Visit

The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is committed to providing a safe environment for all of our guests.

Hours

Tuesday - Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
     *We would like to encourage our guests to allow our higher risk visitors to reserve the 9-10am time slots.*

Re-Opening Procedures - Please read

Group* entrance into the museum will be timed every 10 minutes so that we can operate in a limited capacity as advised by the Ohio Health Department.
     *Maximum of 10 people per group.

It is not required, but if you wish to reserve a time slot please call 937.275.7431 

The fine print:

• Memberships will automatically be extended for 3 months, the amount of time we have been closed.
• In accordance with the City of Dayton, Visitors are required to wear a face covering or could be subject to fines.
  • Staff is still required to wear masks.
• Vending machines, water fountains, the Food Chain and most interactive and high touch areas will be CLOSED.
  • Water will be available for purchase.
  • Desposible cups will also be made available.
• Other areas that will be closed include:
  • The Hall of the Universe, Tree House, Main Exhibit Hall, Bieser and the Climbing Tower.
  • CLICK HERE for a downloadable PDF of our updated map.
• Routine cleaning will happen on a timed schedule throughout the day.
• Planetarium shows will resume - a full schedule will be posted ASAP.
• The zoo will be open and the animals are ready to welcome everyone back!
• More collection items will be out and on display!
• Staff will be available throughout the building to answer questions, guide guests and disinfect any touchpoints. 
• Please call 937.275.7431 if you have any additional questions

This list will continue to be updated as new information is released.
CLICK HERE for an updated map of the museum!

Click on this link to view details for the re-opening of SunWatch Indian Village

Admission

Children (3-17) $11.50
Adults $14.50
Seniors (60+) $12.50
Children (under 3) Free
DSNH Members are FREE
  Remember! Members must present ID with their membership card during every visit.

• The Boonshoft Museum is committed to providing a safe environment for all guests; children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult (18+) at all times.
• The Boonshoft Museum accepts cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AMEX, and personal checks with proper ID
• Holiday Schedule: Each year, the Boonshoft Museum is closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. We occassionally close early for special events. 

Interested in becoming a member? Visitors have up to 14 days to apply their regular admission toward an annual membership! Must submit the original receipt and purchase the membership in person; some restrictions apply. Does not apply to group admission. See our Guest Services staff for more details during your visit.

Current Discounts

The Boonshoft Museum participates in reciprocal admission programs through the AZA, ASTC, and ACM. Learn more about reciprocity.

Current valid discounts on regular admission include:

• AAA - $0.50 discount per person (up to 6). Must present current membership card.
• State Farm - $0.50 discount per person (up to 6). Must present current insurance card.
• Culture Works - $2.00 off one child admission with a paid adult or senior (regular) admission. Must present current Culture Works card.
• Salute to the Military - Valid from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with a reboot on Veterans Day each November. See details below.

Looking for information about our free days? Learn more about Super Science Saturdays.

FAQs

Who is eligible for Buy One, Get One museum admission through Salute to Our Military program?
The free admission program is available to any bearer of a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), a DD Form 1173 ID card, or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card, which includes active duty military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard), National Guard and Reserve members and up to five family members. Program requires same IDs as Blue Star Museums.

How many military personnel and/or family members can participate in this program per visit?
The military ID holder plus up to five family members may participate.  Free admission will be the admission of equal or lesser value.

How do you define a family member?
A family member of active duty military may include a spouse or child, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc. 

What if my spouse is deployed? Can my family and I still participate?
Yes, spouses of deployed military are eligible for the Salute to Our Military program. Just bring your DD Form 1173 ID Card, or DD Form 1173-1 ID Card, for active duty military family members.

What if my child is under the age of 10 and doesn't yet have a military ID?
Children under the age of 10 without military ID are welcome to attend with their parents who either hold a Geneva Convention Common Access Card (CAC), a DD Form 1173 ID Card, or a DD Form 1173-1 ID Card. 

Does the Blue Star Museums program include admission for veterans and retirees? For unmarried partners? For parents with a child currently serving on active duty, or for those who have lost a child on active duty?
Admission for these individuals is not included in the scope of this program, unless they are the bearer of a Geneva Convention Common Access Card (CAC), a DD Form 1173 ID Card, or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card.