North Carolina’s mix of coast, piedmont and mountains has long inspired curiosity about the natural world and its history, and that curiosity shows up in the state’s museums. From hands-on science centers to history museums with strong science exhibits, there’s something for every interest and age.
There are 16 Science Museums in North Carolina, ranging from Cape Fear Museum of History and Science to Western North Carolina Nature Center. For each entry the list shows City,Country,Best for so you can quickly compare locations, specialties and who will enjoy them most — you’ll find this information below.
How do I pick the right museum for kids or adults?
Look at the “Best for” column to match exhibits with your group’s interests and ages: hands-on discovery labs and planetariums tend to be best for children, while specialized labs, historical-science displays and guided programs may suit teens and adults. Also check each museum’s hours, accessibility and current exhibits on its website before you go.
Are there ways to save on admission or visit several sites affordably?
Yes — many museums offer family rates, memberships, discounts for students/seniors, and occasional reciprocal agreements with other institutions. Look for city or state cultural passes, combo tickets for nearby attractions, and free community days; the museum websites or box offices will have the most current options.
Science Museums in North Carolina
| Name | City | Country | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| NC Museum of Natural Sciences | Raleigh | USA | All ages; natural history and fossils |
| Marbles Kids Museum | Raleigh | USA | Families with young children |
| Museum of Life and Science | Durham | USA | Families and school groups |
| Discovery Place Science | Charlotte | USA | Interactive STEM for kids and teens |
| Greensboro Science Center | Greensboro | USA | Families; aquarium and zoo experiences |
| Morehead Planetarium and Science Center | Chapel Hill | USA | Astronomy fans and students |
| NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher | Kure Beach | USA | Marine-life enthusiasts and families |
| NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores | Pine Knoll Shores | USA | Families; coastal marine education |
| NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island | Manteo | USA | Outer Banks visitors and families |
| Schiele Museum of Natural History | Gastonia | USA | Natural history enthusiasts and families |
| Kaleideum | Winston-Salem | USA | Young children and family learning |
| Imagination Station | Wilson | USA | Toddlers and elementary-aged children |
| Cape Fear Museum of History and Science | Wilmington | USA | Regional history and natural science visitors |
| Western North Carolina Nature Center | Asheville | USA | Wildlife and ecology enthusiasts |
| Museum of Coastal Carolina | Ocean Isle Beach | USA | Coastal and marine science visitors |
| Ingram Planetarium | Sunset Beach | USA | Astronomy shows for families and students |
Images and Descriptions
NC Museum of Natural Sciences
North Carolina’s flagship natural history museum with rotating and permanent exhibits, a three-story Nature Research Center, living animal collections, dinosaur fossils, and interactive displays. Visitor tips: free admission for main building, downtown Raleigh location, plan several hours for exhibits and programs.
Marbles Kids Museum
Hands-on children’s museum emphasizing play-based STEM with interactive exhibits, a water table, maker spaces, and special science programs. Located downtown Raleigh near the capitol—ideal for families with children under 10; expect busy weekends and timed-entry during special events.
Museum of Life and Science
A large Durham science museum featuring a butterfly house, outdoor science park with interactive exhibits, a miniature train, living animal habitats, and hands-on labs. Great for families and school groups; parking on site and plenty of outdoor space for summer visits.
Discovery Place Science
Charlotte’s interactive science center offering hands-on exhibits about physics, biology, and technology, plus an IMAX theater, rotating exhibits, and maker labs. Downtown location is family-friendly and suitable for older kids; purchase timed tickets for peak times and parking nearby.
Greensboro Science Center
Combined science museum, aquarium, and zoo with planetarium, living collections, hands-on discovery labs, and a SkyWild treetop experience. Good for all ages—allow at least half a day to see the aquarium, museum exhibits, and animal habitats; on-site parking available.
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
Historic UNC planetarium offering astronomy shows, interactive astronomy and Earth science exhibits, and public observing events. Located on the Chapel Hill campus, it’s excellent for astronomy fans and school groups—check show schedules and arrive early for popular evening programs.
NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Coastal aquarium near Kure Beach focusing on regional marine life with shipwreck exhibits, sea turtle rehabilitation displays, touch tanks, and shark galleries. Family-friendly with outdoor boardwalks; check seasonal hours and parking, and combine with nearby state beaches for a full day.
NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
Set on the Crystal Coast, this aquarium features saltwater habitats, touch pools, a sea turtle rehabilitation area, and hands-on marine education programs. Ideal for families and marine-life enthusiasts—expect coastal breezes and plan for a relaxed two- to three-hour visit.
NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island
Small but engaging aquarium focusing on North Carolina’s coastal and estuarine ecosystems with touch tanks, shark exhibits, and estuary displays. Located in Manteo near the Outer Banks—perfect for families exploring the area and combining with nearby historical attractions.
Schiele Museum of Natural History
Gastonia museum with natural history exhibits, a living raptor center, a planetarium, fossils, and nature trails. Great for families and school field trips—offers regular planetarium shows and outdoor programs; check hours as some sections have seasonal schedules.
Kaleideum
Combined children’s museum and science center with two campuses offering hands-on STEM exhibits, maker spaces, live demonstrations, and outdoor discovery areas. Friendly for young families and school groups—check which campus hosts specific exhibits and book special programming ahead.
Imagination Station
Family-oriented children’s museum with interactive STEAM exhibits, hands-on science activities, water play, and rotating educational programs. Ideal for toddlers to early elementary ages; located downtown Wilson with modest admission and community-focused events.
Cape Fear Museum of History and Science
Wilmington museum combining regional history with natural science exhibits, including local ecology displays, a planetarium, and hands-on learning zones. Good for families and curious adults—check rotating science-focused exhibits and the museum’s schedule for educational programs.
Western North Carolina Nature Center
Asheville nature center featuring native wildlife exhibits, live animal ambassadors, hands-on ecology displays, and accessible trails. Good for families interested in regional biodiversity and conservation; plan for an hour or two and wear comfortable shoes for outdoor areas.
Museum of Coastal Carolina
Ocean Isle Beach museum with interactive marine science exhibits, live aquariums, a sea turtle rehabilitation center, and educational programs focusing on the coastal environment. Family-friendly and near beaches—combine with local nature trails and reserve two to three hours for a visit.
Ingram Planetarium
Ingram Planetarium offers immersive star shows, astronomy exhibits, and community programs about space and coastal skies. Located near Sunset Beach, it’s great for families and astronomy enthusiasts—check the public show schedule and special educational events.
