Greensboro Science Center
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.
More Activities Near Greensboro
Miriam P. Brenner Children's Museum
The Miriam P. Brenner Children's Museum is a hands-on wonderland specifically designed for the preschool and early elementary set. With interactive exhibits ranging from water play areas and construction zones to creative art spaces, this downtown Greensboro gem gives young children the freedom to explore, build, and imagine in a safe, engaging environment perfectly scaled to their size and interests.
Weatherspoon Art Museum
The Weatherspoon Art Museum offers a refreshingly kid-friendly museum experience on the UNC-Greensboro campus, with interactive galleries and hands-on art programs designed specifically for young visitors. Unlike traditional museums where kids feel restricted, this welcoming space encourages children to engage with contemporary art through touchable exhibits, creative workshops, and family-focused activities that make art accessible and fun.
Lindley Park
Lindley Park is a charming neighborhood oasis in Greensboro offering families a perfect blend of active play and relaxation. With well-maintained playgrounds, shaded walking paths, and plenty of open green space, it's an ideal spot for everything from toddler playdates to family picnics and outdoor concerts at the amphitheater.
Latham Park
Latham Park is a beloved Greensboro neighborhood gem that delivers everything families need for an active outdoor day. With multiple playground structures catering to different age groups, basketball courts for energetic kids, and plenty of open green space perfect for picnics, frisbee, or just running around, this well-maintained park offers a classic playground experience without the overwhelming crowds of larger venues.