Early Start Discovery Space - Where Curious Minds Play!
Where Curious Minds Play! Australia's only dedicated children's museum and the worlds first on a university campus!
Contacts
- Contact Person: Main Desk/Reception
- Phone: (02) 4221 3777
- Email: [email protected]
- Web: https://www.earlystartdiscoveryspace.edu.au/
Address
Building 21, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue
Keiraville,
New South Wales,
2500
Australia
Engage in loose parts play, shop in our marketplace, play in an outdoor mud kitchen, build and create with LEGO and blocks, explore a cave – plus so many more hands-on experiences. Perfect for children (birth – 10 years) and parents to enjoy together.
The Discovery Space is the ultimate learn-through-play experience, located on the University of Wollongong's main campus! As the world’s first dedicated children’s museum based on a university campus, it provides interactive experiences, stimulating educational programs and learn-through-play activities for children aged birth to 10 years and their adults.
We are open (nearly!) everyday of the School Holidays from 9am to 3:30pm. See our events page here for more details.
About our Experiences
With 20 creative and interactive experiences and numerous smaller Encounters, you'll be able to explore our two outdoor adventure gardens, construct with small and big blocks, dig for fossils, become an artist, be a train conductor, act on stage, sail a ship, crawl through a cave, play with water, and so much more!
UOW researchers and their findings guide and influence all educational aspects of the Discovery Space, ensuring our play-based experiences are grounded in evidence and beneficial to children’s development. View a full list of our experiences.
Programs
In addition to the experiences, the Early Start Discovery Space has a program of workshops and activities delivered by qualified Educators but also UOW students, researchers and academics! This includes daily Discovery Activities, art experiences and storytime. Visit our Events Page too see all upcoming public programs, events and activities!
BIG NEWS! Early Start Discovery Space is a registered Creative Kids provider, which means you can use your $100 voucher towards a Discovery Space Creative Kids membership and selected workshops! Learn more - CLICK HERE
Backed by Research
Early Start Discovery Space experiences have been designed by University of Wollongong educators and researchers to inspire meaningful play and enhance the value that children gain through play-based experiences.
Opening days
We are open seven days a week (closed some Public Holidays). See our opening hours webpage to see any planned closures!
NSW School term
Weekday: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Weekend: 9:00am – 3:30pm
NSW school holidays:
Weekday: 9:00am – 3:30pm
Weekend: 9:00am – 3:30pm
Ticketing Costs
- $15.00 per person
- Under 12 months – free
- 12-month membership options available
- FREE daily programs and activities
- Concession and discounted entry and membership available
- School and group bookings welcome
Buy your tickets online HERE or explore our membership options!
The Early Start Discovery Space is also registered Creative Kids provider, which means you can use your $50 voucher towards a Discovery Space Creative Kids membership! Learn more here!
Getting here
We are located on the University of Wollongong Main Campus on Northfields Avenue. You can find more details about our exact location, public transport and parking here.