Alabama’s museum scene stretches from coastal Mobile to the rocket fields of Huntsville, offering single-day stops and deeper learning experiences for curious visitors. Whether you’re into fossils, hands-on science or space history, the state’s institutions make it easy to explore science at every age.
There are 8 Science Museums in Alabama, ranging from Alabama Museum of Natural History to U.S. Space & Rocket Center. For each entry you’ll find below City,Admission (USD),Top exhibits (max 15 words) so you can compare locations and plan visits quickly — you’ll find those details below.
Which museum is best for families with young children?
Look for places with hands-on exhibits and short, varied displays; smaller local science centers and the Alabama Museum of Natural History often have kid-friendly fossil digs and interactive stations, while larger sites like the U.S. Space & Rocket Center offer special family programs and age-appropriate exhibits.
How do I verify current prices, hours and special events?
Check each museum’s official website or phone line before you go, as admission and hours (and special discount days) change seasonally; the table below lists Admission (USD) for quick comparison but always confirm with the museum.
Science Museums in Alabama
| Name | City | Admission (USD) | Top exhibits (max 15 words) |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Space & Rocket Center | Huntsville | 30 | Saturn V rocket, Space Shuttle replica, Apollo artifacts |
| McWane Science Center | Birmingham | 18 | Hands-on STEM exhibits, aquarium touch tanks, IMAX Dome theater |
| Science Museum of Alabama | Montgomery | 15 | Interactive STEM galleries, large-format theater, dinosaur fossils |
| Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center | Mobile | 16 | Interactive STEM galleries, large-format theater, Gulf science exhibits |
| Cook Museum of Natural Science | Decatur | 14 | Indoor forest, native wildlife habitats, interactive nature exhibits |
| Dauphin Island Sea Lab (Estuarium) | Dauphin Island | 8 | Estuarium aquarium, Gulf habitats, touch tanks and education programs |
| Alabama Museum of Natural History | Tuscaloosa | Free | Fossils, minerals, Alabama fauna exhibits, educational displays |
| Anniston Museum of Natural History | Anniston | 8 | Dioramas, fossil collection, native wildlife exhibits |
Images and Descriptions
U.S. Space & Rocket Center
Large space and rocket museum featuring Saturn V, Apollo artifacts and Space Camp programs. Hands-on simulators, astronaut-training displays and IMAX shows make it ideal for space fans, students, and families planning an interactive, educational visit.
McWane Science Center
Hands-on science center with interactive exhibits for all ages, live demonstrations, an aquarium touch-tank area and an IMAX dome. Popular with families and school groups for STEM learning and rotating temporary exhibits.
Science Museum of Alabama
Statewide flagship for hands-on STEM learning with interactive galleries, large-format theater and rotating special exhibits. Features discovery labs, engineering challenges, and educator resources—great for school field trips, families, and curious adults.
Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center
Downtown Mobile science center offering hands-on STEM galleries, a large-format theater, and Gulf Coast science exhibits. Family-friendly with school programs, live demos, and rotating national exhibits that keep repeat visits fresh.
Cook Museum of Natural Science
Natural science museum with immersive indoor habitats, live animals, and interactive exhibits about regional ecosystems. Offers trails, hands-on learning areas, and exhibits suitable for families, teachers, and nature-lovers, including rotating exhibits and school programs.
Dauphin Island Sea Lab (Estuarium)
Marine education center and public aquarium focusing on Gulf ecosystems, estuaries, and coastal research. Features interactive touch tanks, interpretive displays, and educational programs for families and school groups, including boat field trips.
Alabama Museum of Natural History
University-run natural history museum highlighting Alabama’s fossils, minerals, and wildlife. Free admission, educational exhibits, and programming for school groups make it a useful stop for family visitors and curious learners.
Anniston Museum of Natural History
Regional natural history museum with fossil displays, dioramas, and outdoor gardens. Offers hands-on educational programs, family-friendly exhibits, and local-natural-history focus good for school visits and day trips, and guided tours.
