Maine Discovery Museum

About

Maine Discovery Museum in Bangor is the largest children's museum in northern New England, offering three floors packed with interactive exhibits designed to spark curiosity in young minds. It's a place where learning happens through play, and every child is welcome regardless of ability.

The museum features a rotating collection of hands-on exhibits spanning science, nature, art, and culture. Kids can dig for fossils, explore a kid-sized town, create art projects, or immerse themselves in nature-themed play spaces. The exhibits are thoughtfully designed to engage multiple senses, making them appealing to children with different learning styles and abilities.

Families will find the museum well-suited for extended visits. There are quiet corners and seating areas scattered throughout for when little ones need a break from the stimulation. The wide walkways make it easy to move through exhibits with strollers or wheelchairs, and the layout flows naturally from one area to the next.

The museum regularly hosts special events, workshops, and programming throughout the year. Check their website or call ahead to find out what's happening during your visit. Some events may require advance registration.

Located in downtown Bangor, the museum is easy to reach and makes a great anchor for a family day out. The surrounding area offers restaurants and shops within a short distance. Plan for at least two to three hours to explore the exhibits comfortably, though younger children may be ready to wrap up sooner.

Admission is reasonably priced, and the museum occasionally offers discounted or free admission days. Members of ACM (Association of Children's Museums) reciprocal programs may receive discounted entry. It's worth checking their website for current pricing and any special offers before your visit.

Whether you're a local family looking for a rainy-day activity or a traveler passing through Bangor, Maine Discovery Museum delivers a fun, enriching experience that kids will talk about long after the visit ends.

Accessibility

Maine Discovery Museum is committed to being a safe and accessible space for everyone. The building and the majority of exhibits are fully accessible to wheelchair users. Elevators provide access to all three floors, and wide walkways throughout the exhibits allow comfortable movement for wheelchair users and families with strollers.

Accessible restrooms are available on both the first and second floors of the building. The museum's open layout and broad pathways make independent movement straightforward for visitors using mobility devices.

Seating areas and quiet corners are available throughout the museum, providing rest spots for visitors who need breaks. The hands-on, multi-sensory nature of many exhibits means children with varying abilities can engage with the displays in ways that work for them.

For visitors with specific accessibility needs or questions about accommodations, contact the museum directly before your visit. Staff can provide current details about any temporary exhibit changes that might affect accessibility, as well as information about sensory-friendly programming or special events designed for visitors with disabilities.

The museum's downtown Bangor location is in a developed area. Contact the venue for current details about accessible parking options near the entrance.

More accessible places in Maine

• Bangor Mall (Bangor)
• Hollywood Casino Bangor (Bangor)
• Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (Boothbay)
• Acadia NP & coastal hikes & food scene (Acadia National Park / Bar Harbor)
• Acadia National Park (Bar Harbor)
• Maine Maritime Museum (Bath)