Discovery Center's Free Fun and Learning Opportunities
Free First Monday
The Don Harrington Discovery Center is starting 2026 with a fantastic offer: free admission on the first Monday of every month. This initiative, called "Free First Monday", runs from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m., making it easier for families to explore science together without breaking the bank.
50th Anniversary Celebration
But that's not all! The center is also celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026. The festivities begin with a New Year's Eve celebration on Dec. 31, featuring:
- Storytime
- Science demos
- Shows in the Space Theater
The center will be closed on New Year’s Day but will reopen for regular hours and the Jan. 5 evening program.
Girls Who Science Program
"Free First Mondays" aligns with the "Girls Who Science" program, which also takes place on the first Monday of each month. This program invites women professionals in STEM fields to share their experiences and inspire young girls aged 8-18 to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. The entire family is welcome to attend.
January Guest Speaker
In January, the guest speaker is Delane McUne, an instructor at Amarillo College. McUne has a background in:
- Mechanical engineering
- Education
- Computer science
She attended Amarillo College before earning her degree from The University of Texas at Austin. After working at GE Power Systems, she started her own business and even earned an MBA. Since 2004, she has taught various subjects, including:
- Management
- Industrial technology
- Computer information systems
Program Highlights
The "Girls Who Science" program includes:
- A Q&A session
- A hands-on activity related to the speaker’s topic
This month, attendees will learn about:
- Mechanical engineering
- Education
- Computer science
Affordable Programs
The Discovery Center also offers other affordable programs, such as:
- "Discover for a Dollar Days"
- "Museums for All", which provides discounted admission for families on SNAP or WIC benefits
- Family Discovery Memberships
- Scholarships for Discovery Day Camps
For more information, visit DHDC.org.
Sponsorship Opportunities
The center is looking for community-minded businesses or organizations to sponsor "Free First Mondays". Interested parties can contact Sophia Britto via email at [email protected].
To stay updated on events and programs, visit DHDC.org or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
