Don Harrington Discovery Center

Amidst budget cuts, freezes to funding, and shrinking community resources, there are many families who now can’t afford a membership or admission fees to the places they have fond memories of. As a community resource adapting to the community’s needs, DHDC believes that our one-of-a-kind exhibits, programs, and events should be accessible to all families. 

We envision a world where all children have the opportunity to be curious, engage in high-quality and hands-on experiences, and have an enriched educational experience outside of traditional classrooms with their families alongside them. With a 50th anniversary slated with life-sized dinosaur exhibits and community events, the Discovery Center will have something to discover for all ages, inspiring lifelong learning through play and coaxing the individual genius within each of us.

For nearly 50 years, DHDC has provided accessible and unique ways to make discoveries for individuals across the High Plains and beyond through its services. For our 50th anniversary, we seek to honor our five decades of rich history, created and maintained by community support, by expanding accessible programming to grow the collaborative spirit that established DHDC. 

With help from community members such as yourself, DHDC aims to provide another 50 years of discoveries for the individuals we serve across the High Plains, primarily children, and to create a community that supports curiosity and education with enthusiasm and joy for the potential learning can unlock in individuals. The first step to make that happen is ensuring our resources are truly accessible.

You can provide discoveries for a family who otherwise wouldn’t be able to access our resources with your donation. The Don Harrington Discovery Center is proud to offer several programs, designed to make STEAM learning accessible and affordable for everyone in the Panhandle:

• Girls Who Science: FREE monthly STEM program for girls ages 8-18, where participants connect with inspiring local women in STEM fields.




• Free First Mondays: FREE evening hours the first Monday fo each month from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm.

• Discover for a Dollar: Quarterly events offering $1 admission per person (in January, May, September, and November).

• Museums for All: $2 admission for families of up to four on SNAP or WIC benefits (with valid ID and EBT).

• Amarillo Public Library Membership Passes: Weekly passes for free admission for up to eight people (limit one pass per family every six months).

• Blue Star Museums: FREE summer admission for military personnel, veterans, and their families (proof of service required).

• Family Discovery Memberships: FREE annual memberships for families of students at Amarillo ISD elementary schools with 80% or more free/reduced lunch eligibility.

• Camp Discovery Scholarships for At-Risk Youth: FREE camp spots for youth in partnership with local organizations like Martha’s Home and Family Support Services.

Together, we can support and add to accessible programming throughout the year, so our 50th anniversary can be enjoyed and celebrated with everyone in the community. Please consider a gift to DHDC this Panhandle Gives season to provide discoveries to those who need them most. Together, we’re building a brighter future for the Panhandle—one child at a time.