Discovery Center's Free Fun and Learning Opportunities

The Don Harrington Discovery Center is kicking off 2026 with a bang, offering free admission on the first Monday of every month. This initiative, called “Free First Monday, ” runs from 4:30 to 7 p. m. , making it easier for families to explore science together without breaking the bank. But that's not all! The center is also celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026. The festivities start with a New Year's Eve celebration on Dec. 31, featuring storytime, science demos, and 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. “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.In January, the guest speaker is Delane McUne, an instructor at Amarillo College. McUne has a background in mechanical engineering, education, and 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, and computer information systems. The “Girls Who Science” program includes a Q&A session followed by a hands-on activity related to the speaker’s topic. This month, attendees will learn about mechanical engineering, education, and computer science. The Discovery Center also offers other affordable programs, like “Discover for a Dollar Days” and “Museums for All, ” which provides discounted admission for families on SNAP or WIC benefits. They also offer Family Discovery Memberships and scholarships for Discovery Day Camps. For more information, visit DHDC. org. The center is looking for community-minded businesses or organizations to sponsor “Free First Mondays. ” Interested parties can contact Sophia Britto via email at sbritto@dhdc. org. To stay updated on events and programs, visit DHDC. org or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.