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Location
Visitor tip
Start with the Magic Wings Butterfly House early in your visit while it's less crowded, and remember the humid environment—it's stunning but plan accordingly. The outdoor areas (Gateway Park, Hideaway Woods) are best for cooling off afterward.
Visitor tip
Families with young children should head directly to the Pumpkin Patch Express (fall weekends, included with admission) before boarding gets confusing, and take advantage of the dedicated under-6 area for your smallest visitors.
Visitor tip
The Dinosaur Trail with animatronics and interactive fossil dig stations is particularly engaging for kids 6+. Combine this with hands-on exhibits like paper plane launchers and origami downstairs for a balanced learning and play experience.
About Museum of Life and Science
Interactive exhibits on earth & space. Indoor & outdoor museum with interactive exhibits on space exploration & life on earth.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Science Center
- Size
- 84 acres
- Key Features
- Interactive hands-on experiences, nature play, drop-in programs
- Membership
- Available; pays for itself in as few as two visits
What visitors say
Took our 9- and 6-year-olds to the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science in Durham, and it was a blast! Ample parking near the entrance, with covered options—super convenient. Tickets: $24/adult, $19 kids (3-12), free for under 2 ;…
A little pricy I wasn’t expecting to pay $45 for me (an adult) and my 3 1/2 year old . We had fun thoe but just warning this place isn’t free like the natural science museum in Raleigh. Also wasn’t expecting to see a bunch of roaches 😭…
A beautiful place for family and friends! I only waited for about 5 minutes if that in terms of meeting the lady at yhe front desk and once I got checked in she gave me the layout of the land. I went specifically for the Magic Butterfly…
From 1,951 Google reviews Read all reviews
Did You Know?
- Spans 84 acres of science and nature experiences with integrated indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits, making it a substantial educational campus combining laboratory learning with nature play areas
- Membership can pay for itself in as few as two visits, and members receive reciprocal admission discounts to 500+ zoos, aquariums, and science centers worldwide through a reciprocal membership network
- Offers specialized adult and teen programming including Space Scavengers (18+), Science of Beer (21+), and free Teen Science Cafe events, indicating a deliberate focus on multi-generational STEM engagement
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