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If you’re looking for an easy and fun day trip from the Triangle, put the Greensboro Science Center at the top of your list.
My family and I visited on a recent Sunday and had a terrific experience. Just over an hour drive drive from Raleigh, the center offers a unique combination of aquarium, museum, and zoo all in one place, making it a fantastic destination for a day out.
I’m going to share our own experience with you, plus some helpful hints and essential details for planning your own trip.
What to Expect
The Greensboro Science Center is big but not overwhelmingly so. You can do everything in a day; most people have suggested about 4 hours as the ideal amount of time for a family visit.
Aquarium
The aquarium is mesmerizing with its variety of marine life. We were particularly fascinated by the largest tank filling one wall, where we watched sharks, stingrays, and a bevy of fish go by. The touch pool, where visitors can interact with various creatures, is always a big hit. Prepare to wait in line a couple of minutes on a busy day.
Highlights of the aquarium for us included the playful river otters, the glowing jellyfish tanks, and the coral dwelling fish—we spotted “Dory” and “Nemo!”
Museum
The museum section offers hands-on exhibits that are both educational and entertaining. From dinosaurs to weather patterns, there’s something to spark curiosity in every child (and adult!)
With a toddler in tow, the dinosaur exhibit was definitely one of our most important stops. This exhibit had large dino models plus lots of cool video elements, such as wall projections that seemed to surround the entire room.
Toddler parents will also be excited to know that there is an indoor play area! This space is probably best geared towards kids 7 and under, and includes a sandcastle slide, a pirate ship, a submarine to explore, and more. It’s a welcome addition when you’ve got a little one that needs to get extra energy out!
Zoo
The zoo area is well-designed and houses an impressive collection of animals, including a tiger, gibbons, lemurs, tortoises, flamingoes, sloths, and more. The red pandas and the sand cat were our absolute favorites and if you like cute things, do not miss them.
The zoo’s layout makes it easy to navigate, even with young children, as it is intuitively laid out in a circular pattern. Prepare to do a bit of walking, but it’s definitely not as extensive as walking at the NC Zoo. Still, I recommend a stroller for young kids.
🦋 Don’t miss the butterfly house and the awesome treehouse playground, both in the zoo area. These are both attractions that kids will love to experience!
Ticket Pricing
Here’s a quick rundown of the current ticket prices:
- Adults (ages 13-64): $21.00
- Children (ages 3-12): $19.00
- Seniors (ages 65+): $20.00
- Children under 2: Free
Note: Prices are subject to change, so it’s a good idea to check the Greensboro Science Center’s website for the most up-to-date information.
If you have SNAP/WIC/EBT you can get deeply discounted tickets. These are available for in-person, same-day ticket purchases only; present SNAP/EBT/WIC card & photo ID to receive up to five general admission tickets. Adults are $7.00 + tax, kids are $6.00 + tax.
If you are a member of an organization with AZA Reciprocity, you can get discounted admission here. We are members of the Museum of Life & Science in Durham, and this gives us 50% off at the GSC. Just another reason to grab a Museum of Life & Science membership if you’re local to the Triangle!
Museum Experiences
There are a lot of incredibly cool experiences you can have while at the Greensboro Science Center. With my son being so young, we haven’t gotten the opportunity to try these yet, but we hope to in the future, and we’ll absolutely be coming back to share here!
They have an aerial adventure park, called SKYWILD, that offers a range of courses and challenges above the zoo.
There’s also a stand-alone zip line that takes you over the water. This is not inside the GSC but directly next door at the Battleground Parks District.
If it’s animal experiences you’re after, check out the “Behind the Scenes” options, including Penguin Encounter or Zoo Trek. What a dream!
Tips for Visiting + Personal Recommendations
Arrive Early: To make the most of your visit, plan to arrive when the center opens. This allows you to explore without the crowds, and parking is much easier. The GSC is open 9:00am-5:00pm daily. We arrived on a Sunday at 9:30am and found a spot close to the entrance.
Explore the Zoo First: Since you’re arriving early, make the zoo portion your first stop of the day. The animals are likely to be more active in the morning, particularly during hot summer days. This will allow you, too, to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Bring Lunch and Pack Snacks: While there is a café on-site, having a few snacks on hand can be helpful, especially if you have picky eaters. Plus, museum cafes are notoriously expensive, so it’s a good budget tip to pack your own lunch. The museum allows you to bring your own food! There are picnic areas available for enjoying your items.
Check the Schedule: Be sure to check the posted schedule for any special shows or feedings throughout the day. Not only are these informative and entertaining, but these times ensure you might actually see some animals who can be harder to spot!
Have fun!
The Greensboro Science Center is a fantastic destination for families looking for a mix of education and fun. It’s well worth the trip from Raleigh, and we highly recommend it. Whether your kids are fascinated by marine life, dinosaurs, or exotic animals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
