Where Play is Important Work!
There is always something happening at Discovery Center in Murfreesboro! Check our events page for everything happening so you can plan accordingly. From Campfire Storytime to the award winning Farm to Table Exhibit, you are sure to find a world of enrichment and fun.
Location
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(615) 890-2300
info@explorethedcorg.dreamhosters.com
Hours
Parking
On-site parking is available with several handicapped spaces available in the first row closest to our main entrance. Parking is free and on a first-come, first-served basis.
Parking is limited and an overflow lot is located behind the museum.
Gift Shop
The Discovery Center Gift Shop offers unique toys, games, and educational products to extend your experience at the Discovery Center. We sell a variety of exhibit-related books, gadgets, and activities for kids of all ages! From stuffed animals to science experiments, we have everything you could need to keep learning fun and exciting for your child. Get hungry or thirsty during your visit? No worries, there are also snacks and drinks available.
All members receive a 10% discount on any in-person non-food purchase.
Location
The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring
502 SE Broad Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Phone: (615) 890-2300
How We Play
Walk & Talk
Use your walking feet and your talking voices.
Stay & Play Together
Families and groups stay together in the museum.
Share & Take Care
Be mindful of other guests and respect museum exhibits and facilities.
Additional Guest Policies
Photography/Filming in Progress
Commercial photography and filming are conducted at the Discovery Center.
Smoke Free
The use of tobacco products and electronic vaping devices is prohibited on Discovery Center property.
Service Dogs Welcome
Qualified service dogs, as defined by Title II and Title III of the ADA, are welcome except in Nature Play. Emotional support dogs are not allowed in the building. The Discovery Center reserves the right to refuse admission to a service animal that poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others.
Weapons Free
As authorized by T.C.A. Section 39-17-1359, Discovery Center does not permit firearms or weapons of any kind in the building.
Keep Food and Drink Away
Small snacks, bottled water, and baby food/formula are allowed. We ask that food and drink not be consumed in the exhibit areas. Food and drinks can be consumed outside on the covered patio.
Age Restrictions
Exhibits and programs at Discovery Center are designed for children ages 0-12. To enter the Museum, groups must include a child within the 0-12 age range. Adults (age 18+) will not be admitted alone. Close relatives of the child ages 13-17 and a child’s parents ages 16+ are also welcome. Individuals with disabilities, regardless of age, who will benefit from our exhibits and programs are also encouraged to attend.
Unruly Behavior
Unruly behavior, profanity and other offensive language, and symbols or gestures to guests or staff may be cause for ejection without a refund.
Clothing
Visitors must wear appropriate clothing, including shirts and shoes, during their visit.
Discovery Center reserves the right to deny or revoke access to any person whom Discovery Center believes is violating our Guest Policies. Noncooperation may result in your being required to leave without refund, liability, or compensation and being denied access to Discovery Center in the future. Click here to download our full Guest Policies.
Murfree Spring Wetlands
A favorite spot for nature photographers and birdwatchers, Murfree Spring Wetlands is a 25-acre Murfreesboro city park located at the corner of Maney and Broad streets. Adjacent to Discovery Center, Murfree Spring features paved walking trails and raised boardwalks wind through the wetlands.
Murfree Spring Wetlands teaches young and old alike about the role water plays in our everyday lives. Designed around the old water treatment plant on the site and targeted towards a child’s curiosity and sense of whimsy, the railings, fountains, and paving patterns capture the industrial and mechanical look of the equipment in the old plant and the fluid characteristics of water in the environment. Several pieces of old pump equipment were salvaged from the water treatment plant and refurbished as environmental sculptures in the plaza.
Opportunities for Learning Abound
Silhouettes of popular wetland flora and fauna form interactive interpretive signage along the boardwalks. The History Wall depicts a timeline of the area from prehistoric to current happenings on the site. Stepping-stones through a pond-like water feature demonstrate an aquatic food chain.
Visit Murfreesboro Parks & Rec for more information on wetlands, Murfree Spring Wetlands Protection and Restoration Projects, and the history of Murfree Spring.
What to Expect
If you prefer to visit the Discovery Center when it’s less crowded, we suggest afternoon visits. You may also call before your visit to inquire about a specific day, and we can provide general information about our activities and school visit bookings.
Discovery Center has outdoor picnic areas to enjoy your lunch or snack. The Little Room may also be used if available. The Little Room is not available during the summer due to Discovery Center Camps. There are many restaurants nearby. Our staff can direct you to family and kid-friendly eateries.
Unfortunately, Discovery Center does not have lockers or areas to store personal belongings. Please plan accordingly.
The Discovery Center has a Family bathroom for our visitors’ convenience as well as Men’s and Women’s bathrooms.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Our staff and discovery guides are happy to help. We want to make each visit to the Discovery Center an enjoyable one. So speak up and ask away!
Programs
Each day you will be able to attend a variety of programs and special events at Discovery Center.
Public Programs are held each afternoon, and several times daily during the summer. These are included with your admission and available to guests of all ages and ability levels. You can visit the Programs and Events page for specific details regarding the weekly activities for each program, or you can contact Emmie Enochs for more information. We invite all guests to participate in these programs and are happy to make accommodations when possible.
All Access Nights are times when the Discovery Center is open for special needs families only. You’ll be able to explore our exhibits and meet other families. More info»
Field Studies are our guided programs for school groups. We cover a variety of topics through hands-on exploration all year long. Please let us know in advance if you have children with any special needs so we can make any necessary modifications to our topics and schedules for the day. For information regarding field studies or to discuss options for accommodations, please contact our Scheduling Coordinator.