Jan. 2, 2020 – Happy New Year! All of us at Discovery Park are excited about the opportunities for you and your family to explore coming in 2020.

From science to history to music to art, there will be many ways for children and adults to see beyond this year. Here are just a few of the highlights.

NEW HOURS
Low Season
Jan. – Feb., Aug. – Dec.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed Tues. and Wed.

High Season
March – July
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Open 7 days a week

If you are looking for overnight accommodations, you’ll be glad to know that two new hotels, Sleep Inn and MainStay, are open right next door—with a third, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, coming later in 2020. For reservations or more information, call 731-599-7272 for Sleep Inn or MainStay or 731-599-7990 for Holiday Inn Express & Suites.

In January, Magnolia Place Assisted Living will pay for admission to Discovery Park for all children 17 and younger as a way to pay tribute to and memorialize Jenny Kirkland. Tickets will be available at the Discovery Park ticket counter Jan. 2 – Jan. 31. Student groups must be arranged in advance by calling 731-885-5455 or emailing reservations@discoveryparkofamerica.com.

Coming Jan. 17 – May 3 is “Astronaut,” an exhibit that features hands-on interactive displays that allow guests to investigate the reality of what it takes to be a space explorer.

Members will have the first opportunity to explore this temporary exhibit before it officially “launches” at the Members-Only Sneak Peek on Thurs., Jan. 16, 5-7 p.m. with special guest Dr. Lawrence DeLucas. A much-honored biochemist, Dr. DeLucas flew aboard NASA Space Shuttle mission STS-50 as a payload specialist. This was the longest space shuttle flight to date making 221 orbits of Earth. Check out the School and Visitors Guide for more information about the exhibit and plan to attend the exciting members-only event. Not a member? Join Today!

Beginning in March, the Starship Theater will feature two new enhanced films from Giant Screen Films, a leader in the large format/IMAX® industry: Journey to Space and Wild Africa. Both are action-packed experiences that will enhance anyone’s visit to Discovery Park.

“The Southern Artist Showcase: Works by Southern Self-taught Artists” will be open May 14 – Sept. 28 and “The Fascinating World of Murray Hudson’s Globes and Maps” will be on display June 12 – Sept. 14.

Finally, we’re all very much looking forward to “AgriCulture: Innovating for Our Survival,” the new permanent exhibit dedicated to telling the story of innovation in agriculture that will open Oct. 22.

Of course, fun and educational events are a big part our mission at Discovery Park. Below are dates for some of our very special events in 2020.

NEW THIS YEAR: If you’re a Discovery Park member, be sure to stop by the ticket counter and ask for your free magnet that lists the events, so you won’t miss a single opportunity.

Our founder Robert Kirkland said on our opening day, “Discovery Park of America should enhance education for children as well as adults and do it in an entertaining way.” He added, “I hope it will be a destination that people will visit again and again and walk away each time with an expectation for continued innovation.”

We’re excited that 2020 will be another year filled with exhibits, events and activities that make his vision a reality.

I hope to see you here at Discovery Park soon.

Sincerely,

Scott Williams