Big news for little explorers in Las Vegas! The DISCOVERY Children’s Museum has announced plans to transform its iconic centerpiece, the Summit climbing exhibit, into a brand-new immersive experience called Desert to the Stars.
The reimagined exhibit will take young visitors on a multisensory journey through Southern Nevada’s natural environment, from the desert floor up through forests, mountains, and sky. Spanning 12 levels and 3,500 square feet, it will blend immersive technology, hands-on experiences, storytelling, and physical challenges inspired by the Mojave Desert.
Kids will meet the plants and animals that make the region unique, from Joshua trees and Mojave yucca to desert bighorn sheep, kit foxes, and the gentle Mojave Desert tortoise. The experience will also spotlight beloved outdoor destinations beyond the city, including Valley of Fire State Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, and Avi Kwa Ame National Monument.
“Desert to the Stars represents a new opportunity for the Museum to help children see Las Vegas not only as an urban destination, but as a gateway to a unique natural landscape,” said Laura Christian, Interim CEO of the museum.
The exhibit is targeted to open in Spring 2028. While construction is underway, families can still enjoy play areas on the second and third floors, with a full top-to-bottom climb returning once the transformation is complete.
Photo: June H. Johns / Wikimedia Commons
