Lori Brock Children’s Discovery Center, Bakersfield

The Lori Brock Children’s Discovery Center is part of the Kern County Museum and was founded in the late 1970s to support hands-on education through science, art, and history. Designed especially for young learners, the center emphasizes engagement through direct interaction with exhibits, offering opportunities to explore topics like plants and animals, space, renewable energy, and local culture. Its mission is grounded in the STEAM approach-Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math-providing a framework for creative learning.

Children explore the center through imaginative spaces like the Makers Annex and STEAM Town, where activities encourage invention, discovery, and experimentation. Visitors might participate in daily crafts, perform short plays, experiment with solar panels, or enjoy the center’s indoor play structure. Each element is designed to nurture curiosity and spark interest in how the world works, from natural phenomena to human invention.

The layout and programming of the center reflect its educational goals while keeping experiences engaging and age-appropriate. While younger children might gravitate toward tactile exhibits and play-based exploration, older ones are challenged to think critically and work collaboratively through projects and experiments. The setting invites both independent discovery and parent-child participation.

The Lori Brock Discovery Center offers an accessible and enriching environment for families seeking more than just entertainment. It serves as a destination where play becomes a pathway to understanding, and where learning feels like an adventure.