ROCKINGHAM, NC (February 12, 2026) – Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham is celebrating 13 years of serving the community! The Museum welcomes more than 41,000 visitors annually as a top regional destination for families to enjoy fun-filled, interactive experiences that encourage curiosity, inspire creativity and build a lifelong love of learning. 

“Reaching 13 years is an exciting milestone for Discovery Place Kids–Rockingham and a true reflection of the families, educators and partners who have supported us along the way,” said Angela Watkins, Director of Discovery Place Kids–Rockingham. “We are proud to be a place where children and families can learn through play, and we look forward to continuing to grow alongside our community for many years to come.” 

As part of the birthday celebration, Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham is offering free admission on Sunday, February 22 for the first 200 guests. Free tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be reserved online while supplies last. Museum festivities will include birthday-themed science shows featuring rainbow test tubes and exploding gummy bears, DIY birthday cake slime, celebratory cupcakes and more.  

Birthday fun doesn’t stop after the weekend—science shows and slime activities will continue throughout the week, along with a special birthday scavenger hunt. Guests are also invited to create their own masterpiece to add to the Museum’s birthday card wall, which will be on display throughout the month. 

“The enthusiasm and excitement that marked the opening of Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham 13 years ago remains as strong as ever, highlighting what can be achieved when local governments, businesses, individuals and foundations unite for a common purpose,” said Gene McLaurin, a Discovery Place trustee and former Mayor of Rockingham. “The ongoing collaboration with Discovery Place and its staff has brought outstanding resources and programming to families and children throughout the area. The Rockingham community deeply appreciates this lasting partnership, and is honored to be part of the Discovery Place family.” 

“It was truly exciting all those years ago to hear that Discovery Place was considering a satellite location in Rockingham, and the community really rallied behind the idea,” said John Hutchinson, Mayor of Rockingham. “When Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham first opened, my wife and I had two children under five and a third on the way. They all grew up with Discovery Place as a part of our community. To see children so eager to visit because they love it so much really highlights what a great resource the museum is for families and children in our community.” 

Popular exhibits at the Museum include the Vulcan Quarry, which highlights local industry in and around Rockingham, and four science research stations exploring astronomy, weather, nature and underground environments. Designed to inspire generations of young learners, the Museum also offers experiences geared toward older elementary and younger middle school students. 

“Discovery Place Kids–Rockingham plays a vital role in creating meaningful learning experiences for children and families in this region,” said Dr. Nikki Hill, Chief Learning Officer at Discovery Place. “Through hands-on exhibits and engaging programs, the Museum sparks learning that extends far beyond its walls. We are proud to celebrate 13 years of impact and the strong community that makes this work possible.” 

Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham Birthday Celebration 

• Date: Sunday, February 22, 2025 
• Time: 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. 
• Location: Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham | 233 E. Washington St., Rockingham, NC 28379 
• Details: Free admission for the first 200 guests. Tickets can be reserved online while supplies last. Enjoy birthday-themed science shows featuring rainbow test tubes and exploding gummy bears, DIY birthday cake slime, celebratory cupcakes and more. 

Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham is deeply grateful for the generous support of the Rockingham DP Kids Circle and our valued partners: The Cole Foundation, Community Foundation of Richmond County, City of Rockingham, Richmond County, Vulcan Materials Company, Amazon, Duke Energy Foundation, Simons Foundation and North Carolina Science Museums Grant Program. 

Media: Members of the media are invited to cover the day’s festivities. Please confirm attendance with Alyssa Mulliger, Discovery Place’s Senior Director of Communications, at amulliger@discoveryplace.org.  
 
About Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham 
Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham is one of four distinct museum experiences within the network of Discovery Place, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and hub for STEM education and exploration in the Carolinas. Discovery Place Kids believes in the power of learning by doing—encouraging children to explore their world, test new ideas and develop fine and large motor skills. This hands-on approach deepens children’s understanding of the world and boosts their self-confidence. For more information about Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham, visit https://dpkidsrockingham.org/.