather, and even highlight an adorable pet up for adoption. You’ll see yourself on screen, just like real news anchors, while your friends and family can watch the broadcast on their own monitor.
It’s an immersive experience where you’re the star reporter, broadcasting live from The Discovery Center! We extend our sincerest gratitude to WBNG-TV for their incredible support and expertise in making this exciting new exhibit possible.

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The Enchanted Cove Playground’s New Musical Garden is Open! https://thediscoverycenter.org/the-enchanted-cove-playgrounds-new-musical-garden-is-open/ Sun, 20 Jul 2025 21:32:56 +0000 https://thediscoverycenter.org/?p=10794 Get ready to tap into your inner musician! As part of our exciting new Enchanted Cove Playground in the Story Garden, The Discovery Center is absolutely thrilled to announce that the installation of the Magical Music Garden is now complete and ready for play! Nestled around our whimsical new Fairy House, you'll discover a collection of [...]

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Get ready to tap into your inner musician! As part of our exciting new Enchanted Cove Playground in the Story Garden, The Discovery Center is absolutely thrilled to announce that the installation of the Magical Music Garden is now complete and ready for play!

Nestled around our whimsical new Fairy House, you’ll discover a collection of truly beautiful outdoor instruments, just waiting for little (and big!) hands to create harmonious melodies. These aren’t just any instruments; each one was hand-selected and specially shipped all the way from London, England, from Percussion Play, the world’s leading manufacturer of outdoor musical instruments. Their quality and unique sound will transport you to a world of musical wonder!

Why Music? Why Here?

Music is a universal language, transcending age, gender, and background. It’s a fundamental part of human life that effortlessly connects us all. What makes these instruments truly special is their incredible accessibility. Designed to be effortlessly played, they allow children and adults of all ages and abilities to experience the pure joy and gratification of making music together. There’s no need for formal musical training – any combination of our outdoor instruments can be played together harmoniously, encouraging natural exploration and collaborative creativity.

Imagine the laughter and delight as your child strikes a note, creating a sound that blends perfectly with a friend’s, fostering teamwork and a shared sense of accomplishment. This garden is more than just instruments; it’s a space where imagination takes flight through sound.

A Heartfelt Thank You

The creation of this enchanting space and the purchase and installation of these magnificent instruments were made possible by the incredibly generous donations from the Friends and Family of Donna Stack. Their thoughtful contributions have brought this dream to life, leaving a lasting legacy of music and joy for countless children and families in our community. We extend our deepest gratitude for their support.

Come visit The Discovery Center soon and let the rhythm move you! We can’t wait to see (and hear!) the beautiful music you’ll create in our Magical Music Garden.

The Story Garden is part of The Discovery Center’s outdoor play space that is free and open to the public every day from dawn to dusk.

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Meet Our New Friends! Play Safe & Explore at The Discovery Center! https://thediscoverycenter.org/meet-our-new-friends-play-safe-explore-at-the-discovery-center/ Sun, 06 Jul 2025 19:24:48 +0000 https://thediscoverycenter.org/?p=10773 We've got some exciting news here at The Discovery Center! We've made some wonderful new friends, and they're here to help make your visit even more fun, engaging, and, most importantly, safe! We know that exploring and playing are at the heart of what we do, and these new companions are designed to enhance your [...]

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We’ve got some exciting news here at The Discovery Center! We’ve made some wonderful new friends, and they’re here to help make your visit even more fun, engaging, and, most importantly, safe!

We know that exploring and playing are at the heart of what we do, and these new companions are designed to enhance your experience whether you’re a first-time visitor, part of a bustling school group, or one of our littlest explorers.

So, who are these new friends? Well, we don’t want to give away all the secrets, but you’ll be able to spot them in two key areas:

  • Right here in our vibrant lobby! They’ll be there to greet you as you arrive, setting the tone for a fantastic day of discovery.
  • Hidden throughout the Museum in a special scavenger hunt! Keep your eyes peeled as you wander through our exhibits – finding them will be part of the adventure!

Our new friends have an important mission: to help us all play safely, be kind to one another, and show respect for our exhibits and fellow visitors. They’ll be gentle reminders to share, explore thoughtfully, and engage with everything The Discovery Center has to offer in a positive way.

We’re incredibly excited for you to meet them on your next visit! They’re ready to guide you through new discoveries, encourage safe play, and ensure everyone has a memorable time.

Come on down and say hello to our new friends! We can’t wait to see you exploring and playing safe at The Discovery Center!

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BookFest Celebrates Reading with “The Ugly Duckling” and Community Partners! https://thediscoverycenter.org/bookfest-celebrates-reading-with-the-ugly-duckling-and-community-partners/ Wed, 21 May 2025 19:29:27 +0000 https://thediscoverycenter.org/?p=10776 What a truly enchanting afternoon we had at The Discovery Center! We are still absolutely buzzing from the incredible performance of The Ugly Duckling, beautifully brought to life by the talented artists of Tri-Cities Opera. Their interpretation of Hans Christian Andersen's timeless children's story was simply captivating, and it was a joy to see so [...]

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What a truly enchanting afternoon we had at The Discovery Center! We are still absolutely buzzing from the incredible performance of The Ugly Duckling, beautifully brought to life by the talented artists of Tri-Cities Opera. Their interpretation of Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless children’s story was simply captivating, and it was a joy to see so many young faces enthralled by the magic of opera and storytelling.

But the success of events like these isn’t just about what happens on stage; it’s about the wonderful community partnerships that make them possible. We extend our sincerest gratitude to all the organizations and individuals who helped make this event a resounding success:

  • Tri-Cities Opera: For their exceptional artistry and for sharing such a meaningful and memorable performance with our visitors. Their dedication to bringing the arts to our community is truly commendable.
  • The Four County Library System, The Fenton Free Library, and Vestal Library: Your commitment to fostering a love of reading and literacy in our community is inspiring.
  • Family Enrichment and BCSD PACT: Thank you for your invaluable support in connecting with families and ensuring broad participation.
  • Vestal High School Student Volunteers: A huge shout-out to our amazing student volunteers from Vestal High School! Your energy, enthusiasm, and willingness to lend a hand made a significant difference. We’re so grateful for your dedication!

Perhaps one of the most heartwarming outcomes of the day was seeing over 30 children receive their very first library card! What a fantastic milestone! These new cards represent a key to countless adventures, endless stories, and the lifelong love of reading. We couldn’t be prouder to be a part of fostering that connection to literature.

Events like “The Ugly Duckling” performance remind us of the power of collaboration and the joy of bringing enriching experiences to our community. Thank you again to everyone involved for helping us create lasting memories and inspire a new generation of readers and art lovers!

Stay tuned for more exciting programs and partnerships at The Discovery Center!

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The Discovery Center Unveils Dino-Mite New Dinosaur Dental Exhibit https://thediscoverycenter.org/dinosaur-dental-now-open/ Sat, 26 Apr 2025 14:17:26 +0000 https://thediscoverycenter.org/?p=10585 The Discovery Center is thrilled to announce the grand opening of "Dinosaur Dental," a brand-new, interactive exhibit that transforms the sometimes-intimidating world of dental care into a fun and engaging learning experience for children. Now open, this unique space invites young visitors to step into the roles of dentists and hygienists, sparking imaginative play and [...]

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The Discovery Center is thrilled to announce the grand opening of “Dinosaur Dental,” a brand-new, interactive exhibit that transforms the sometimes-intimidating world of dental care into a fun and engaging learning experience for children. Now open, this unique space invites young visitors to step into the roles of dentists and hygienists, sparking imaginative play and providing valuable educational insights into oral health.

Forget any fears of the dentist’s chair! “Dinosaur Dental” creates a playful environment where children can explore the importance of a healthy smile through hands-on activities and role-playing. Imagine your little ones donning scrubs and dental gear, fully immersed in the world of caring for teeth!

Here’s what awaits your young “dentists” and “hygienists”:

  • Dress-Up Fun: Let their imaginations soar as they put on scrubs and dental accessories, truly stepping into the role of a dental professional.
  • Appointment Desk: Just like a real office, children can practice organizational skills and role-play scheduling “appointments” at the realistic reception desk.
  • Interactive Waiting Area: Even waiting is an adventure! Kids can explore a captivating “Search and Find” wall and discover fascinating facts about the diverse teeth of different animals.
  • Giant Mouth Model: Get up close and personal with a larger-than-life model of a mouth! This hands-on learning station provides the perfect opportunity to practice proper brushing and flossing techniques in a fun and engaging way.

“We are incredibly excited to bring ‘Dinosaur Dental’ to the children of the Southern Tier,” said Executive Director of The Discovery Center, Dr. Brenda Myers. “This exhibit combines play and education, making learning about dental hygiene an enjoyable adventure. We are thankful for the generous support of Dinosaur Dental, without which this exhibit would not be possible.”

The “Dinosaur Dental” exhibit is generously sponsored by Dinosaur Dental, located at 1700 Monroe St, Endicott, NY 13760. We extend our sincere gratitude for their commitment to bringing this valuable and fun learning experience to our community.

Access to the exhibit is included with general admission, which is $10 per person. Admission is free for Discovery Center members and children under 1 year old. Discounts are also available for EBT card holders, seniors, and veterans.

Plan Your Visit:

  • Museum Hours:
    • Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
    • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    • Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  • Location: The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier – 60 Morgan Rd. Binghamton, NY

Come on down and let your little ones discover the fun side of dental care at the amazing new “Dinosaur Dental” exhibit! We can’t wait to see those bright, healthy smiles!

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Be Part of Our 6th Annual Read-A-Thon! https://thediscoverycenter.org/be-part-of-our-6th-annual-read-a-thon/ Mon, 03 Mar 2025 20:20:46 +0000 https://thediscoverycenter.org/?p=10462 Unleash your inner wizard and join us for the 6th Annual Read-a-Thon: Scrolls and Spells: The Magic of Reading! From April 21-25, from 11AM to 1PM each day, we'll be celebrating the magic of reading. We invite you to participate as a reader and share your favorite stories at the Museum! Consider showing your support by creating a [...]

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Unleash your inner wizard and join us for the 6th Annual Read-a-Thon: Scrolls and Spells: The Magic of Reading! From April 21-25, from 11AM to 1PM each day, we’ll be celebrating the magic of reading. We invite you to participate as a reader and share your favorite stories at the Museum! Consider showing your support by creating a personal fundraising page and enchanting our young visitors with your literary talents. Let’s conjure up a love of reading together!
Please contact foundation@thediscoverycenter.org to participate as a reader.

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Board Member Feature: Ellen Blakeslee https://thediscoverycenter.org/board-member-feature-ellen-blakeslee/ Sun, 23 Feb 2025 14:53:07 +0000 https://thediscoverycenter.org/?p=10371 Ellen Blakeslee, a dedicated member of The Discovery Center's Board of Directors, brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for early childhood education to our organization. As a mother, grandmother, and the very first Discovery Kids Preschool teacher, Ellen has a unique perspective on the power of play in a child's development. She [...]

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Ellen Blakeslee, a dedicated member of The Discovery Center’s Board of Directors, brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for early childhood education to our organization. As a mother, grandmother, and the very first Discovery Kids Preschool teacher, Ellen has a unique perspective on the power of play in a child’s development. She understands firsthand how crucial a safe and stimulating environment is for fostering growth and learning. We are incredibly fortunate to have Ellen’s commitment and expertise on our board.

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Get Ready for Discovery Kids Summer Camp 2025! https://thediscoverycenter.org/get-ready-for-discovery-kids-summer-camp-2025/ Sun, 19 Jan 2025 17:48:54 +0000 https://thediscoverycenter.org/?p=10180 Mark your calendars! Discover the magic of play this summer in our 8 week summer camp from June 30th to August 22nd (no programming July 4 or July 18), offering a variety of engaging programs for ages 4-9. Full summer registration for our play-based camps opens on March 24, 2025. Families will need a Discovery Center membership in [...]

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Mark your calendars! Discover the magic of play this summer in our 8 week summer camp from June 30th to August 22nd (no programming July 4 or July 18), offering a variety of engaging programs for ages 4-9. Full summer registration for our play-based camps opens on March 24, 2025. Families will need a Discovery Center membership in order to register.

Information about camp themes, schedules, and registration details will be available soon. Stay tuned to our website!

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2024 Village of Gingerbread Winners Announced! https://thediscoverycenter.org/2024-village-of-gingerbread-winners-announced/ Sat, 18 Jan 2025 18:19:48 +0000 https://thediscoverycenter.org/?p=10220 Special thanks to all the bakers and creators of this season's Gingerbread Exhibition! Our visitors absolutely loved the display of creativity. The Fan Favorite this season goes to Camp Gingersnap! Congratulations to Girl Scout Trop 30020! Second Place: Santa's Workshop by Mattigan and Delaney Dryer-Keenan Third Place: Bilbo's Hobbit Home by Amy and Abigal Wood [...]

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Special thanks to all the bakers and creators of this season’s Gingerbread Exhibition! Our visitors absolutely loved the display of creativity.

  • The Fan Favorite this season goes to Camp Gingersnap! Congratulations to Girl Scout Trop 30020!
  • Second Place: Santa’s Workshop by Mattigan and Delaney Dryer-Keenan
  • Third Place: Bilbo’s Hobbit Home by Amy and Abigal Wood

Honorable Mentions go to:

  • Field of Dreams – Amy Fancher and The Rumble Ponies
  • The Scotty Dogs’ Magic Tree House – Dr. Brenda Myers
  • Under the Sea Palace – Jessica and Lillian Snyder
  • Magic Tree House – Haley Pendell
  • Adventure Island – The New Leaf Cider Company
  • Hansel and Gretel – Rose Houston
  • Matilda – Kristin Beylo
  • Wizard of Oz – Samantha Barbera and ACHIEVE
  • Gingerbread Lane – Rose Houston
  • Hansel and Gretel’s Sugarwood Hideaway – Kids Club
  • Frosted Dreams – Verite and Orson
  • Elsa’s Castle – Preschool
  • Dragon’s Breath Cottage – UPK
  • Peach and Bowser’s Castle of Confection – Kids Club
  • Crystal Cookie Cottage – Leo and Patrick

Start dreaming about next year’s display… A Village of Gingerbread: Trip Around the World!

 

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Peoples Security Bank & Trust Random Acts of Kindness https://thediscoverycenter.org/peoples-security-bank-trust-random-acts-of-kindness/ Fri, 17 Jan 2025 18:39:32 +0000 https://thediscoverycenter.org/?p=10223 Using a $250 donation from Peoples Security Bank & Trust, The Discovery Center will be hosting Random Acts of Kindness Days when randomly chosen visitors will receive free admission. We are grateful to Peoples Security Bank & Trust for making this possible!

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Using a $250 donation from Peoples Security Bank & Trust, The Discovery Center will be hosting Random Acts of Kindness Days when randomly chosen visitors will receive free admission. We are grateful to Peoples Security Bank & Trust for making this possible!

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