Science & Discovery Center of Northwest Florida
Science & Discovery Center of Northwest Florida, 308 Airport Rd, Panama City, FL 32405
About
Science & Discovery Center of Northwest Florida offers activities such as Science Spots for Tots, Toddler Time, and soft play time. The program also includes Spots for Tots sessions and the Academy of Science & Discovery, which is a STEM-based preschool program. Science Spots for Tots is geared toward the 2–5 age group, and the Academy of Science and Discovery is for children ages 3–5 in a literacy rich environment with many opportunities to explore, experiment and learn, with a creative focus on science thoughtfully planned throughout traditional preschool themes.
• Ages: 2–5 years old
• Schedule: Spots for Tots on Tuesdays at 10:30AM, and Toddler Time on Thursdays from 10AM–12PM
• Price: Admission: Adults/Children (2–17) $12; Military & Seniors $11; Bay district school teachers get free admission with school ID.
The Science & Discovery Center of Northwest Florida features hands-on, interactive exhibits and programs and museum exhibits in science and history. The organization’s mission is to educate and inspire children through hands-on, interactive exhibits and programs that promote discovery of science and ignite imagination. The Science & Discovery Center of Northwest Florida is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
In 1967, the Junior Women’s Club and the Women’s Club of Panama City conceived the idea for a children’s museum in Bay County, and the first exhibit opened in 1969. The current museum property was first leased from the City of Panama City in 1972, the present building was erected and the first exhibits staged in 1981, and a new 6,000 square foot Visitor Center and Classroom Building opened debt-free in June 2010. In April 2011 the new name was announced as the Science & Discovery Center of Northwest Florida, and after damage from Hurricane Michael in October 2018, the museum rebuilt and reopened in May 2021 with many new exhibits.
The leadership team includes Executive Director Michelle Smith and Academy Director Sue Blei, along with Academy Preschool Teachers Randi Jo DuBois, Charlotte Parker, Karon Phillips, Loni Reams, Veronica Schell, and Charlotte Sharp. The Board of Directors Executive Committee includes President Beverly Rodenbeck, Secretary Julia Gazagnaire, Treasurer Debra Enfinger, Past President Sarah Guillot Register, and members Jessica Heath, Todd Fuder, Matthew Powell, Karen Davis, and Eddy Davis. The Science & Discovery Center of Northwest Florida relies on corporate partners, memberships, and support from founding organizations and individuals, including financial support and volunteer hours, and the Board of Directors oversees its governance.
Last updated February 18, 2026.
• Ages: 2–5 years old
• Schedule: Spots for Tots on Tuesdays at 10:30AM, and Toddler Time on Thursdays from 10AM–12PM
• Price: Admission: Adults/Children (2–17) $12; Military & Seniors $11; Bay district school teachers get free admission with school ID.
The Science & Discovery Center of Northwest Florida features hands-on, interactive exhibits and programs and museum exhibits in science and history. The organization’s mission is to educate and inspire children through hands-on, interactive exhibits and programs that promote discovery of science and ignite imagination. The Science & Discovery Center of Northwest Florida is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
In 1967, the Junior Women’s Club and the Women’s Club of Panama City conceived the idea for a children’s museum in Bay County, and the first exhibit opened in 1969. The current museum property was first leased from the City of Panama City in 1972, the present building was erected and the first exhibits staged in 1981, and a new 6,000 square foot Visitor Center and Classroom Building opened debt-free in June 2010. In April 2011 the new name was announced as the Science & Discovery Center of Northwest Florida, and after damage from Hurricane Michael in October 2018, the museum rebuilt and reopened in May 2021 with many new exhibits.
The leadership team includes Executive Director Michelle Smith and Academy Director Sue Blei, along with Academy Preschool Teachers Randi Jo DuBois, Charlotte Parker, Karon Phillips, Loni Reams, Veronica Schell, and Charlotte Sharp. The Board of Directors Executive Committee includes President Beverly Rodenbeck, Secretary Julia Gazagnaire, Treasurer Debra Enfinger, Past President Sarah Guillot Register, and members Jessica Heath, Todd Fuder, Matthew Powell, Karen Davis, and Eddy Davis. The Science & Discovery Center of Northwest Florida relies on corporate partners, memberships, and support from founding organizations and individuals, including financial support and volunteer hours, and the Board of Directors oversees its governance.
Last updated February 18, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.