Photo: Miguel M
Photo: Wiley Harp
Photo: Lyz
Don Harrington Discovery Center
★4.4(296 reviews)$$Museum
🕑 2.5-3.5 hours👶 Best for ages 3-12. Preschoolers love the hands-on manipulatives and sensory experiences, while elementary-aged kids dive deep into the science experiments and planetarium shows. Toddlers can participate but may need more supervision with the interactive exhibits.🧡 Saved by 24 families
About
The Don Harrington Discovery Center is Amarillo's premier hands-on learning destination where kids can explore science, technology, and nature through interactive exhibits designed just for them. With both a children's museum full of tactile activities and a state-of-the-art planetarium offering cosmic adventures, this venue delivers hours of educational entertainment that keeps young minds engaged and parents happy.
Highlights
- ✓Immersive planetarium shows that transport kids through the solar system and beyond
- ✓Hands-on science exhibits covering physics, biology, and engineering concepts
- ✓Interactive water table and bubble stations that never get old
- ✓Real space artifacts and meteorite displays
- ✓Heliostat solar telescope for safe sun viewing on clear days
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right when they open at 9:30 AM on weekdays to beat school field trip groups that typically arrive mid-morning
- 2.Check the planetarium show schedule when you arrive and plan your museum exploration around show times,they fill up quickly on weekends
- 3.Pack snacks and use the outdoor picnic area, as food options inside are limited to vending machines
- 4.Don't miss the outdoor space exhibits and heliostat,kids love seeing the real space artifacts
- 5.Visit on the first Sunday of the month when admission is often discounted or free for local families
Best Time to Visit
Tuesday through Thursday mornings are ideal for avoiding crowds, though weekday afternoons may have field trips. Saturday mornings can be busy, so arrive early. Winter months (November-February) are perfect for indoor exploration when outdoor activities are limited in the Texas Panhandle.
What to Know
Admission is affordable (typically under $10 per person with family packages available), and there's free parking on-site. The facility is fully accessible, and while there's no full restaurant, vending machines are available and outside food is permitted in designated areas.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours. Summer months may feature special camps and extended programming. The planetarium often adds special holiday-themed shows during winter break and spring break. Check their calendar for special events during Space Week and Earth Day.
Nearby Eats
Youngblood's Café (about 2 miles away) offers classic American comfort food with a kids menu in a casual atmosphere. For quick bites, Chick-fil-A on Coulter Street is just 10 minutes away and always a kid-pleaser.
More Activities Near Amarillo
Museum
Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum
★4.8$❤️31
The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum is the largest history museum in Texas and a treasure trove for curious kids! With six stories of exhibits ranging from dinosaur fossils and pioneer life displays to vintage cars and Native American artifacts, there's something to capture every child's imagination. The interactive displays and hands-on exhibits make Texas history come alive in ways that will engage even reluctant museum-goers.
Museum
Texas Air & Space Museum
★4.7$❤️26
The Texas Air & Space Museum in Amarillo offers an exciting hands-on experience for young aviation enthusiasts and future astronauts. With interactive flight simulators, real aircraft displays, and engaging educational exhibits, this budget-friendly museum makes learning about flight and space exploration fun for the whole family.
Museum
American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum
★4.6$❤️25
Saddle up for an educational adventure at the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum, where kids can explore the world of America's most popular horse breed through interactive exhibits and fascinating displays. With hands-on activities, engaging videos, and beautiful artwork celebrating Western heritage, this museum brings equine history to life in a way that captivates young horse lovers and curious minds alike.
Museum
Amarillo Museum of Art
★4.6$❤️118
The Amarillo Museum of Art offers a welcoming cultural experience for families with rotating exhibits that spark creativity and conversation. With hands-on youth art classes, workshops, and educational programs designed specifically for children, this museum makes art accessible and engaging for young visitors while providing a calm, enriching indoor activity in the Texas Panhandle.