STATE COLLEGE — For years, Discovery Space has inspired curiosity in children and adults alike, turning science into something hands-on, tangible and fun. What began as a small children’s science center has grown into a full-fledged hub for lifelong learning, offering everything from marine life exhibits to workshops in woodworking and metal fabrication.
“We started as a tiny children’s science center, and now we’ve grown into a more comprehensive organization,” said Maria Barton, Director of Strategic Initiatives. “Our mission is really around making STEM learning fun and accessible for all and providing positive learning experiences for people of all ages.”
Located in State College, Discovery Space now operates two major areas: the original children’s science center and The Rivet, a makerspace designed for teens and adults. Together, they create a community where exploration and creativity go hand in hand.
“We do a lot of community outreach to both rural areas within Centre County and across central Pennsylvania,” Barton said. “It’s about helping people, no matter their age, discover that science and creativity belong to everyone.”
Step inside Discovery Space and you’ll find a world built for discovery. The popular Marine Life Center gives kids a glimpse of ocean ecosystems complete with fish, coral and a baby stingray named Pearl. “There are a lot of kids around here who maybe don’t get to go to the beach,” Barton said. “So, this gives them a chance to see and learn about ocean life up close.”
Younger children flock to the Beehive, an area designed just for preschoolers. “There’s this cool bee tube exhibit that shows kids how bees move from flower to flower,” Barton said. “They’re learning about cause and effect, but it feels like play.” Other favorites include a sound and vibration room, a weather forecasting studio sponsored by AccuWeather and a model train display built by the Centre Model Railroaders.
“Kids get to press buttons, test ideas and make things happen,” Barton said. “And parents are learning right along with them.”
Behind the scenes, Discovery Space’s team of educators designs programs that align with state education standards, supporting teachers through field trips and specialized programs. Barton shared one story about a student who struggled in structured classrooms but thrived during the center’s eight-week summer camp. “They’d had a hard time sitting still and paying attention,” she said. “But by the end of camp, they’d really found their groove. It’s about giving kids a space where they feel safe to learn and be themselves.”
That sense of belonging extends to adults as well. Barton first came to Discovery Space as a member of The Rivet’s pottery studio. “It became my happy place,” she said. “It was where I’d come to unwind, to stop checking work emails and just create.”
For the holidays, Discovery Space has launched its annual Gift Guide featuring memberships, gift cards and handmade items from The Rivet. “We wanted to give people a way to shop locally and also do good through their shopping,” Barton said. “Every purchase supports our mission.”
New this year are group celebration packages and creative workshops where families, friends or coworkers can make candles, custom T-shirts, holiday trays and even ornaments. “It’s a great way to unwind together,” Barton said. “And we’ve also updated our kids’ parties to have holiday themes. Parents can come, relax and know their kids are having fun and learning.”
Discovery Space proves that curiosity still matters. That learning isn’t just for classrooms and wonder isn’t reserved for children. It’s a place where parents become kids again, kids become scientists and strangers become a community bound by curiosity.
For more information or to donate, visit discoveryspace.org.
