Our Mission

The Discovery Center’s mission is to engage curious minds to fuel the future.

Chartered in 1986 as Children’s Museum Corporation of Rutherford County, the Discovery Center provides hands-on education opportunities for the community. An extensive grassroots campaign orchestrated by young parents led to purchasing a building and creating exhibits and programs. During its first year of operation, over 11,000 visitors came to experience the museum’s exhibits and programs. The Discovery Center serves as a vibrant community and tourism center with over 130,000 children and families exploring the exhibits each year.

Our Vision

Our vision is to build a community with the courage to ask thoughtful questions, the drive to find creative solutions, and the confidence to implement positive changes.

Our Values

Diversity & Inclusion

Creativity

Transformative Learning

Curiosity

Fun & Play

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Donation Requests

The Discovery Center supports local nonprofit organizations and educational institutions by donating admission passes. The standard donation is two admission passes valued at $24. Donation Requests are processed monthly, and it may take up to two months for a response depending on your requested event date. One request per organization will be considered per calendar year. Please keep in mind that while each request receives careful consideration, we regret that we are unable to accommodate all requests. All requests must be submitted through the form below. Please do not call, email or mail your requests. You will be emailed if your donation is approved. Donations will be emailed to the email address indicated below prior to the event. Organizations must meet the following guidelines to be considered:

  • Donation requests for charitable events must be in the middle Tennessee area.
  • Organizations benefiting children and education receive priority.
  • Fundraisers to benefit an individual or families are not generally honored.

Organization Information

Your Name(Required)
Organization Address(Required)

Event Information

MM slash DD slash YYYY
How will the donation be used?(Required)

Young Leaders Council Application

Please respond to each of the following questions in order to complete your 2025-2026 Discovery Center Young Leaders Council Member application. Each section must be completed fully in order for your application to be accepted. Please email Rachel Hooper at rhooper@explorethedc.org with any questions. Thank you for your interest in Discovery Center's 2025-2026 Young Leaders Council! Applications are due June 15, 2025. Acceptance letters will go out by July 31, 2025.

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Step 1 of 3

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Applicant Name*
Address*

Gift Memberships

Give the Gift of Discovery
Gift Certificates must be redeemed at the Discovery Center front desk and should be treated like cash. Memberships become active once redeemed and remain valid for a full year.

Membership Benefits

Sustaining Membership

$330 for 1 year

The Discovery BIG Family Fun Pack!

Membership Benefits

Deluxe Membership

$170 for 1 year

The Discovery BIG Family Fun Pack!

Membership Benefits

Discovery Membership

$140 for 1 year

Discovery fun for the whole family and a friend!

Membership Benefits

One + One Plus Membership

$115 for 1 year

One + One PLUS One = Fun for Three!

Membership Benefits

One + One Membership

$90 for 1 year

One + One = Fun for Two

Membership Benefits

Counselor in Training Volunteer Application

Discovery Center at Murfree Spring is seeking reliable, upbeat and positive youth ages 14 - 17 as summer day camp Counselors in Training (CIT) assisting counselors and educators with children in grades K – 6. CITs will assist day camp counselors and educators in delivering age-appropriate activities and crafts and may assist Discovery Center education staff with programming focused on nature, animals, science and design.

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Name*

Summer General Availability


Please select which weeks you are available during the summer. Make sure to check your family calendar before selecting. We ask that you are available to assist each day during the selected week.

Camps
Camp themes are listed next to each week. Please consider this when making your selection(s).
Camp Times
All Camps are from 9:00-4:00 Monday- Friday. We ask that you are able to arrive early and stay after to set-up for the next day. By checking the box below, you agree to this time slot.
Availability
When signing up for Camps, please note your available days.
Please list some of your hobbies/interests/activities that you feel would be valuable for the camp selection(s) you have made.

Parent or Guardian Information

Parent/Guardian Name*
Please include name, email, and phone number.
If there are learning, behavioral or medical issues (such as allergies) you feel we should be aware of, please list and explain. Also please let us know if your child has any special dietary requirements. Enter none if there is nothing to note.