Zoos
Museum of Life and Science
📍 433 W Murray Ave, Durham, NC 27704🕐 Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–5 PM |
About Museum of Life and Science
Interactive exhibits on earth & space. Indoor & outdoor museum with interactive exhibits on space exploration & life on earth. 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. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,951 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Science Center
- Size
- 84 acres
- Best For
- All ages
- Key Features
- Interactive hands-on experiences, nature play, drop-in programs
- Membership
- Available; pays for itself in as few as two visits
💡 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
- Features live animal exhibits including a Magic Wings Butterfly House, Farmyard with alpacas and mini cows, Wildlife Center with otters and red wolves, and a Dinosaur Trail with animatronics and fossil dig experiences
💬 What Visitors Say
- Buy tickets online before arriving to skip lines at the front desk, and consider membership if planning multiple visits—it pays for itself in just two visits with added perks like early 9am entry and 10% store discounts.
- 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.
- Plan for a full day: the museum combines indoor labs (circuits, fossil digs, light refraction), outdoor playgrounds with climbing equipment, animal encounters (Farmyard with alpacas, Wildlife Center with otters), and themed trails. Cell service is weak in wooded areas, so review the layout map at the entrance.
- 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.
- 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.
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