From bayous to college towns, Louisiana’s science offerings reflect the state’s rich natural history and active research communities. Museums here bring wetlands, wildlife, technology and geology into easy-to-explore exhibits that suit curious visitors of all ages.
There are 11 Science Museums in Louisiana, ranging from Audubon Louisiana Nature Center to ULM Museum of Natural History. Each entry is organized by City, Focus, Notable exhibits, and you’ll find below.
Which museums on the list are best for families with young children?
Look for locations whose “Focus” notes hands-on or discovery areas; outdoor sites like Audubon Louisiana Nature Center are great for running around and nature interpretation, while several smaller museums include tactile displays or kid-oriented programs—check the “Notable exhibits” column in the list to spot family-friendly options.
How can I confirm current hours, admission and accessibility before visiting?
The list gives quick orientation (City, Focus, Notable exhibits) but not live details—always check the museum’s official website or call ahead for up-to-date hours, ticket prices, special events and accessibility information, and watch for free or reduced-admission days.
Science Museums in Louisiana
| Name | City | Focus | Notable exhibits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sci-Port Discovery Center | Shreveport | Hands-on science, technology, and math (STEM) exhibits for all ages. | Sawyer Space Dome Planetarium, PoP Children’s Museum, IMAX Dome Theatre, interactive galleries. |
| Louisiana Art & Science Museum | Baton Rouge | Intersection of art and science, with a major planetarium and science galleries. | Irene W. Pennington Planetarium, Ancient Egypt gallery, Universe gallery, hands-on science stations. |
| Lafayette Science Museum | Lafayette | Regional science education with a planetarium, natural history, and interactive exhibits. | All-digital planetarium, Crawl Space virtual aquarium, fossil collection, interactive STEM exhibits. |
| Audubon Louisiana Nature Center | New Orleans | Natural sciences, environmental education, and Louisiana’s ecosystems, with a planetarium. | Planetarium, interpretive exhibits, elevated boardwalks over nature trails, bird watching opportunities. |
| Louisiana Children’s Museum | New Orleans | Play-based STEM learning for children focused on nature, art, and Louisiana culture. | Move with the River, Follow That Food, Dig into Nature, outdoor sensory gardens. |
| LSU Museum of Natural Science | Baton Rouge | University natural history museum focused on Louisiana biodiversity, ornithology, and vertebrate paleontology. | Public exhibits on Louisiana birds, mammals, and fossils; Mike the Tiger display. |
| Highland Road Park Observatory | Baton Rouge | Public astronomical observatory for stargazing, events, and accessible astronomy education for all. | 20-inch and 16-inch reflecting telescopes, public Friday Night Viewing sessions, educational lectures. |
| ULM Museum of Natural History | Monroe | Regional natural and cultural history, featuring zoology, archaeology, and paleontology collections. | North Louisiana Native American artifacts, regional zoological specimens, local paleontology displays. |
| Children’s Museum of St. Tammany | Covington (New Orleans metro) | Interactive, play-based learning for young children with dedicated STEM and nature areas. | STEM Lab, life-sized interactive chessboard, Mississippi River water table, art studio. |
| UL Lafayette Geology Museum | Lafayette | Geology and paleontology, highlighting Louisiana minerals, gems, and various fossil specimens. | Fluorescent mineral display, petrified wood collection, Louisiana gems, dinosaur and fossil models. |
| Children’s Museum of Lake Charles | Lake Charles | Hands-on educational exhibits for children encouraging creativity, exploration, and foundational STEM learning. | Tinkerers’ Workshop, mock grocery store, bubble station, construction zone-themed play area. |
Images and Descriptions
Sci-Port Discovery Center
A 92,000-square-foot science center on the Shreveport riverfront. It offers an educational experience for all ages with hundreds of interactive exhibits, a planetarium, an IMAX theater, and a dedicated children’s museum area called POWER OF PLAY.
Louisiana Art & Science Museum
Located in a historic railroad depot, this unique museum merges art and science. It features fine art galleries, interactive science exhibits, and one of the most advanced planetariums in the region for an inspiring educational journey for all ages.
Lafayette Science Museum
Downtown Lafayette’s hub for science exploration, this museum offers something for all ages. It features a state-of-the-art planetarium, exhibits on geology and paleontology, and interactive displays that make learning about our world engaging and fun for the whole family.
Audubon Louisiana Nature Center
Explore Louisiana’s natural world at this New Orleans center. It offers hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and scenic nature trails through a bottomland hardwood forest. It’s a great destination for families to learn about local ecosystems and wildlife.
Louisiana Children’s Museum
Situated in New Orleans City Park, this museum offers interactive, play-based learning focused on STEM and Louisiana culture. Kids can explore the mechanics of the Mississippi River, learn about food systems, and engage their creativity in expansive galleries.
LSU Museum of Natural Science
While primarily a research institution, this LSU museum has public exhibits showcasing Louisiana’s rich biodiversity. Visitors can see displays on the birds and mammals of the state, fossil discoveries, and the famous taxidermy of Mike the Tiger.
Highland Road Park Observatory
Gaze at the stars and planets at this public observatory in Baton Rouge. A partnership between LSU and local astronomers, it hosts free public viewing nights, giving everyone the chance to look through professional-grade telescopes and learn about the cosmos.
ULM Museum of Natural History
Located on the ULM campus, this museum offers a glimpse into the natural history of Northeast Louisiana. The public exhibits feature zoological collections as well as significant archaeological artifacts that tell the story of the region’s earliest inhabitants.
Children’s Museum of St. Tammany
Located in Covington, this museum is designed to spark curiosity in young children through purposeful play. Its exhibits focus on STEM, arts, and health, providing a fun environment where kids on the Northshore can learn by doing and exploring.
UL Lafayette Geology Museum
A university museum open to the public, this collection showcases geological wonders. It features Louisiana gems, an impressive fluorescent mineral display that glows under UV light, and various fossils, making it a great stop for aspiring paleontologists.
Children’s Museum of Lake Charles
This museum provides a world of hands-on adventure for kids in Southwest Louisiana. It encourages imaginative play with exhibits designed to mimic real-world environments, fostering creativity and foundational STEM skills through exploration.
