Science & Discovery Center of Northwest Florida Programs
Science & Discovery Center of Northwest Florida, 308 Airport Rd, Panama City, FL 32405
About
Science & Discovery Center of Northwest Florida Programs include Science Spots for Tots, Toddler Time, and soft play time. Science Spots for Tots is geared toward the 2–5 age group. Toddler activities include soft play time as part of these programs.
• Ages: 2–5 years old
• Schedule: Spots for Tots on Tuesdays at 10:30AM; 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 operates as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Its mission is to educate and inspire children through hands-on, interactive exhibits and programs that promote discovery of science and ignite imagination. The center features hands-on, interactive exhibits that involve children, including early exhibits such as a Cape Buffalo head that would charge when children stepped on a hidden panel and a Native American village exhibit built from Saw Palmetto and wood with tools made from found materials. The Academy of Science and Discovery is a STEM-based preschool program 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. The museum reopened in May 2021 with many new exhibits, and birthday parties and other parties and rentals are available at the Science & Discovery Center.
The Science & Discovery Center of Northwest Florida began as an idea for a children’s museum in Bay County in 1967, with the first exhibit opening in 1969. The current museum property was first leased from the City of Panama City in 1972, the present building was erected and first exhibits staged in 1981, a new 6,000 square foot Visitor Center and Classroom Building opened in June 2010, and the new name was announced in April 2011. The museum suffered damage from Hurricane Michael in October 2018 and reopened in May 2021. Memberships and corporate partners support exhibits and services, and the founding organization and individuals maintain close ties and provide financial support and volunteer hours. The Board of Directors, including an Executive Committee, general board members, and emeritus and honorary members, oversees the governance of the Science & Discovery Center, and the organization lists specific staff roles such as Executive Director, Academy Director, maintenance staff, front desk staff, other education staff, and Academy Preschool Teachers.
Last updated February 18, 2026.
• Ages: 2–5 years old
• Schedule: Spots for Tots on Tuesdays at 10:30AM; 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 operates as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Its mission is to educate and inspire children through hands-on, interactive exhibits and programs that promote discovery of science and ignite imagination. The center features hands-on, interactive exhibits that involve children, including early exhibits such as a Cape Buffalo head that would charge when children stepped on a hidden panel and a Native American village exhibit built from Saw Palmetto and wood with tools made from found materials. The Academy of Science and Discovery is a STEM-based preschool program 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. The museum reopened in May 2021 with many new exhibits, and birthday parties and other parties and rentals are available at the Science & Discovery Center.
The Science & Discovery Center of Northwest Florida began as an idea for a children’s museum in Bay County in 1967, with the first exhibit opening in 1969. The current museum property was first leased from the City of Panama City in 1972, the present building was erected and first exhibits staged in 1981, a new 6,000 square foot Visitor Center and Classroom Building opened in June 2010, and the new name was announced in April 2011. The museum suffered damage from Hurricane Michael in October 2018 and reopened in May 2021. Memberships and corporate partners support exhibits and services, and the founding organization and individuals maintain close ties and provide financial support and volunteer hours. The Board of Directors, including an Executive Committee, general board members, and emeritus and honorary members, oversees the governance of the Science & Discovery Center, and the organization lists specific staff roles such as Executive Director, Academy Director, maintenance staff, front desk staff, other education staff, and Academy Preschool Teachers.
Last updated February 18, 2026.
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