Children's Museums
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
📍 11 W Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27601🕐 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 North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Museum of NC's geology, flora & fauna. Exhibits on NC's geology, flora & fauna, plus fossil collections, 3D films & live-animal programs. MOCHA operates a Library Education Arts Program that provides free art projects at Oakland and Berkeley Public Libraries, extending access beyond the museum location. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,940 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Natural History Museum
- Best For
- All Ages, School-Age Children And Families
- Exhibits
- Dinosaur exhibits including dueling dinosaurs, whale skeletons including blue whale exhibition, butterfly exhibit, paleontology displays, life-sized prehistoric displays
- Admission
- General admission free (donation-based); 3D movies $6 adults, $5 seniors/students/military, $4 children, $3 members; special exhibitions like Blue Whales exhibit available at additional cost
💡 Did You Know?
- MOCHA operates a Library Education Arts Program that provides free art projects at Oakland and Berkeley Public Libraries, extending access beyond the museum location
- The museum features unlimited art materials for creative expression, allowing children to create freely without material restrictions
- MOCHA offers week-long break camps with after-camp care options, providing extended educational programming beyond standard museum hours
💬 What Visitors Say
- Use BART for your visit instead of driving - parking is challenging at the location. The venue has ample space for strollers and a changing table in the bathroom, making it very accessible for families with young children.
- Visit on Saturday mornings for a less crowded experience while still enjoying the full creative atmosphere. The museum wasn't overcrowded on a Saturday morning visit according to recent reviews.
- Access free MOCHA art projects year-round through Oakland and Berkeley Public Libraries via their Library Education Arts Program - a great way to experience the museum's creative philosophy without visiting in person.
- The museum offers week-long summer break camps with after-camp care options, making it ideal for parents needing structured, creative activities during school breaks. Staff are noted for being particularly supportive and attentive to children.
- Plan for 2-3 hours to allow kids to freely create with unlimited art materials and be guided through different projects by staff. The emphasis is on open-ended creative exploration rather than structured exhibits.
Other Children's Museums in Raleigh
More Family Fun Nearby
Other venues within driving distance:
Own this venue? Stand out from the competition.
Children's Museums listings that are Featured get seen first by thousands of families every month.
- Priority placement in search
- Photo gallery showcase
- Insider tips from visitors
- Highlighted in dedicated featured section