Discovery Place KIDS–Rockingham grand opening ceremonies will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. and the Museum will remain open until 5:00 p.m. Operating hours on Sunday, February 24 will be noon – 5:00 p.m. To celebrate, admission on both days will be half price; $4 for adults and children age one and older (younger than age one are free).

“Discovery Place KIDS’ home in this community would not have been possible without the generosity, hospitality and diligence of the people that live and work here,” said John Mackay, president and CEO, Discovery Place, Inc. “But the most important part of this story—the young visitors who will soon walk through our doors—fed our inspiration for the project and are the pioneers who get to discover, create and learn. We can’t wait to welcome them.”

Exploring the theme of I CAN, Discovery Place KIDS–Rockingham offers developmentally-appropriate activities for children ages birth –10 with activities intended to develop cognitive, motor, language, social and critical thinking skills. As a community-based organization, the Museum features connections to the culture and heritage of the Sandhills including an emphasis on farming and agriculture. Exhibits encourage experimentation, role-playing, innovation and physical activity, and live programming includes story time, puppet shows and lab experiments. Educational classes, summer camps and birthday parties are also available.

Discovery Place KIDS explores the concept of I CAN, encouraging children to gain confidence, build muscles, expand their worldview and begin lifelong learning. The Museum has five theme areas which include:

I CAN Grow: Specially-designed for the Museum’s youngest visitors; children from birth through 36 months can toddle, touch, take risks and explore a sensory world

I CAN Be Anything: Role play in careers that children see daily such as firefighter, veterinarian, cook, actor, mechanic or farmer.

I CAN Wonder Why: Explore, experiment, discover and uncover while building an understanding of the relevance of science to everyday life.

I CAN Imagine: Using water, air, blocks and “garbage,” young minds are stretched to innovate, communicate, generate and celebrate.

I CAN Be Healthy: Celebrate a healthy, active lifestyle and get moving in an unstructured play environment that showcases the outdoors.

Discovery Place KIDS–Rockingham’s regular operating hours will be Tuesday – Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Sunday noon – 5:00 p.m., Monday closed. Admission to Discovery Place KIDS is $8, younger than age one are free. All children must be accompanied by an adult throughout their visit. Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more. For more information about the Museum please call 910.997.5266 x300, visit or email info@discoveryplace.org.