The newly-built Discovery Place Kids in downtown Huntersville opens this weekend with a ribbon cutting Saturday morning, Oct. 23, and half-price admission both Saturday and Sunday.

The new 23,000-square-foot museum was developed by Discovery Place Inc. in partnership with the town of Huntersville, which has offices in the complex. It’s the third museum in the Discovery Place family, which also includes the main science museum in downtown Charlotte and the Charlotte Nature Museum, next to Freedom Park in Charlotte.

“We are extremely proud to finally be opening the first of our Discovery Place KIDS museums, offering exciting learning experiences for children in a safe, nurturing neighborhood atmosphere,” John Mackay, president and CEO of Discovery Place Inc., said in a press release Monday. “Discovery Place KIDS-Huntersville allows children to be pioneers of curiosity, fun and learning; all in a community setting close to home.”

The new museum’s exhibits follow the theme of a small town and focus on learning through play at nine main exhibit areas. Programs are expected to include story times, a visual art studio and puppet shows. Workshops for tots, summer camps and birthday parties will also be available. Educational offerings including early childhood classes will begin in January.

Discovery Place Inc. is in the midst of a series of renovations and expansions. Besides renovations at the main downtown museum and the new Huntersville location, Discovery Place’s board last month announced plans to develop a new Discovery Place KIDS in Rockingham.

WANT TO GO?

Discovery Place KIDS will officially open to the public on Saturday, Oct. 23 at 9 a.m., preceded by a ribbon cutting ceremony at 8:45 a.m. On Saturday, Oct. 23, the Museum will be open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and on Sunday, Oct. 24 from noon – 5:00 p.m. (last entry to the Museum at 4 p.m. on both days).

HOURS: Tuesday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday noon – 5 p.m.; Closed Monday.

ADMISSION: Special opening weekend admission will be half price both days ($4 for adults and children age one and older; children younger than one are free). All opening weekend admissions fees will go to a fund that will provide access to the creative learning experiences at Discovery Place KIDS for those individuals and groups without the financial means to support a visit. Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 26 admission to Discovery Place KIDS is $8 for adults and children age one and older, children younger than age one and Members are free. Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more.

WHERE: Discovery Place KIDS-Huntersville is at 105 Gilead Road in Huntersville, N.C. Parking is available in the Town Center Parking Deck located next to the Museum. For more information, visit discoveryplaceKIDS.org or call 704-372-6261.