Da Vinci Science Center: A Family Guide (Allentown, PA)
The Da Vinci Science Center is built on a simple idea that fits how children actually learn: let them touch, test, and try instead of just look.
Overview
Located in downtown Allentown's PPL Pavilion, this hands-on science museum fills its galleries with interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and animal encounters. Children can explore Curiosity Hall, the My Body gallery, and the Lehigh River Watershed exhibit, then catch a show in the Science Theater. Rotating traveling exhibits give families a reason to return, and many areas are bilingual in English and Spanish.
Why Kids Love It (and What They Learn)
STEM and Problem Solving: Interactive stations invite children to form a guess, test it, and see what happens, which is the foundation of scientific thinking.
Curiosity and Wonder: Live demonstrations and animal encounters spark the kind of questions that keep a child engaged long after the visit ends.
Happy Day Play’s Tips and Tricks
Aim for a weekday morning when the galleries are calmer and easier for little ones to navigate.
Check the Science Theater and demonstration schedule when you arrive and build your visit around a show, which gives a natural rest in the middle.
Since there is no dedicated lot, look up a nearby garage before you go.
Know Before You Go
General Admission: General public $20 online / $22 in-person; toddlers 2 & under and members free; plus 9.5% infrastructure fee
Add-Ons: Nearby paid garages; Dinos Alive add-on $9-$10; memberships
Stroller Friendly: Yes
Nursing Rooms: There is a Haven quiet room on the first floor near the main restrooms. This private space functions as a sensory-friendly retreat and is available for guests who need a quiet place to nurse or feed their baby.
Family Restrooms: There are all gender restrooms with private bathroom stalls.
Food: Yes - Leo's Cafe on site
Sensory Inclusion: Yes - Sensory Hour program; Social Narrative & Sensory Map on official site
Getting There and Parking
There is no dedicated on-site parking, so plan to use one of the nearby downtown Allentown garages and walk in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Da Vinci Science Center good for toddlers? It is best for older children. See the age range and Know Before You Go above.
How much does Da Vinci Science Center cost? General public $20 online / $22 in-person; toddlers 2 & under and members free; plus 9.5% infrastructure fee
Is it indoor or outdoor? Both.
Is it stroller friendly? Yes.
Contact Info
https://www.davincisciencecenter.org Phone: (484) 664-1002 Instagram: @davinciscictr Address: 815 W. Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 1810
