Children's Museums
The Imperial Centre for the Arts & Sciences
📍 270 Gay St, Rocky Mount, NC 27804🕐 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 | 1–5 PM |
About The Imperial Centre for the Arts & Sciences
Interactive science exhibits for kids. Children's museum featuring hands-on science exhibits, a planetarium & an animal viewing gallery. The planetarium is highlighted as a major attraction worthy of a standalone visit, with multiple reviewers specifically praising it as a must-see feature. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 308 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Science Center
- Best For
- Ages 6 months to 14 years, all ages
- Highlights
- Planetarium, interactive children's exhibits, art and science blend
- Accessibility
- Fully ADA compliant with elevators, wide spaces, accessible restrooms
💡 Did You Know?
- The planetarium is highlighted as a major attraction worthy of a standalone visit, with multiple reviewers specifically praising it as a must-see feature
- Interactive exhibits are designed for an unusually wide age range from 6 months to 14 years, allowing multi-generational family visits with age-appropriate activities throughout
- The facility features integrated art, science, and math education in its exhibit design, with reviewers noting this blended approach as a distinctive feature
- Children's play productions are offered on-site with professional-quality productions (e.g., 'A Charlie Brown Christmas'), with 35-minute run times optimized for young audiences
💬 What Visitors Say
- Plan for at least 3-4 hours of visit time. Multiple reviewers mentioned arriving with shorter timeframes (1.5-2 hours) but staying 3-3.5 hours because there's so much to explore across all age groups.
- Visit on Friday afternoons for a less crowded experience. Reviewers noted having the facility feel like they had it to themselves when visiting Friday afternoons, making it ideal for families wanting a more relaxed pace.
- The planetarium is a must-see highlight worth prioritizing during your visit. Multiple reviewers specifically called out the planetarium as incredible and worth the visit on its own.
- Bring children of all ages from 6 months to 14 years — there are genuinely engaging activities for the entire range. The facility has baby changing tables on each floor and is fully ADA compliant with wide spacious areas, making it comfortable for families with very young children.
- Attend a children's play production if available (such as 'A Charlie Brown Christmas'). Reviewers praised the 35-minute productions as age-appropriate, high-quality, and highly immersive for kids, making it a great complement to the interactive exhibits.
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