Discovery Center plans date nights

Don Harrington Discovery Center hosts monthly Parents Night Out events during the school year for children ages 4 to 11 from 5:30 pm to 9:30 p.m. The last Parents Night Out took place in November and introduced its participants to the science of being a detective. Children did cool experiments, explored the interactive exhibits and enjoyed dinner provided by a kid-friendly restaurant - all while their parents enjoy a date night! Parents Night Out events are packed full of fun so it's no wonder that there are many "regulars" that come back for each one.

The following are the 2015 Parents Night Out dates and themes:

¦ Jan. 23 - Science in the Dark: Ever wonder what makes an animal's eyes glow at night or how glow sticks work? Our junior scientists will explore the science of how things glow. Dinner will be provided by Sonic.

¦ Feb. 13 - Survival: Learn how to survive in nature! Children will be taught how to find north by the stars, use a map, build a tent and more. Dinner will be provided by an area restaurant.

¦ March 13 - Storm Chasers: The young adventurers will learn about severe storms and what it takes to be a storm chaser. Dinner will be provided by an area restaurant.

¦ April 17 - Plundering Pirates: The little scallywags will leave the landlubbers behind and explore the world of pirates. Dinner will be provided by Sonic.

¦ May 22 - Superhero School: Children will unlock the secrets behind superheroes' powers and experiment with weather, superhuman strength, stretchy material and much more. Dinner will be provided by an area restaurant.

¦ Sept. 11 - DHDC Olympics: DHDC is creating an obstacle course just for children. Kids should come prepared to show off their strength and skill as we teach them how to keep their bodies active and strong. Dinner will be provided by an area restaurant.

¦ Nov. 20 - Science of Fear: Why are we afraid of the dark? How do you face your fears? Our little scaredy cats will experiment with different fears and healthy ways to deal with them in DHDC's fear lab! Dinner will be provided by Sonic.

Advance registration for all Parents Night Out events is required.

DHDC members pay $20 for the first child and $15 for each additional child. Nonmembers pay $25 for the first child and $20 for each additional child.

For more information or to register, call 806-355-9547, ext. 107, or visit www.dhdc.org.

- Submitted by Don Harrington Discovery Center