Discovery Centre

Mission: Critical
2024-11-17 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Halifax) | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Join Discovery Centre’s Mission Critical scavenger hunt to explore how climate change impacts our health. Get hands-on with an IR camera to learn about greenhouse effect, use a microscope to connect with nature, and become a pro in debunking misinformation.

Build-A-Thon
2024-11-23 09:00 - 2024-11-24 16:00
Presented by Discovery Centre, the Build-A-Thon is the ultimate family-friendly event that celebrates creativity, innovation, and the joy of building. On November 23rd and 24th, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, prepare for a dynamic experience that combines challenges, towering structures, geodesic domes, LEGO®, giant building blocks, and engaging games!
🧱 Challenge Your Skills:

Embark on thrilling building challenges that test your architectural prowess.

Work together to build a giant geodesic dome.

Dive into the world of LEGO® blocks with hands-on creation.

Immerse yourself in a world of building blocks.

Explore the fascinating realms of engineering and architecture.

👪 Fun for the Whole Family:

The Build-A-Thon is family-friendly, ensuring a memorable experience for all.

All activities are INCLUDED in the purchase of regular admission! Dome Theatre tickets sold separately.

Drop-in for a weekend extravaganza of building, learning, and fun. Whether you’re a seasoned engineer or a budding architect, the Build-A-Thon has something for everyone.
📍 Date: November 23 and 24
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Science with Santa & the Grinch
2024-12-22 09:00 - 16:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Join Santa and the Grinch at Discovery Centre on Sunday, December 22, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, for a flurry of festive hands-on science activities. ALL INCLUDED IN REGULAR ADMISSION.
Highlights:
🎅 Photos with Santa and the Grinch (9:30 AM to 3:30 PM)
❄️ Bounce Foggy Bubbles
🌨️ Make Instant Snow
☃️ Launch Snowman Stomp Rockets
💡 Watch Chemistry light up decor
🌬️ fly Snowflakes in the Wind Tunnel
🎨 Get creative at a festive arts and crafts station
🌌 Dome Theatre Winter Solstice Show (sold separately)
Discovery Centre members get free admission and can show up on day. Proof of membership is required.
Join us: https://discovery-centre.myshopify.com/collections/admission-tickets

Dinosaur Explorer Opening Weekend
2025-01-18 09:00 - 2025-01-19 16:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Hatching January 18 & 19: Dinosaur Explorer at Discovery Centre! 🦕
Step back in time and experience the ultimate dino adventure right here in #Halifax – but hurry, it’s for a limited time only!
Opening Weekend: January 18 & 19 | 9 AM – 4 PM
📍 1215 Lower Water St.
What to Expect:
🦖 Roaring, life-like animatronic dinosaurs
🦖 Real fossil displays
🦖 Hands-on, interactive games
🦖 Dino-mite Discovery Shop giveaway contest
🦖 Kick things off with a Dinosaur March on January 19th from 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
🎟️ Details: https://thediscoverycentre.ca/featured-exhibit/
Don’t miss this jaw-some opportunity to uncover the secrets of the past and explore the connections between dinosaurs and our world today.

Dinosaur Explorer Exhibit Open
2025-01-20 09:00 - 2025-05-04 16:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Open January 18 – April 27: Dinosaur Explorer at Discovery Centre! 🦕
Step back in time and experience the ultimate dino adventure right here in #Halifax – but hurry, it’s for a limited time only!
Open Wednesday – Sunday | 9 AM – 4 PM
📍 1215 Lower Water St.
What to Expect:
🦖 Roaring, life-like animatronic dinosaurs
🦖 Real fossil displays
🦖 Hands-on, interactive games
🎟️ Buy admission in advance: https://thediscoverycentre.ca/featured-exhibit/
Don’t miss this jaw-some opportunity to uncover the secrets of the past and explore the connections between dinosaurs and our world today.

Ocean Action Day, Divert NS
2025-01-25 09:00 - 16:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
You’re invited to Ocean Action Day, presented by Divert NS on January 25!
Join us for a day packed with exciting, hands-on activities and special guests in our newly refreshed Divert NS Ocean Action Zone.

Ever wondered what microplastics are and how they impact our oceans? Or how everyday fabrics and waste affect the environment? Come discover the powerful impact we all have on our blue planet – and the amazing ways we can take action to protect it!

Saturday, January 25th | 9:00am – 4:00pm
1215 Lower Water St., Halifax
Admission: https://discovery-centre.myshopify.com/collections/admission-tickets

Highlights:

Jelly Fish vs. Plastic Bag – After learning how sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, join DivertNS to brainstorm ways to keep our oceans clean.
The 3 Rs – Meet the experts from Halifax Solid Waste and dive into the importance of the 3 Rs.
Every Little Bit! – Join Ally and Molly from the Ripple Project for a fun, interactive look at up-cycling and turning waste into treasures.
Fabric Footprint – With a hands-on activity, discover microplastics and the impact of textile waste with Discovery Centre.
Meet Local Ocean Critters – Explore local species through live touch tank demonstrations with the STEAM Team.
Explore the newly refreshed Divert NS Ocean Action Zone!

Don’t miss out – come make a splash!

Little Learners: Dinosaur Detectives
2025-02-01 10:00 - 2025-02-02 11:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Join us February 1st or 2nd, 10:00am – 11:00am for Little Learners: Dinosaur Detectives.
Discover the wonderful world of dinosaurs! Together we will learn, explore, and make discoveries about dinosaurs through interactive activities. We’ll dig for dinosaur fossils, create amazing dinosaur crafts, and watch prehistoric animals take flight in the wind tunnel! PLUS see our newest exhibit, Dinosaur Explorer. Programming is intended for ages 2 – 5. All activities included with the purchase of regular admission.
Same activities both days.
Purchase admission in advance for one of the days, admission can be used for the full day, with the activities starting at 10am. Members are free with a valid membership card on entry.

Dino Disco Family Event
2025-02-01 18:00 - 20:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Dance with Dinosaurs at Discovery Centre’s SILENT DISCO!
Get ready to stomp, roar, and groove at our dino-mite family event!
🦖 When: Saturday, February 1st, 6 PM – 8 PM
🎧 Where: Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water St. Halifax
Step into an unforgettable evening with DJ Mucky Ebanz as you dance alongside animatronic dinosaurs in our newest featured exhibit, DINOSAUR EXPLORER!
Enjoy the magic of Discovery Centre after dark while you uncover gigantic prehistoric creatures and show off your best dino dance moves.
🌟 Dig out your costumes (optional) and join us for a roaring good time! Silent Disco headsets will be provided, allowing you to control the beats as you explore the centre. Headsets are returned at the end of the night.
Tickets $15.00 ea + Service Fees: https://thediscoverycentre.ca/dino-disco-family/

Silent Disco ft. DJ Mucky Ebanz
2025-02-01 21:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Halifax, Silent Disco is here, and it’s going extinct! 19+ Event.
🦖 When: Saturday, February 1st, 9 PM – 12 AM
🎧 Where: Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water St., Halifax
Step into a roaring night of music, dinosaurs, and science as Discovery Centre presents Dino Disco, a 19+ Silent Disco experience. Move to the beats of DJ Mucky Ebanz while exploring our latest exhibit, DINOSAUR EXPLORER, ft. animatronic dinosaurs. Show off your best dino dance moves, wander the centre after dark, and experience the ultimate mash-up of music, and prehistoric vibes.
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available for purchase.
Tickets available $20.00 + HST and Service Fees: https://thediscoverycentre.ca/dino-disco-adult/
How it works: Silent Disco headsets will be provided, allowing you to control the beats throughout the event. Headphones must be returned before leaving.

Jurassic Heart
2025-02-15 09:00 - 16:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
You’re invited to Jurassic Heart – dinosaur sized fun with a little something called love.
February 15th, 9:00am – 4:00pm
Fall head over tail in love with our dinosaurs at Dinosaur Explorer, our newest featured attraction. Plus explore the wonders of the heart and its functions through crafts, hands-on activities, and the LOVE of science!
Activities included in regular admission. Buy now or at the door: https://discovery-centre.myshopify.com/collections/admission-tickets
Members are free with a valid membership card at entry.

Oral Health Day
2025-04-05 10:00 - 15:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Exciting News, Halifax! Join Dalhousie School of Dental Hygiene at Discovery Centre for a fun and interactive Science of Smiles event! 🦷✨
📅 Date: April 5th
⏰ Time: 10 AM – 3 PM
Explore hands-on booths covering everything from dental hygiene to food literacy, designed to make learning fun and engaging for all ages!
Purchase Admission Tickets

Science of Beer 2025
2025-04-05 19:00 - 22:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
When: Saturday, April 5, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Where: Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street, Halifax
Must be 19+ to attend
Science of Beer, presented by Discovery Centre, helps visitors discover the science behind a good brew, meet masters in the Nova Scotia craft brewing community, and sample brews from across Nova Scotia.
The Craft Brewers Association of Nova Scotia represents 48 unique and passionate members from all corners of the province and now is your chance to meet and sample some of the best. Discover how they “raise the bar” with tried-and-true techniques and new technologies through science and innovation.
Also, learn about style characteristics, ingredients, and the process from Master Brewers in a facilitated experience, and try science experiments from the Discovery Centre team.
Tickets: https://thediscoverycentre.ca/science-of-beer/

Little Learners: Dinosaur Detectives
2025-04-13 10:00 - 11:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Sunday, April 13, 10:00am – 11:00am
Discover the wonderful world of dinosaurs! Join us as we learn, explore, and make discoveries about dinosaurs through interactive activities. We’ll dig for dinosaur fossils, create amazing dinosaur crafts, and watch prehistoric animals take flight in the wind tunnel! PLUS see our newest exhibit, Dinosaur Explorer.
🎟️ Admission: https://discovery-centre.myshopify.com/collections/admission-tickets
Programming intended for ages 2–5. Included with regular admission. Members free with valid membership!

Earth Explorers
2025-04-19 09:00 - 16:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
In celebration of Earth Day, join Discovery Centre’s GenAction team for an exciting mix of hands-on activities, interactive science, and sustainability fun! Discover the power of climate action, explore ecosystems up close, and learn how small changes can make a big impact. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate our planet with engaging activities in our Atrium.
Activities included in regular admission.
Buy Admission Tickets

Sensory Friendly Discovery
2025-04-27 09:00 - 10:30 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Join Discovery Centre for Low Sensory Discovery on Sunday, April 27, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM.
This time offers a quieter, more relaxed environment for visitors who benefit from reduced noise, dimmed lighting, and a calmer atmosphere. Enjoy our hands-on exhibits and Dinosaur Explorer at your own pace.
Included with regular admission. Members free with valid membership!

The Final Roar! Dinosaur Explorer Ends May 4
2025-05-03 09:00 - 2025-05-04 16:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Saturday, May 3 & Sunday, May 4, 9:00am – 4:00pm
Join us for the final roar of Dinosaur Explorer at Discovery Centre as we say goodbye to the prehistoric giants that have captivated us all! It’s your last chance to walk among life-sized dinosaurs, uncover fascinating fossils, and dive into the science behind these incredible creatures. Don’t miss this dino-mite opportunity to experience the roar, rumble, and wonder one last time before the exhibit goes extinct.
Let’s give our dino friends the send-off they deserve!

International Astronomy Day
2025-05-03 10:00 - 15:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Join us on May 3rd, 10am-3pm to celebration International Astronomy Day with The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada – Halifax. Take in a FREE Dome Theatre show, while quantities last, and special space themed activities in our Atrium. PLUS Dinosaur Explorer ends on May 4th so don’t miss your chance to see our animatronic dinosaurs.
Activities included in regular admission, Discovery Centre members free.

Stars by the Sea
2025-05-03 20:00 - 22:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
IN-PERSON EVENT CANCELLED:
Stars by the Sea is moved to live-streaming instead of in-person due to forecasted fog. The livestream starts at 8pm and can be viewed at: Spring Astronomy Day – 170th Global Star Party – RASC & Explore Allian — Explore Scientific
Drop by on the Halifax Waterfront behind Discovery Centre for some educational stargazing with Discovery Centre and the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada – Halifax.

Opening Weekend: Mazes & Brain Games
2025-05-17 09:00 - 2025-05-19 16:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
NEW EXHIBIT OPENING MAY 17, 18 & 19: Get lost in fun at our new MAZES & BRAIN GAMES Exhibit!
What’s a maze? A twisting, turning puzzle full of surprises! Now, add fun and learning, and you’ve got Mazes & Brain Games. This new exhibit is packed with over 40 hands-on games, puzzles, and challenges for all ages.
Visit us on May 17, 18, or 19; 9:00am to 4:00pm.
Tickets

Featured Exhibit: Mazes & Brain Games
2025-05-17 09:00 - 2025-08-31 16:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Opening Saturday May 17th, 2025. Join us for the opening weekend, May 17th, 18th and 19th!
Get Lost in Fun at the Mazes & Brain Games Exhibit!
What’s a maze? A twisting, turning puzzle full of surprises! Now, add fun and learning, and you’ve got Mazes & Brain Games—an interactive exhibit that will challenge your mind and spark your curiosity.
This exhibit is packed with over 40 hands-on games, puzzles, and challenges for all ages.
This is more than just an exhibit—it’s a full-body brain workout for your family, group or class! Explore, experiment, and discover new ways of thinking around every corner.
Exhibit Closes on August 31st, 2025.

Microscope Biodiversity Day
2025-05-24 09:00 - 16:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Join us for Biodiversity Day at Discovery Centre with Microscape!
📅 Saturday, May 24
🕘 9AM–4PM
📍 Discovery Centre
Get ready to explore the incredible world of biodiversity with activities for all ages:
🔍 Scavenger Hunt: Search for hidden treasures of biodiversity around the Centre! Can you complete all the challenges?
🧬 Explore eDNA Science: Dive into the fascinating world of environmental DNA and help crack a DNA puzzle.
🌱 Meet the Experts: Scientists from Dalhousie University’s Institute for Comparative Genomics will be here to share their knowledge on everything from viruses to soil.
🔬 Microscope Exploration: Take a closer look at nature’s tiniest wonders. Discover hidden habitats, patterns, and creatures you can’t see with the naked eye!

Microscape is a partnership between Discovery Centre and Dalhousie University’s Institute for Comparative Genomics, supported by NSERC PromoScience and Genome Atlantic.
Come discover, explore, and get curious with us!

Puzzle Palooza
2025-05-31 09:00 - 16:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Crack the Code of Fun at Discovery Centre at Puzzle Palooza.
Get ready to twist, turn, and solve your way through a full day of puzzling fun on Saturday, May 31st!
🧠 Go on a centre-wide scavenger hunt
🧩 Create your own jigsaw puzzle
🌀 Be amazed by mind-blowing illusions
🔄 Race the clock with a Rubik’s Cube challenge
Whether you’re a puzzle pro or just love a good brain teaser, there’s something for everyone.
All activities are included with admission. Discovery Centre members are free.

World Ocean Day
2025-06-08 09:00 - 16:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
🌊 Celebrate World Ocean Day Sunday, June 8 at Discovery Centre with special guests and activities, all included in regualr admission!🐋
ACTIVITIES:
🌊 Interactive Divert Ocean Action Zone and Ocean Gallery
🔬 Ocean-themed experiments
🐚 Touch tank encounters
SPECIAL GUESTS:
💙 Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity
💙 Canadian Whale Institute
💙 Ocean Sonics
All activities for World Ocean Day are included in regular admission. Discovery Centre Members are free.
Purchase Admission

Little Learners: The Science of Colours, Puzzles & Patterns
2025-06-22 10:00 - 11:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Designed for curious kids ages 2-5, this colourful session explores optical illusions and the science of colour with play-based activities, storytelling, and hands-on discovery in our Innovation Lab.
Spots are limited, purchasing tickets in advance is encouraged. Discovery Centre members are free with valid membership.

Summer Kick-Off!
2025-06-28 09:00 - 2025-06-29 16:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Summer Vacation is almost here! Make it unforgettable with a stay-cation at Discovery Centre’s Summer Kick-Off, June 28 & 29. Dive into a world of exciting activities both inside and out (weather permitting), ALL INCLUDED IN REGULAR ADMISSION.

🔬 Take in wild and wonderful science shows
🫧 Blow gigantic bubbles and play with chalk
🌼 Get hands-on with flower dissections and seed bombs
🔭 Catch a glimpse of the sun with our Sunspotter
🧩 Check out our newest exhibit Mazes & Brain Games
Join us for a weekend of scientific fun and adventure, perfect for families and friends.

Event Details:
1215 Lower Water Street, Halifax
June 28th and 29th, 9:00AM – 4:00PM
Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.
Buy now: https://discovery-centre.myshopify.com/collections/admission-tickets

Sip & Solve 19+ Event - SOLD OUT
2025-07-12 19:00 - 22:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Friday, July 12 | 7–10 PM
Discovery Centre, Halifax, 1215 Lower Water St.
This is a 19+ only event
What’s Sip & Solve?
Sip & Solve is Halifax’s ultimate science-meets-social night out—designed just for adults (19+). Grab a drink, challenge your brain, and explore Discovery Centre’s limited time exhibit, Mazes & Brain Games.
What’s Included in your Ticket?

Mazes & Brain Games Exhibit – Test your mind and outsmart illusions in our nationally touring exhibit.
Retro & Giant Games by The Board Room Game Café – Play oversized Jenga, Connect Four, and classic throwback games with friends.
Mini Putt, Skee-Ball Stations & More by HRM Mascots & Inflatables – Sprinkled throughout the Centre for that carnival twist.
Discovery Centre, After Hours – Explore four floors of science, creativity, and curiosity without kids.

Drink Provider: Propeller
Halifax’s beloved brewery is serving exclusive alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Cashless payment only.

GET TICKETS NOW (Early Bird Pricing Available)

$20 + HST Early Bird (Until July 5)
$25 + HST General Admission

Must be 19+ to attend. ID required at entry.
Tickets: https://thediscoverycentre.ca/sip-and-solve/

Shark Day
2025-07-13 09:00 - 16:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
SHARK DAY 🦈! Join us Sunday, July 13, 9AM–4PM for a jaw-some day of family fun at Discovery Centre!
🐠 Meet Baby Shark from 11am-2pm (HRM Mascots & Inflatables)
🌊 High five Jawslyn from the Halifax Tides (12pm – 2pm)
🧪 Discover the science behind shark diets
🦷 Explore shark teeth & jaws
🎨 Dive into shark crafts & make-and-takes
🔍 Complete a shark-themed scavenger hunt
♻️ Learn how ocean pollution affects shark habitats
Don’t miss your chance to sink your teeth into this FIN-tastic experience.
All activitied included in admission. Free for Discovery Centre Members.
Purchase Admission Here

Pride in Motion: Family Silent Disco Celebration
2025-07-27 09:00 - 16:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
🎧🌈 Pride in Motion: Family Silent Disco Celebration 🌈🎧

🗓 Sunday, July 27 | 9AM–4PM
📍 Discovery Centre, Halifax
🎟 Included with General Admission
Wrap up the 2025 Halifax Pride Festival with dancing and discovery for the whole family! Join Discovery Centre for Pride in Motion, a silent disco experience. Grab a pair of headphones and groove while exploring a rainbow of interactive activities.
Highlights:
🎧 Silent Disco Headphones – move to your own beat
🌈 Rainbow Runway – dance floor meets infinity mirror
🔬 STEAM Stations on colour, light & sound with take home activities
Dance, learn, and celebrate love in all its forms. Activities included in regular admission, Discovery Centre members free.
Purchase Admission Here

Space Day
2025-08-10 09:00 - 16:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Celebrate Space at Discovery Centre!
Join us on Sunday, August 10, from 9 AM to 4 PM for a stellar day of astronomical fun leading up to the peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower!

✨ Enjoy hands-on space activities throughout the Centre
🤯 Check out experiments with our Vacuum Chamber
🎥 Catch Dome Theatre films and star shows all day long
🌌 Discover the wonders of space and get excited for one of the best meteor showers of the year!

Plus, from 10am to 1pm, join the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada for tips and tricks on viewing our night sky.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Discovery Centre Members free.
Buy Tickets

Summer Send-Off!
2025-08-23 09:00 - 2025-08-24 16:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Celebrate summer with a world of exciting activities, take-homes, and demos, ALL INCLUDED IN REGULAR ADMISSION.

🔬 Take in wild and wonderful science shows
🫧 Cool off with dry ice demonstrations
🎶 Make your own instrument and play along with a banana piano
🔭 Catch a glimpse of the sun with our Sunspotter
🧩 Check out our newest exhibit Mazes & Brain Games

Join us for a weekend of scientific fun and adventure, perfect for families and friends!

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Discovery Centre Members free.
Buy Tickets
