Don Harrington Discovery Center (Amarillo): All You Need to Know
Don Harrington Discovery Center

Don Harrington Discovery Center

Don Harrington Discovery Center
4.5
Science Museums • Children's Museums
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9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 4:30 PM
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About
The Don Harrington Discovery Center creates moments of discovery that reveal the inner workings of our world to learners across the High Plains. Vision: The Discovery Center’s innovative programs spark curiosity, inspire lifelong learning through play, and coax the individual genius within each of us to engage confidently in our world.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
138 reviews
Excellent
77
Very good
38
Average
14
Poor
2
Terrible
7

Craig L
Denver, CO6 contributions
Oct. 2021 • Family
Place was not busy. Plenty of your basic science stuff to do. Really neat construction equipment the kids could use and a ton of motion experiments to use.
Written 20 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Steve M
1 contribution
Feb. 2021 • Family
I was a membership holder, but quickly realized how poorly run and kept up is this "Discovery Center." I did let my membership run out. Not like I ever got a reminder to renew or a "hey we miss you, come on back."

Don't get me wrong, the first time you visit, you'll love it. Its new. Its exciting (by Amarillo standards). By the next visit, you see it for what it is. A underfunded venture that has a ton of underused space EVEN DURING NEW EXHIBITS.

New exhibits don't stay new long. They break or pieces go missing and not fixed or replaced. Again, goes back to what I said about being poorly kept up.

And let's talk about their special event days. They had a Harry Potter day in 2019. The special areas were set up in cramped spaces with Im guessing were volunteers who were massively overwhelmed. My son and I just watched what other guests were doing because the volunteers sure weren't explaining things. Then in the potions area, my son couldnt take part in the activity due to them running put of whatever it was that was needed to actually do the activity. And this was literally one hour after the place opened. Again, goes back to what I said about being poorly run.

Anyway, I gladly have not gone back since. I happily make a day trip to the Science Center in Lubbock with my son instead.

*It doesnt give me a date for my last visit which was in 2019. So ignore the February 2021. They don't give me the correct option to choose, so I'll choose whatever option I please.
Written 19 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hello! I apologize for the delay in response to your feedback. We have made some big changes in leadership and in planning over the last year. We heard the response from the community and have been actively working towards adding freshness to our facility and our staff. Since 2019 we have added an outdoor park, added some fun new exhibits, and are in the works of repairing and renewing much of the facility. Thank you for helping us improve with your feedback. - The Discovery Center Team
Written 13 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

StalinWasRight
17 contributions
Nov. 2020
Proberly the best place in Amarillo Tx Honestly, BY FAR. I wish I could work here honestly, this is such a cool place, itt's like a dream job if your into science and stuff. The Gift Shop is Cute Amazing & Awesome. I LOVE the Updates they did
Written 16 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit with us and appreciate your feedback on the updates and the gift shop as well. Please come see us again soon!
Written 28 December 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

jbwhitehouse
Dallas, TX1,734 contributions
Jul. 2020
Though everyone can learn something, this small science museum that looks geared for youngsters. The format is a circle with different exhibits from butterflies in a maze to electricity. ASTC membership provides free entry.
Written 24 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are glad to hear that you enjoy your visit with us; come see us again soon!
Written 28 December 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

JoAnn LeBlanc
Amarillo, TX4 contributions
Feb. 2020
Great place for kids of all ages. Love that they change things around pretty regularly and keep it interesting for visitors.
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are glad to hear that you enjoy your visits with us; come see us again soon!
Written 28 December 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

TLN
54 contributions
Dec. 2019 • Family
All kids, age 13,10&4 loved it. Could have stayed 3 hrs, but we got a membership to stop again on our way back. Lots of hands-on cool things the kids loved and science topics to explore later. They loved the awesome park next door.
Written 20 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit with us and that you plan to visit again!
Written 28 December 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

jamieallenisblessed
Canyon, Texas, United States4 contributions
Aug. 2019
I have been to the DHDC many times throughout the years. Today, our grandfather took myself and my 4 children to visit. $64 later, we walked out incredibly deflated. Many many of the exhibits are broken or do not work properly. Of the exhibits that do appear to work, you'd never know if it is working properly because there is no plaque or information posted. Of those exhibits which do appear to be in working order and do have information posted, it's a laminated piece of paper taped down. (Or some other rudimentary form of display) We wanted to see a show in the space room and it was literally a cartoon that couldn't keep another 3 year old in the room occupied. Several exhibits were walled off, the televisions as you enter had random screen saver type pictures cycling through with zero explanation. There was a television screen showing random photographs with some sort of dome over it. It has a little plaque on it showing who provided it...no explanation of what it's supposed to do. The human skeleton exhibit where you are supposed to be able to reassemble the skeleton is laughable. The pelvis is smashed into at least 2 pieces, the "foot" is coming apart. There is an exhibit showing sound waves with water...you're supposed to turn two specific dials to play with the water which demonstrates sound waves. Makes sense right? Only, the 2 dials aren't labeled so you don't know which dial does what. The "connect 4" which is randomly stuck in the center of the room is broken, it only holds the pieces in on one side. I had to put my foot on the other to hold pieces in so my daughter could play. Now, lest you think I'm an idiot who can't figure things out, I'd like to point out that I do have a Master's Degree. I am not bragging, I simply want to demonstrate that I'm not an imbecile. If I thought it would do any good, I'd call someone. There's a special activity tonight allowing entrance for $1.00. Go then, that's all it's worth. My grandfather paid and I apologized that he wasted his money.
Written 9 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi, thank you for your feedback. I'd like to take a minute to address some of your concerns. We understand that admission prices can get costly. Your best bet if you are local, is to buy a membership. $90 would get you and your family in for the entire year versus the $65 for one visit. We do train our staff to offer a membership when purchasing admission and we apologize if he/she did not communicate that. In regards to exhibits being broken or not working properly, we did check with our exhibits crew just after your review and they reported only one exhibit found to not be working properly and they now have it fixed- we do depend on our guests to alert us if something is not working properly so that we can arrange to have it fixed promptly. In regards to your comment about some exhibit pieces not having instructions posted, we understand this can be frustrating; however, many of the pieces are meant to be ‘exploratory’, meaning we don’t want to limit the imaginations of the children and guests. The pieces that you described as being labeled in a less appealing form are part of a traveling exhibit, of which we have no say in the materials that come with the exhibit pieces. Additionally, we are a non profit organization and our main concern is to provide intriguing and interactive exhibits, which unfortunately means that often times we cannot justify spending large sums of money on graphic displays. Our funds go toward bringing in new exhibits and creating an exciting learning environment for children. Making a donation to help the DHDC be better for everyone is always welcomed and appreciated. There is a Donate button on our website and a fun interactive donation box on the Pirate Ship in the front entry way. In regards to the Space Theater, there is a posted schedule for space theater shows on our website (along with descriptions and trailers) as well as outside the Theater itself. We strive to appeal to many different age groups when selecting our theater shows. We apologize that at the time of your visit, there were some exhibits that were walled off. This is a NEW exhibit coming soon. There is a sign in front of it stating this. We always hate to block off any section of our exhibit halls; however, when installing new exhibits, this sometimes takes days and lots of tools and equipment and we are committed to ensuring the safety of our patrons. The 2 televisions as you enter are showing LIVE shots from Space. It is meant to be watched. The human skeleton exhibit is in pieces because, again, it is exploratory and meant to be put back together by guests. The exhibit showing sound waves with water is again, meant to be exploratory. We do not just simply want to give guests the answers but rather let them use critical thinking to 'figure it out'. The Connect 4 game is not randomly placed – it is part of several games in the wing that are part of our 'Physics at Play' exhibit (billiards, battleship, connect 4). Our exhibits crew did check on this, and it appears to be in working order; you just have to make sure the bottom is secured with the pieces provided. We hope to have addressed all of your concerns. Any time you are visiting or feel frustrated with our exhibits, we encourage you to ask for a manager. Any of our managers would be happy to walk through all of your concerns and address or instruct on each one. We also welcome your phone call to discuss your feedback further. Our executive director is Dr. Aaron Pan and he can be reached at 355.9547. Thank you for your feedback.
Written 26 August 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Terrence G
DeSoto, TX10 contributions
Jul. 2019
I have a membership with them; but have never been to the facility. They are a part of the museum consortium that allow members the same privileges at other museums across the country. I do intent to go someday.
Written 22 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi, thank you for your review! We hope that the Passport Program has paid off for you when visiting other museums. We do hope to see you here soon!
Written 26 August 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Family06
4 contributions
Apr. 2019 • Family
Visited Discovery Center in Amarillo TX Saturday before Easter Sunday. Surprised to find they had special Easter themed events and egg hunt for kids on this day - along with other regular activities. Our 8-yr old daughter had a great time as well as other kids there,
Thanks to team for all their hard work making such a nice time for everyone that visited.
Written 20 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi, thank you for your review. We are glad to hear you enjoyed your visit and your daughter enjoyed Eggstravaganza. We hope that you can visit us again soon!
Written 22 April 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Kelskfjebrbdj
Amarillo, TX30 contributions
Dec. 2018 • Couples
This is a great family place. They have lots of interesting exhibits and lot os fhands-on, fun activities for all ages. I highly recommend it.
Written 12 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are glad to hear that you enjoy your visits with us; come see us again soon!
Written 13 February 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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Don Harrington Discovery Center (Amarillo): All You Need to Know

Frequently Asked Questions about Don Harrington Discovery Center

Don Harrington Discovery Center is open:
  • Sun - Sun 12:00 pm - 4:30 pm
  • Tue - Sat 9:30 am - 4:30 pm



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