Annual Events
Experience a day of wonder that sparks a lifetime of inspiration
Registration is not required unless noted
Darwin Day
See biology come to life before your eyes as you interact with live animals, immersive displays, and hands-on activities.
Held near the date of the birth of famed scientist Charles Darwin, it’s the most fun and educational birthday party ever!
We’re also excited to welcome UT Tyler, who will be onsite with fun, engaging activities to help guests explore adaptation and the natural world in interactive ways!
Date: feb. 7, 2026
Time: 10:00am-3:00pm
Engineer's Week
What’s a day in the life of an engineer like? Join us for a week of exploring, creating, and inventing to find out! UT Tyler engineering students often lead this engineering adventure, making it fun for the whole family. Join us Tuesday–Friday afternoon from 3–5 p.m. Activities are free with admission.
Call our front desk at 903-533-8001 to book!
Date: Feb. 24-27, 2026
Time: 10:00am-2:00pm
STEM Like a Girl
All middle school students are invited to be inspired at this full day of STEM-based, hands-on learning!
Held every February during National Engineering Week, this event is led by local female STEM professionals and mentored by UT Tyler female STEM students.
Questions? contact bradley lindsey: [email protected]
903-705-4812
Date: April 18, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
founder's Day
Come help us celebrate our birthday with this family-friendly event this Saturday, June 13th, 2026 from 10am – 2pm.
FREE activities are available to the public outside in the DSP parking lot. Activities include
- Face Painting
- Bounce House & Obstacle Course
- Games with prizes
- Snow Cones for purchase
You can also purchase a ticket to the museum to cool off in the A/C and explore the wonders of Discovery Landing and Buford’s Hometown!
Date June 13, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
UTTyler Summer Institute
Join us for an engaging, hands-on 3-day professional development experience!
July 16th-18th from 9am-4pm each day.
Designed for K-8th science educators, this summer institute immerses teachers in real-world scientific exploration at three different locations. Gain inquiry-based teaching strategies, hands-on activities, and lesson planning tools to bring phenomena-based learning, scientific modeling, and argumentation into your classroom.
June Dates TBD
July 16-18, 2026
9:00AM-4:00PM
EDUCATOR OPEN HOUSE
- Taco Truck
- Margaritas
- Planetarium shows
- S.T.E.M activities
- Museum tours
- Giveaways
Date: JULY 17, 2026
Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Step into the glitz and glamour of a thrilling evening at our Casino Night Fundraiser! Join us for an unforgettable night of high-stakes excitement, where you can try your luck at classic casino games like blackjack, roulette, craps and poker. Indulge in delicious cocktails and a buffet style dinner as you mingle with friends and fellow supporters, all while contributing to a worthy cause. With dazzling raffles, a wine pull, photo booths, and live entertainment, this event promises to be an unforgettable blend of entertainment and philanthropy.
This is an ADULTS ONLY event!
Click the button below to see our 2026 Sponsors!
Sep 2026 Date and time TBD
Spooktacular Fun Fest
Join us for a special spooky Halloween event at DSP that will include scary stories in the cave, a costume contest, and more!
$8 for adult and children!
2 and under – FREE!
Date: oct. 23, 2026
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Holiday Open House
Join Downtown Tyler’s community of museums and attractions for an evening of holiday wonder!
Every December, you’re invited to explore the museum, get a picture with Santa, get your face painted, enjoy holiday snacks, and participate in an exciting experiment!
Bring a canned food donation to benefit the East Texas Food Bank in lieu of admission.
date: DEC. 10, 2026
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Traveling Exhibits
Explore some of history’s greatest discoveries in these seasonal showcases
Start Date – End Date
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