Exhibits
Step outside and explore our 5.5-acre science and garden spaces at Fresno Discovery Center. From feeding koi fish at Walden Pond to wandering the Deutsch Cactus Garden and meeting our desert tortoises, there’s something for every family to enjoy. Discover why we’re one of the best things to do in Fresno with kids!
“The goal of STEAM is to foster the true innovation that comes with combining the mind of a scientist or technologist with that of an artist or designer.”
At Fresno Discovery Center, learning feels like play! Our exhibits are designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and encourage kids (and kids at heart) to test, tinker, create, and wonder. From digging up “fossils” in the Dino Dig to exploring nanotechnology, every experience is hands-on and unforgettable.
Our exhibits bring STEAM education (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) to life, showing visitors that discovery can be as creative as it is scientific.
Dino Dig
Kids can pretend to be Paleontologists and dig for fossils in our Dino Dig area.
Hidden No More: VR Experience
Step into science like never before with Hidden No More, a virtual reality exhibit for ages 7+. Put on a headset and journey through space, light, and color in immersive activities that bring science to life. Explore how scientists study the universe, experiment with light, and uncover the hidden forces shaping our world. This interactive VR experience blends hands-on learning with cutting-edge technology for a one-of-a-kind adventure you won’t want to miss.
Nanotechnology
Dress like a scientist and dive into the fascinating world of nanotechnology, where kids learn about molecules, atoms, and how to manipulate matter at the nanoscale level. In this interactive exhibit, families can explore how matter behaves and discover how nanoscience shapes modern technology. It’s one of the most unique science center exhibits in the Central Valley and a must-see for curious minds.
Indoor Animals
Meet some of the amazing creatures that call Fresno Discovery Center home in our indoor animal room. Families can visit Box Turtles, a Leopard Gecko, a California Desert Tortoise, Pacman Frogs, a Western Toad, and Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches. On special days, you might also encounter rabbits, a Bearded Dragon, or snakes! This exhibit is perfect for animal lovers searching for fun kid-friendly activities in Fresno.
Wind Tunnel
Feel the invisible power of moving air at our Wind Tunnel exhibit. Kids can test how different objects react to air flow, experimenting with speed, lift, and resistance. This hands-on activity makes science fun and memorable, while teaching the basics of physics in action. Families looking for interactive science experiences in Fresno won’t want to miss it.
Walden Pond
Looking for peaceful things to do in Fresno with kids? Visit Walden Pond at Fresno Discovery Center, where families can feed colorful koi fish and watch turtles swim in their natural setting. This relaxing outdoor exhibit is a favorite stop for children and a great way to enjoy nature while learning science.
Whisper Dishes
Make science fun with our interactive Whisper Dishes. Stand across the yard from a friend, whisper into the dish, and your voice will carry all the way to them! This hands-on exhibit introduces kids to sound waves and communication, making it one of the most playful and educational things to do in Fresno with children.
Gemini Space Capsule
Step inside history with our Gemini Space Capsule, one of the most unique exhibits at our Fresno science center. Once used by NASA for training and demonstrations, this capsule was later donated by Pine Crest Elementary. It’s an unforgettable stop for families seeking Central Valley attractions for kids who love space and science.
Deutsch Cactus Garden
Explore the historic Deutsch Cactus Garden, a one-acre collection featuring over 250 species of desert plants from Mexico, Arizona, and California. Donated by Fred and Perle Deutsch in 1995, it’s a beautiful way for families to experience desert ecology without leaving Fresno. This garden is a hidden gem among Central Valley outdoor learning activities.
Desert Tortoise Compound
Meet our friendly California desert tortoises in a habitat that mirrors their natural environment. Kids can observe these fascinating reptiles up close, learning about their survival in desert conditions and the importance of conservation. This is one of the most popular family activities in Fresno for animal lovers.
The Garden of the Sun by the Master Gardeners
Discover the Garden of the Sun, a thriving outdoor space cared for by the Fresno County Master Gardeners. Families can explore a wide variety of local plants while learning tips for gardening at home. This beautiful exhibit connects kids and adults to the natural world, making it a favorite stop for visitors looking for educational things to do in Fresno with kids and unique Central Valley outdoor activities.
Learn more about this exhibit on our Garden of the Sun page.