Discovery Science Center, Santa Ana

Discover and Save at Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana, California

As you know, science museums bring out the geek in me. And having been a kid in Costa Mesa, I just had to add the Discovery Science Center to the fun OC family activities here on Savvy California. If you’re visiting Orange County with kids, you’ll find the center conveniently located near the Anaheim resort area.

The Discovery Science Center, in Santa Ana, was recently named one of Orange County’s ten “Most Trusted Brands” and also received the National Medal of Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Service.

Why go? Because you always wanted to lie on a bed of real nails, blast off into space, score a goal against the Anaheim Ducks goalie, and track dinosaurs at the world’s first interactive dinosaur adventure.

If you go, take advantage of the Science Center’s free days and discounts so you can immerse yourself in an award-winning interactive science experience for less (scroll down for details).

SAVVY TIP: The museum also has annual events like Bubblefest in the spring, and my fave, Pumpkin Launch, an annual event fall event with Cal State Fullerton (details below).

Discovery Science Center Free Days

These free days tend to fill up fast, so get there early. Discovery Science Center features over 59,000 square feet of fun, so if you go, plan to stay a while. Cheap snacks for the kids are available and there is a Taco Bell/Pizza Hut on site.

Discovery Science Center free admission for the following days.

1. First Tuesday of every month is Santa Ana Free Day. Admission is free to current residents of Santa Ana.
2. First Sunday of every month is Bank of America cardholder day as part of the Museums On Us program.

Discovery Science Center Discounts

If you’re planning to visit Discovery Science Center along with other local attractions, take a look at the attraction discount cards. The following include this museum and many other good choices.

1. LA Discount Pass {best price} — the Go Los Angeles pass has an option to “build your own” pass with as few or as many attractions and activities as you want, and download or show on your smart phone, valid for 30 days from first use.
2. San Diego Discount Pass {best price} — the Go San Diego pass also has an option to “build your own” pass with as few or as many attractions and activities as you want, and download or show on your smart phone, valid for 30 days from first use.
3. Coupon — Not updated this year.

Know Before You Go

• More Info: Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana — discoverycube.org.
• Hours: Open Daily, 10am – 5pm. Closed on Thanksgiving & Christmas.
• Address: Discovery Science Center, 2500 North Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92705.
• Location: Just look for the big Cube towering over I-5.

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Discovery Science Center Special Events

Discovery Cube’s most popular attraction is an event that takes place in March and April every year. Bubblefest and the Mega Bubblefest Laser Show features an indoor Bubble Zone with plenty of hands-on, soapy bubble exhibits. Four shows are scheduled daily, and seats fill up fast.

• Admission: Bubblefest info and tickets are available on the museum’s website.
• Bubblefest dates: March and April. Follow the link above for details and schedule.

Pumpkin Launch with Cal State Fullerton

Discovery Science Center partners with Cal State Fullerton to present Pumpkin Launch, every November. Pumpkin Launch is a free event that features catapulting pumpkins, fun family-friendly activities and hands-on challenges like a carved-pumpkin contests, flying pumpkin contests, live music and other entertainment. Pumpkin Launch draws huge crowds and appeals to children and adults of all ages. You can get your geek on and meet the student engineers at the university. Bring your own carved pumpkin if you like.

• Admission: The Pumpkin Launch at The Discovery Science Center at Cal State Fullerton has free admission. NOTE: Follow the link to see if they’re having one this year.
• Dates: Usually takes place in early November. Follow the link above for this year’s event updates.
• Address: Cal State Fullerton’s Titan Stadium, 800 N State College Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92834.
• Parking: Parking is also free on location. The event is listed as appropriate for kids ages 5 and up. Bring lawn chairs.

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Photo credit: Images by Discovery Science Center