Due to the weather, The Discovery Center will be closed January 25 & 26.

Polar Playland at The Discovery Center

Warm Up to Winter at Our Newest Exhibit: Polar Playland!

Winter in the Southern Tier is beautiful, but letโ€™s be honestโ€”sometimes itโ€™s just a little too chilly for the little ones to stay outside for long. What if you could have all the magic of a snow day without the frozen fingers and wet boots?We are thrilled to announce that The Discovery Center is transforming the Ahearn Theater into Polar Playland, a temporary indoor winter paradise! Sponsored by The Discovery Center Foundation, this climate-controlled Arctic adventure is designed to keep your family active, imaginative, and cozy all season long.


Whatโ€™s Waiting for You Inside the Arctic?

Dr. Brenda Myers, our Executive Director, says it best: “Itโ€™s all the joy of a snow day without the chilly fingers.” Weโ€™ve designed several themed stations to spark curiosity and keep kids moving:

  • Frosty Foot Skating Rink: Grab your fluffiest socks! This special slick surface lets kids “skate” and glide without the need for blades or cold ice.
  • Arctic Cove: Step inside our glowing, lighted igloo. Itโ€™s the perfect spot to cozy up by a (pretend!) fire pit for story time and quiet reflection.
  • Glacier Build and Play: Aspiring engineers can use our “icy” building blocks to construct towering glaciers and frozen fortresses.
  • Snowball Toss: Test your aim! Enjoy some friendly competition by tossing soft, plush snowballs at our friendly neighborhood snowman.
  • SnowBrew Snack Shack: Kids can take the lead at this play station, serving up “mock” hot cocoa and cookies to their new friends.

Plan Your Visit

Because we want everyone to have a chance to explore, Polar Playland will be open during three separate sessions this winter. Mark your calendars for the dates that work best for your family:

Session Dates
Session 1 December 22 โ€“ January 8, 2026
Session 2 January 28 โ€“ February 12, 2026
Session 3 February 24 โ€“ March 15, 2026

Note: We will be closed on Dec. 24-25, Dec. 31, and Jan. 1 to allow our staff to enjoy the holidays with their families.

Admission & Hours

Access to Polar Playland is included with your general museum admission.

  • ๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Cost: $10 per person
  • ๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Free: For Members and children under 1
  • ๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Discounts: Available for EBT card holders, seniors, and veterans

Museum Hours:
Monโ€“Fri: 10:00 AM โ€“ 3:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM โ€“ 5:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM โ€“ 5:00 PM

We canโ€™t wait to see you on the “ice”! Grab your favorite pair of fun socks and get ready for an Arctic adventure right here in Binghamton.

the-discovery-center-southern-tier-2024

HOURS

Monday – Friday: 10AM – 3PM
Saturday: 10AM – 5PM
Sunday: 12PM – 5PM
First Friday: 4PM – 6:30PM

View Holiday Closings

The Story Garden is open every day from dawn to dusk April 15 – November 1.

LOCATION & CONTACT

60 Morgan Road
Binghamton, NY 13903

Phone: 607-773-8661
Fax: 607-773-8019

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