Friday, November 20, 7:00 p.m.
Join our Astronomy Department for their regularly-offered chance to explore the cosmos through images, hands-on demonstrations and creative graphics in the Planetarium. This month, view demonstrations and discuss which qualities are most important when purchasing a telescope. Immediately following the program, “What’s Up?” will be hosted in the Planetarium, featuring a presentation of what individuals would see in the night sky on a clear evening. Live observing will continue throughout the evening in the Apollo Observatory.

In celebration of the International Year of Astronomy, admission to the educational program will be FREE. Following the program, Laser Shows will be offered in the Planetarium for a nominal fee.

At the Boonshoft Museum
Saturday, November 28, noon-3:00 p.m.
Kick off the holiday season with some “cool” family fun! Meet live animals, take your picture with a Polar Bear, experiment with instant snow, make and enjoy tasty igloo cookies and meet a real North Pole researcher! Included with regular admission.

At the Boonshoft Museum
Saturday, December 5, noon-3:00 p.m.
Watch LEGOs of all shapes and sizes be transformed into imaginative designs as robotics teams from around the Miami Valley compete for a chance to advance to the State Contest at Wright State University.

Team registration fees include free admission passes for 10 competitors, 2 coaches, and 30 family/friends. The Robot Competitions are included with general admission fees for all other observers. For additional information, please call 937–275–7431, ext. 124.

At the Boonshoft Museum
Tuesday, December 8
noon–2:00 p.m.
Join Dr. Alexander E. MacDonald at the 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference as he hosts a LIVE SphereCast from Copenhagen, Denmark. Dr. MacDonald, Director of the NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory and the inventor of Science On a Sphere®, will control the Boonshoft Museum’s Sphere® during a groundbreaking international presentation that will be celebrated simultaneously at installations around the world. The Sphere® will be used to reflect the impact of global warming on ecosystems around the world, demonstrating the environmental changes that can be found in the air, on land and sea.
Learn more.

At the Boonshoft Museum
Saturday, December 12
noon–2:00 p.m.
Do something fun and educational with your child this holiday! You’ll be transported to a winter wonderland to enjoy a pancake breakfast, experiments, crafts and games with the elves. Everyone will cheer the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and commemorative photos will be available. Cost: $8/person (children under 2 are free). Registration is required. Call 937–275–7431, ext. 116.

Photo courtesy of NASA

Friday, December 18, 7:00 p.m.

Join our Astronomy Department for their regularly-offered chance to explore the cosmos through images, hands-on demonstrations and creative graphics in the Planetarium. This month, learn about the more than 300 planets that have been discovered in orbit around other stars in our Milky Way Galaxy. Immediately following the program, “What’s Up?” will be hosted in the Planetarium, featuring a presentation of what individuals would see in the night sky on a clear evening. Live observing will continue throughout the evening in the Apollo Observatory.
In celebration of the International Year of Astronomy, admission to the educational program will be FREE. Following the program, Laser Shows will be offered in the Planetarium for a nominal fee.

At the Boonshoft Museum
Wednesday , December 30, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Ring in the New Year with a fun-filled celebration for the entire family. Enjoy dance competitions, karaoke, Laser Light shows, animal presentations, games and prizes. End the night in true New Year’s Eve style with an official “ball drop.” Tickets go on sale December 1 at www.BoonshoftMuseum.org, by phone at 937-275-7431, ext. 120, and at the Boonshoft Museum Admissions Desk. Value offer: advance tickets - $25 family four pack and $7 individual tickets; Day of tickets - $30 family four pack and $9 individual tickets. Tickets purchased online after 12/18 will be available at will call during check-in.

Saturday, January 24
7:30 p.m.–11:30 p.m.
Tasting, Enjoying, Listening and Learning.

Join the volunteer Associate Board for a journey through the Science of Wine.

Casually stroll through the Boonshoft Museum and learn about wine, compare and contrast wines aged in stainless steel and wood, investigate maritime influences on wine making, explore how geology and soil affect vineyards, and discover interesting scientific principles of grape growing, wine making, tasting, selecting and serving.

Sample 17 specially-selected wines while you listen to experts from E&J Gallo Winery, then help yourself to your favorites at the full, open bars.

Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, presentations by industry experts, live music, Laser Shows and unforgettable Museum activities. Cast your vote for the People’s Choice favorite.

All proceeds benefit the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery’s STEM programs. Tickets are $75/person, all inclusive.

For more information, please call 937–275–7431, ext. 136. You must be 21 to attend this event.

On-line reservations will be accepted through Friday, January 23rd at 5:00 p.m. After that time, please call 937–275–7431 ext 120 to make your reservation using Visa or MasterCard. Live Responsibly. Contact Emerald Limousine Service for Science of Wine transportation arrangements. 937–434–9004

Saturday, March 14, 2009
7:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Join your friends for a wild night of the best fun in Dayton - ShamROCK ‘09. Rock with hundreds of students from every school around with live music, SUMO wrestling, hip hop dancing, laser light shows, bouncy boxing, extreme live animals, chill in the Gaming Cave, win great prizes in the Cash Cube, and lots more. $10/person.

For more info, click here

Sunday, April 12
Saturday, April 18

Join us for an inspired week of environmental learning before Earth Day as we learn to Be Water Wise! Through hands-on experiments and activities, learn about this precious natural resource and how we can conserve and protect it. Free with general admission.

Program times and locations vary throughout the week. Visit www.BoonshoftMuseum.org for details.

Learn more about what you can do to help the environment.

Saturday, April 18
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Help us finish Environmental Education Week with a bang! Participate in a family-friendly quest to find the Party for the Planet™. As part of the quest, you will enjoy playing games, conducting experiments, and solving riddles that will lead you to the party location. Free with general admission.

Party for the Planet™ is organized in partnership with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums; gifts for our zoo animals will be welcome. Look for our animals’ wish list at www.boonshoftmuseum.org

Learn more about what you can do to help the environment.

Saturday, May 2 Noon–4:00 p.m.
Celebrate the day and night sky with special activities at the Boonshoft Museum. Weather permitting, the event will feature safe solar observing, providing visitors with the rare opportunity to observe features of the daytime sky without damaging their eyesight. In addition to the Sun, visitors may be able to spot the Moon, Venus, and possibly even Jupiter! It is important to note that even a glimpse of the Sun through a telescope or binoculars without proper protection can burn the eye’s retina and leave a permanent blind spot. Other activities may include: rocketry presentations, solar art demonstrations, star maps, black hole programs, and a comets demonstration.

Outdoor activities are free (weather permitting); indoor activities are included with regular admission.

At the Boonshoft Museum.
Saturday, June 27
7:00-11:00 p.m.
(race/walk begins at 6:30 p.m.)
Join the volunteer Associate Board for a casual, outdoor day-to-night beer tasting, food sampling, star gazing and 5K run, benefiting the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery's outdoor programs!  Sample eco-conscious brews from Ohio-based Great Lakes Brewing, paired with fresh-prepared foods from Bellyfire and Brock Masterson’s.  $40/adult ($45 day of event); $20/children under 15 ($25 day of event). 937.275.7431, ext. 146 

Learn more

Saturday, September 12, 2009
6:00 p.m. – midnight
See for Yourself what a magical place the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is during the annual Boonshoft Gala. Begin your elegant red-carpet evening with complimentary valet service and a hosted reception.  Throughout the evening, you can mingle, enjoy live music, hors d’oeuvres and themed libations, explore the Museum’s assets, dance to live music, and enjoy superb food and featured wines at an elegant sit-down dinner. A champagne and piano bar offers additional entertainment and provides a wonderful counterpoint to the ever-popular Duwel Law Green Zone , where the most devoted fans can catch all the action of the Ohio State vs. USC game. Raffle tickets will be drawn throughout the night, culminating in the feature prize for the evening—a brand new, convertible Saturn SKY Roadster!  Gala reservations are $175 per person, all inclusive ($100 is tax deductible.) For additional information, call 937–275–7431, ext. 136.

Learn More. 

Sunday, October 11
Preview, noon – 1:00 p.m.; Auction begins at 1:00 p.m.
Many eclectic items, including prints of Thomas Jefferson & General Robert E. Lee, will be auctioned by professional auctioneer Danny Finchum. Other items include ethnographic fabrics, unusual baskets, jewelry, mineral collections, crčches from around the world, and glass display cases. All proceeds benefit the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery and SunWatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park. To donate items or for more information, call 937-275-1617.

Coordinated by “The Friends,” a dedicated group of volunteers committed to the professionals and programs of the Dayton Society of Natural History.

Saturday, October 24, 5:30–9:00 p.m.
Boo! Don your best costume and trick-or-treat your way through the whole Museum for the best Halloween party in town! Presented with WMMX, this family-friendly party includes games, Halloween-themed Planetarium shows, a light snack, creepy crawling live animals and some spooooooky shows. Be creative and participate in a costume contest for all ages. Value Offer: Family four packs $25 in advance; $30 at the door. Individual tickets $7 in advance; $9 at the door. Tickets can be purchased by phone (937-275-7431) or in person at the Museum Admission Desk until the event on Saturday. Tickets purchased online after 10/20 will be available at will call during check-in.