Photo: Greensboro Science Center
Photo: Rachel Dunn
Photo: Jil Elise
Greensboro Science Center
★4.7(9,856 reviews)$$Museum
🕑 4-6 hours to experience all three sections (museum, zoo, and aquarium) at a comfortable pace👶 Best for ages 2-14. Toddlers and preschoolers love the petting zoo and OmniSphere Theater, while elementary-aged kids can't get enough of the interactive science exhibits and SkyWild rope course. Tweens enjoy the more challenging Animal Discovery Zoology Center exhibits and planetarium presentations.🧡 Saved by 550+ families
About
The Greensboro Science Center is a three-in-one attraction combining an interactive science museum, zoo, and aquarium,making it a powerhouse destination for family fun. Kids can get hands-on with STEM exhibits, marvel at planetarium shows, meet animals from penguins to tigers, and explore touch tanks with stingrays and sea stars all in one visit.
Highlights
- ✓OmniSphere Theater with immersive planetarium and educational films
- ✓Touch tanks where kids can interact with stingrays and horseshoe crabs
- ✓Tiger and red panda exhibits at the zoo section
- ✓Hands-on physics and engineering exhibits in the science museum
- ✓Nature trails and outdoor animal habitats connecting the different sections
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right at opening (9 AM) to beat school groups and enjoy the animals when they're most active during morning feeding times.
- 2.Purchase combo tickets online in advance to save money and skip the ticket counter lines,the Museum + Zoo + Aquarium combo is the best value.
- 3.Pack your own snacks and lunch to enjoy at the outdoor picnic areas, as on-site dining options are limited and can be pricey.
- 4.Don't miss the touch tanks in the aquarium section,staff members are usually nearby with fascinating facts and will encourage kids to gently pet the rays.
- 5.The SkyWild aerial ropes course and Dino Quest experiences require separate tickets and height/weight requirements, so check these in advance if your kids are interested.
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday) during the school year to avoid large field trip groups that typically arrive after 10 AM. Summer weekday mornings are also ideal for smaller crowds, while weekends can get quite busy year-round.
What to Know
General admission ranges from $20-25 per person with discounts for children under 3. Free parking is available on-site. Food options inside are limited to a small café, so consider bringing your own lunch. The facility is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours. The outdoor zoo sections are best enjoyed in spring and fall when temperatures are mild. Special holiday events include Animal Enrichment programs in summer and Winter Wonderlights during December. Some outdoor trails may be less accessible during winter weather.
Nearby Eats
Scrambled Southern Diner (5 minutes away) offers hearty breakfast and lunch with a kids' menu in a casual atmosphere. For quick bites, Chick-fil-A and Panera Bread are located about 3 minutes from the center on Lawndale Drive.
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