Discovery Center at Murfree Spring is a hands-on children’s museum and nature center at 502 SE Broad Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37130, on the southeastern edge of downtown beside the Murfree Spring wetlands. Founded in 1986 and relocated to this site in 2003, it combines science, creative play, live animals, and outdoor exploration. Families come for an approachable introduction to STEAM—science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics—with experiences aimed primarily at children ages 0–12.
What to Expect at Discovery Center at Murfree Spring
This is a working-with-your-hands museum rather than a collection of objects behind glass. Tiny Town encourages imaginative role-play, while Water Works turns moving water into an experiment children can control. Expect adults to participate: helping a preschooler test an idea often produces a better visit than trying to complete every activity. The building’s indoor exhibits and adjoining wetlands make an effective pairing, connecting small-scale experiments with observations of a real aquatic habitat.
The featured exhibition MathRox, scheduled from May 16, 2026, through January 10, 2027, approaches mathematics through life-size games and logic puzzles. Animal Ambassadors add another dimension, with scheduled programs such as Creature Connection and Turtle Talk offering opportunities to learn about living creatures. Outside, boardwalks cross the approximately 25-acre Murfree Spring wetland area. Look for turtles, waterbirds, and changes in the vegetation; wildlife sightings depend on weather, season, and the animals themselves.
- Tiny Town: Child-scaled imaginative play gives younger visitors room to practice everyday roles and social skills.
- Water Works: Hands-on water exploration rewards repeated experiments rather than a quick glance.
- MathRox: Temporary games and puzzles make mathematical thinking physical and collaborative through January 10, 2027.
- Animal Ambassadors: Live-animal learning connects museum science with animal behavior, habitats, and responsible care.
- Wetland boardwalks: Outdoor paths extend the visit into Murfree Spring’s habitat without requiring a backcountry hike.
Discovery Center at Murfree Spring at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 502 SE Broad Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37130 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Southeastern edge of downtown; Murfree Spring wetlands |
| Operating Hours | Monday closed; Tuesday–Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday noon–5 p.m. |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid museum admission; $$ family outing. Check official ticket options for current rates. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 2 to 3 hours, including an outdoor walk |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | On-site parking off SE Broad Street; consult Murfreesboro Rover route maps before traveling by bus. |
| Official Website & Phone | Official visitor information and tickets; +1 615-890-2300 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive near opening for a full morning, but remember that weekday school visits can bring groups into the galleries. Check the events calendar before buying tickets if Turtle Talk, an animal encounter, or a creative program is important to your family. Begin with the activity your child most wants to try, then move outside when attention starts to fade. In hot weather, reverse that order and walk the wetlands first. Carry water, use sun protection, and keep children close beside wetland edges.
Driving is straightforward, with parking at the museum rather than a downtown garage. Wheelchair users and families with strollers have step-free access and an elevator between exhibit levels; outdoor boardwalk surfaces can become slippery after rain. Review the accessibility information for sensory supports and All Access Nights. Leave bulky bags in the car, and ask staff about photography around animals. Afterward, walk roughly 5–10 minutes to Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center for local African American history, or about 15 minutes to the Rutherford County Courthouse square for downtown architecture and a meal. Use marked crossings along busy Broad Street.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours, and when should we visit?
Regular hours are Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sunday, noon–5 p.m.; Monday is closed. Arriving at opening leaves time for both indoor play and the wetlands, while the calendar helps identify special programs and holiday changes.
Is admission free, and should we reserve?
Museum admission is paid, with current ticket choices available through the official website. Buy ahead for convenience, and check separately for programs, camps, or special events that require registration.
How much time should we allow?
Allow two to three hours for exhibits, an animal program if scheduled, and a wetland walk. Younger children may prefer a shorter visit focused on a few activities rather than every exhibit.
Is it suitable for toddlers and visitors with mobility needs?
The museum focuses on ages 0–12, with imaginative play especially useful for younger children. Step-free access and an elevator support indoor navigation; check outdoor conditions before taking wheelchairs or strollers onto wet boardwalks.
When planning your Murfreesboro travel guide or comparing verified attractions and museums in Murfreesboro, pair this stop with standout local spots including Opah Greek Grill, Cannonsburgh Village, Joanie's, and Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center (0.4 km away).
