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Discovery Centre
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Museums Education Educational Services Museums, Educational Services [Edit]
1593 Barrington StHalifax, NS B3J 1Z7
(902) 492-4422
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10 am - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
19 reviews for Discovery Centre
Review Highlights
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"Some exhibits change on a regular basis." In 3 reviews -
"...be discovered at this center of science, making it a great..." In 10 reviews -
"At the same time, how cool a birthday would that be." In 4 reviews
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19 reviews in English
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Review from Ashley L.
5/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
No matter how old you are, you're never too old for the Discovery Centre. I have visited this place time and time again and next get old of the exhibits. It's one of the places I bring people from out of town and even those who live in the city and haven't ventured there yet, I never have a bad thing to say.
Also something I recently discovered - Thanks to Yelp - is how great of a venue it is for events. I attended the Yelp's burstday there which I have to say, was the perfect venue. I could go on and on about how great the Discovery Centre is, but I think it would be best if you just made the trek down to Barrington Street and see for yourself. -
Review from Sarah H.
4/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
I went here with my cadet squadron as we wanted to do something fun with our kids. We went there after hours, and they had three staff volunteer their time for us. Very much appreciated!
They brought us in and gave us an orientation. We had 38 kids, so they divided us into two groups. The first group went into the planetarium, while the other group was allowed to roam the two floors freely. The planetarium was quite fun and the staff was really knowledgeable.
After both groups went through the planetarium they were allowed to freely play/learn in the Discovery Centre for an hour. I loved that our kids are aged 12-18 and everyone was having a great time. The staff were also roaming and teaching the kids at various exhibits.
After letting the kids roam they called them back to the Theatre and gave them a scavenger hunt. I thought this was an excellent idea as it slowed the kids down and actually made them read the exhibits and learn about science. The group that scored the highest were given a small prize. -
Review from Tarah F.
4/10/2012
I hate to give this place such a bad review but our recent experience there was sub par. We ventured here this past weekend with my boyfriends 5 (almost 6) year old daughter as we were celebrating her birthday early. We were originally going to go to the museum but I changed the plan last minute after remembering how fun this place was when I was there last (like 2002).
After getting over the cost, $31 for 3 of us, we ventured upstairs first. There were kids running around and screaming everywhere. I know its a kid place but c'mon parents control your kids somewhat. It's pretty bad when they don't understand how to share and when they push my boyfriends daughter aside so they can use the experiments first (while the parents stand there and witness this). This aside, she appeared to be having a good time in the beginning. However because it was so busy we couldn't really stay at each station for very long. On top of that, NOTHING has changed in well over 10 years. There were clearly some broken (or badly repaired) , out-dated stations and not to mention dirty ones too. When we got to the bubble station I almost vomited at the disgusting smell emanating from the room. It was vile, like throw up mixed with dirty water mixed with a room that has never been cleaned. Needless to say, we didn't really let her use that station for very long, plus it wouldn't work anyways. It only took us 45 minutes to get through the entire centre. The grossology exhibit was okay but I found it too much information for a 5 year old to understand. The Dr. Nose it all station was cool to look at, but that's about it, as she did not understand what he was saying. The whole centre is an example of grossology...its a giant feeding ground for germs. I don't know if it was a coincidence or not but I came down with a cold the next evening (Easter Sunday), as did my boyfriends daughter.
Oh well, it was a new experience for the little one and she did have some fun. However, she definitely enjoyed a visit to the freak lunchbox and then a happy meal after much more. So all in all, we do feel like we wasted our money and wish we had went to the natural history museum instead, it would have been $20 cheaper.Comment from Renee F. of Discovery Centre 4/17/2012
Thanks for your feedback and review. I'm sorry to hear you… More » -
Review from Catherine M.
Halifax County, NS
3/24/2012
If youre looking for something to do on a day the kids are driving you crazy, definitely head to the Discovery Center. Currently they are running the Grossology exhibit, which was a huge hit with my four year old son. There was lots of information about bodily functions and I didn't give him "The Look" when he said "fart" in public, so he was thrilled.
The first floor hosts revolving exhibits. The second and third floors contain permanent exhibits: a large Lego play area, a bubble room, and the suspension bridge are our favourites.
Also, the Discovery Center now offers annual memberships. A great deal and for our family, the cost of a membership would pay for itself in just three visits.
A great way to spend a day. -
Review from Emmanuel C.
Halifax, NS
3/8/2012
Ah the good old Discovery Centre!!! A great place to escape on rainy days with the little ones. There's so much fun to be had and great things to discover. Every time I go I find the kid in me when I end up in the lego section.... endless bins with all the pieces you were missing when you were a kid. My daughter isn't quite as found of the legos as me, but she absolutely loves the bubble room.
They even have an apparatus that allows you to surround yourself in a bubble. Other great instruments allow you to make giant bubbles. Just around the corner, an idoor sand box with hidden treasures to be uncovered.
This is a great spot to go with kids. I try to get there once a month and catch the new exhibits. -
Review from Jill M.
4/19/2011
I have mixed feelings about the Discovery Centre. On the one hand, it has a bubble room. No one can hate an entire room devoted to bubbles. In fact, there are a lot of super fun permanent and temporary exhibits to be enjoyed at this Halifax staple.
But oh, are there downsides.
First of all, trotting my three younger siblings through this place has made me look like a big fat idiot over the years. Because I know NOTHING about science. My answer to "How does this work?" is almost always "Ummm....errrrr....I think that exhibit is broken. Shall we return to the spinning chair?" Yeah. The exhibit is never broken.
Second of all, parents? Control your kids. There's a difference between fun and terrorism. Stop letting your grape jelly covered children push my tiny siblings around. Don't leave your wailing toddler in the bubble room unsupervised. Get a clue.
OK I'm joking, sort of. I get that real, actual children are harder to control than tiny siblings who think you're an awesome, cool older sister for taking them here in the first place. Perhaps the Discovery Centre could benefit from a little more supervision and a little more explanation, but all in all it's a great way to kill some time on a weekend or impress your younger siblings, cousins, nieces or nephews with your thrilling explanation of how tiny little invisible oopma loompas actually make gravity happen.Listed in: Fun, Fun, Fun
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Review from Rhia P.
5/25/2011
Can't believe I haven't reviewed this lovely place!
Now, my little guy just turned two, so his interest in many of the displays is minimal, but the giant sandbox, the bubble room, and the block bridge with slide are more than enough to make it worth the price of admission.
Speaking of admission, in a rainy city like ours, the annual membership is the way to go - for the price of a couple visits, you can go any darn time you please.
The special exhibits are a treat, but you need to be careful not to hit the droughts between them, when one of the floors might be closed.
I recommend going early on weekends, as once the lunch-hour hits, the place is likely to be overrun with birthday party attendees.
At the same time, how cool a birthday would that be?Listed in: Kid Stuff
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Review from Kirk F.
2/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Discovery Centre isn't just for kids! ...At least that's what I told myself before going as an adult with no children in tow. After going? It is for kids.
Thankfully, I have a strong connection to my inner child, so it was a fun time!
Let's start off with the facts: this place really is designed with children in mind. So you have to accept that nothing is at your height. Unless you're short. Very short.
If you're going as adults, I definitely recommend trying to find a time when there aren't as many children present. They hog all the toys. I mean, c'mon! I paid more than you to get in here (and I bet you didn't even pay to get in here, I bet your mommy or daddy paid to get you in here!) so share the darn toys! And hurry up! I don't have all day to wait for you to finish your turn on the suspension bridge. Some of us have to get back to work!
Uh... so, go when there aren't children is what I'm saying. If you're going without kids. The staff should be able to give you an idea of that. They're super-helpful; bright and chipper, even.
It's a great day of adventure if it's raining or snowing and not that expensive for all that you get to see and do (and learn!).Listed in: Date Ideas
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Review from Ben B.
For someone who generally prefers chalking all things 'science' up to magic, it doesn't make sense for me to love this place so much but I do. I really, really do.
Ever since visiting as a kid and getting to sit in the spinning chair, I was sold. Then you add on the room of mirrors, the build-your-own-bridge, and that game with the wolf, sheep and lettuce I could never figure out, and you've got yourself a good time whether you realize you're learning or not.
To be fair, I don't get to come to the Discovery Centre often since I don't have kids and the rare occasions that I do have child accessories, I tend to use them to go to awesome kid movies without it being all weird. Hop, anyone? Still, I do root for this place and yearn for the day I'll get to sit it on one of their crafty, experimenty workshops. -
Review from Courtney M.
Halifax, NS
4/27/2010
Last Thursday (earth day!) I was hanging about working at my fundraising job, when I started to notice a steady stream of intrigued little chiluns heading out of the discovery center telling their parents about all the neat enviro/sustainability stuff they had just learned!
Not only does the discovery center run a pretty neat show in terms of exhibits (check out the newest 'build your own coaster' which "explores concepts of physics that keep real roller coasters on track," but also offers after school camps and outreach programs that takes 'science on the road' to smaller NS communities.
Overall, this place is pretty awesome! Anywhere that teaches kids (and big kids) about how science can be relevant and cool is alright in my books. -
Review from Katie M.
Halifax, NS
3/13/2010
The Discovery Centre is a place that every good babysitter or caretaker of children should have on call, in case of an unexpected play date or a rain day that puts a damper on your plans. Located in downtown Halifax on Barrington Street, the Discovery Centre is intended to provide a place for kids to discover and take an early interest in science, by participating in hands on activities.
There are a number of exhibits that are permanent fixtures at the centre; the bubble room with a bubble maker you can stand in, the bridge that you and build and walk across, and the sand pendulum that swings and forms sand art, just to mention a few.
The Discovery Centre never gets old, in part due to the exhibits that change a couple times a year. These exhibits have more specific themes like Evolution and Jane Goodall's Experiments with Chimps, so keep your eyes (or your kid's eyes) peeled for something that interests you/them.
Hot Hint: Children's day camps are offered at the Discovery Centre during the summer and March break. Or if you just want to go once, your admission charge (which is only about the cost of a movie) will let you come and go from the centre all day. -
Review from Bethany J.
Halifax, NS
4/9/2010
The Discovery Centre fills a niche now that the Museum of Natural History is closed for renovations. It's always been a great place to take kids, but except for the Bedford Institute of Oceanography touch tank (open summers only), it's pretty much the only place in town where kids can get a hands-on experience with science.
The Discovery Centre is geared mainly towards younger school-aged children; interest maxes out around 9 or 10. The activities are targeted to elementary and below; however, this doesn't mean that your pre-teen won't enjoy the displays (although they may deny it!).
One of our favourite displays is the bubble maker; it's so cool to blow huge bubbles and watch them levitate around you.
Every kid deserves a trip to the Discovery Centre. Whether you're from here or away, the Discovery Centre provides top-notch entertainment for your dollar. -
Review from Shawna D.
Chester, NS
5/14/2010
The Discovery Centre is a great place to go with the family. I can remember going in there, and having my hair stand on end with that machine.
It takes you a while to go through the centre, make sure you go into the Bubble Room. They offer summer camps for kids, I hear they are great. -
Review from Lacey H.
3/18/2010
There is just so much fun to be discovered at this center of science, making it a great destination for both children and those young at heart.
On the ever desolate Barrington Street, shines a glimmer of hope, drawing you in with its promises of learning paired with entertainment. Currently, there are some pretty fun exhibits and experiments, including a huge suspension bridge that you can walk across, as well as a nifty shadow room where lights are manipulated so that you can separate yourself from your very own shadow!
For the littlest among us, there is a toddler room with fun hands on learning experiments, from block building to truck playing. There are also live science experiments for all to enjoy, including fire-fun, bubble escapades, and a thrilling bed of nails!
This is a great place to head with visitors from out of town, especially if you're entertaining little ones. If you want a fun excursion any time of the year, this is the place to engage in fun science experiments without even realizing that you're actually learning at the same time. No way! -
Review from cheryl d.
Halifax, NS
4/1/2010 1 photo
It is hard sometimes to find something to do with the kids on a rainy day, well keep the Discovery Centre in mind for just those days.
Located right on Barrington street and sometimes easier to hop on the bus apposed to parking in the DT area as it is right on the bus route. I remember taking my son here and I was so busy chasing him I never had an opportunity to actually look and appreciate all that is in this large complex.
Each level is designed to a specific portion of Science and often there are special exhibits as well as lets say March break week specials for learning as well as summer time camps. Yes the Discovery Centre is expensive for these programs but you child is learning and having fun at the same time.
I loved the bubble room that was neat and sticky. To try and create a bubble around someone was very tricky -
Review from Joshua Y.
Vancouver, BC
10/3/2009
Fun and Informative! Just don't tell the kids they're learning. Sssshhhh
I love the Discovery Centre! They always have educational exhibits that are mostly interactive where kids can learn and have a blast at the same time! Its basically one big, science playground! They have two levels. The first one has the exhibit that changes themes quite a lot depending on their schedule. I have been in their during the Invention exhibit and their Egyptian one as well. Both were fun, interesting and the kids loved it to! The second level is generally the same from what I understand and is one big playground of science! You can create bubbles that surround your entire body, or ride a bicycle while powering a light-bulb. Admittedly the bicycle ride is a lot tougher than I thought. I really need to work out more.
But wait, there's more! They also have a small movie theater for kids to watch videos of whatever the theme of the exhibit is. But lets not forget the Discovery store that is in the centre. This store has of course more educational toys, but also science type toys for almost all kids ages. And they have my favorite ice cream. Space Ice Cream! It is freeze dried and tastes oh so good. If you ever wonder if your kid will becoming the next Einstein, or Armstrong, its probably best to head to the Discovery Centre and get them used to science right away. Or your child could become the next Amelia or Stephanie Kwolek, the woman who invented Kevlar...I learned that at the Discovery Centre.
The Discovery Centre is a great place to take the kids. It is safe, fun and educational! What more could a parent ask for? The staff are pleasant but not amazing with their customer service. They get the job done and done very well. But their lack of friendliness is the reason there is a star missing.
At the end of the day, its always fun to take the kids to the Discovery Centre. And it never becomes routine since their exhibits change every few months or so! If you need a break but your kids still want to run around and touch things, don't go to a store. Go to the Discovery Centre. They are allowed to do all that there. -
Review from Ang M.
Halifax, NS
9/30/2009 1 photo
Okay, I know this place is mostly for kids, but I get a kick out of it, too. The Discovery Centre is a mini science centre, where kids can explore, touch, and learn as they help out with neat experiments.
Visitors can learn about angular momentum by strapping themselves into a rotating chair (*blurgh* - this one's not for me!) or about suspension bridges by walking a small bridge that can support a person's weight. Some exhibits change on a regular basis.
The Centre offers group packages and birthday parties (hook me up!). But perhaps party people should avoid the rotating chair experiments after cake. -
Review from Ruth D.
Halifax, NS
12/19/2009 3 photos
Finding cool places for little ones is often a challenge. But you and yours can spend hours and hours here. The bubble room is a huge hit with everyone - especially the machine where you make a bubble around you!
Once you're done with that, then there's tons of other areas to play make believe and learn stuff while you do. Giant sandbox is a perfect place for anyone over a year old, workbenches, Thomas the Tank Engine table, that old standard - electricity machine that makes hair stand on end...you get the point.
The family annual rate is awesome - especially since grandparents can join in the fun too. Also...since there aren't too many other amazing little kid friendly places in town...you can go a million times and never get bored. -
Review from Anna H.
Halifax, NS
1/12/2010
I am SO transformed back into my 10-year old self when I walk around this shop. The Discovery Centre store is full of stuff for thinking kids - vintage radio building sets, juggling balls and pins, glow animals, dinosaur model kits, science experiments, and on and on. You can also find little trinkety-things, like bins full of tiny plastic animals or bouncing balls. It's not a huge place, but I think it would be ideal for gift shopping for the kids in your life. Let's hear it for brain toys!
