Georgia’s mix of cities, small towns and coastline makes for a surprisingly varied museum scene — hands-on science centers in Atlanta, coastal research stations on the barrier islands, and university-affiliated exhibits in between. Whether you’re planning a family day out, a school trip or a weekend road trip, there’s a museum that fits the interest and age group you have in mind.
There are 13 Science Museums in Georgia, ranging from Children’s Museum of Atlanta to Tybee Island Marine Science Center. Each entry lists core details organized as City,Highlights,Best for (City,Highlights,Best for) so you can quickly compare locations, exhibits and who will enjoy them most; you’ll find below.
Which museum is best for young children who like hands-on play?
For young kids look to the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, which focuses on interactive exhibits, open play areas and short, guided activities suitable for toddlers through early elementary ages; check their calendar for storytimes and sensory-friendly hours.
Are there museums with marine programs or coastal field activities?
Yes — the Tybee Island Marine Science Center and similar coastal centers offer tide-pool walks, touch tanks and beach education programs ideal for families and school groups; seasonal schedules and guided walks are common, so verify times before you go.
Science Museums in Georgia
| Name | City | Highlights | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fernbank Museum of Natural History | Atlanta | Dinosaur skeletons; ancient environments; giant-screen theater | Families, children, natural history fans |
| Fernbank Science Center | Atlanta | Planetarium; observatory; space and earth science displays | Teens, students, astronomy fans, families |
| Georgia Aquarium | Atlanta | Whale sharks; immersive tunnels; diverse marine habitats | Families, marine-life lovers, all ages |
| Tellus Science Museum | Cartersville | Fossils; hands-on science galleries; planetarium | Families, school groups, geology and space enthusiasts |
| Delta Flight Museum | Atlanta | Historic aircraft; interactive cockpits; aviation tech exhibits | Aviation enthusiasts, families, teens |
| Museum of Aviation | Warner Robins | Military aircraft collection; space exhibits; flight simulators | Aviation buffs, families, adults |
| Georgia Museum of Natural History | Athens | Regional fossils; natural history collections; field research displays | Students, families, natural history enthusiasts |
| Museum of Arts and Sciences (MOAS) | Macon | Planetarium; dinosaur exhibits; natural science galleries | Families, school groups, children |
| Children’s Museum of Atlanta | Atlanta | Hands-on STEM exhibits; water play; maker activities | Young children, families |
| Savannah Children’s Museum | Savannah | Outdoor discovery exhibits; local ecology play areas; sensory activities | Young children, families |
| Tybee Island Marine Science Center | Tybee Island | Touch tanks; coastal ecology exhibits; sea turtle education | Families, beach visitors, marine enthusiasts |
| Southeastern Railway Museum | Duluth | Historic locomotives; rail technology exhibits; restored cars | Families, train enthusiasts, history/tech lovers |
| Georgia Sea Turtle Center | Jekyll Island | Sea turtle rehabilitation; interactive exhibits; coastal ecology education | Families, marine conservation supporters, all ages |
Images and Descriptions
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Fernbank offers dramatic dinosaur mounts, immersive exhibits on ecosystems and cultures, plus a giant-screen theater and outdoor walking trails. It’s a hands-on natural history experience that appeals to kids, school groups, and anyone curious about Earth’s past.
Fernbank Science Center
Fernbank Science Center features a public planetarium, historic observatory telescope, and interactive earth and space science exhibits. Run by the county schools, it’s great for stargazing events, school field trips, and visitors wanting focused astronomy programming.
Georgia Aquarium
Georgia Aquarium showcases massive ocean habitats, whale sharks, and immersive viewing tunnels with educational programs, behind-the-scenes tours and touch pools. It’s a top destination for families and anyone interested in marine biology and conservation.
Tellus Science Museum
Tellus mixes geology, paleontology, technology and space with hands-on exhibits, a fossil collection, mineral displays and a planetarium. Interactive galleries and STEM-focused activities make it ideal for curious kids, school trips and adults who enjoy earth and space science.
Delta Flight Museum
Delta Flight Museum sits near Hartsfield–Jackson Airport and presents restored aircraft, cockpit experiences, airline history and hands-on exhibits about flight technology. It’s perfect for plane lovers and families seeking interactive aviation learning.
Museum of Aviation
The Museum of Aviation at Robins AFB features dozens of military aircraft, space artifacts, exhibits on flight technology and educational programs. Large hangars and outdoor displays make it a must-visit for aircraft enthusiasts and students of aerospace history.
Georgia Museum of Natural History
Located on the University of Georgia campus, this museum highlights Georgia’s flora, fauna and fossils with research collections, exhibits and rotating displays. It’s an accessible spot for learning about regional biodiversity and paleontology.
Museum of Arts and Sciences (MOAS)
MOAS blends art and science with a planetarium, live science demonstrations, a permanent dinosaur and natural history gallery and hands-on discovery spaces. It’s family-friendly and especially suited to school groups visiting for STEM and astronomy programming.
Children’s Museum of Atlanta
This children’s museum focuses on interactive STEM learning with rotating exhibits, water tables, building zones and maker activities. It’s designed for preschoolers and elementary-age kids to explore science concepts through play and guided programs.
Savannah Children’s Museum
Set in a large outdoor play space, Savannah Children’s Museum offers hands-on nature and science play focusing on local ecology, imaginative play structures and sensory exhibits. It’s a casual, child-centered stop for families exploring historic Savannah.
Tybee Island Marine Science Center
The Marine Science Center connects visitors to coastal ecosystems with touch tanks, interpretive exhibits and educational programs about marine life and conservation. Located near beaches, it’s a great stop for families and tidepool explorers.
Southeastern Railway Museum
This museum preserves locomotives, passenger cars and railroad technology with indoor and outdoor displays, restoration projects and hands-on interpretive exhibits. It appeals to families and visitors interested in transportation technology and industrial history.
Georgia Sea Turtle Center
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center focuses on sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation, with public viewing areas, interactive exhibits and educational programs about coastal conservation. It’s both a hospital and museum offering up-close learning on marine wildlife protection.
