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About North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is the most visited museum in the state, and is the LARGEST institution of its kind in the South East! Phew - that's pretty impressive!
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences asks four question on the natural world - what do we know?, how do we know?, what's happening now?, and how can you participate?
Through the myriad of hands-on exhibits, you can find out the answers!
Highlights of this iconic museum include the world's most complete Acrocanthosaurus dinosaur (of course there are dinosaurs!) and Willo, the only dinosaur discovered with a fossilized heart (how amazing!)
Kids can see a two-story waterfall, and even visit the Living Conservatory buzzing with hummingbirds and butterflies.
In fact, there are seven whole floors of exhibit spaces that span two city blocks (yes kids, you read that right!)
Have you ever touched the bones of a Right Whale, or sat in the center of the Earth? Well, now is your chance!
The museum suggests some great self-guided tours that you can follow, depending on your interest! The Extinct Tour takes you past a set of Megaldon Teeth, through prehistoric North Carolina and into the Ice Age.
The Bug Out tour breaks down barriers of spiders, ants and beetles (to name a few!) and there's even a tour for the youngest visitors where they can enjoy hands-on fun in the Discovery Room, and enjoy fun in the SECU Daily Planet Theater!
We feel like we haven't even begun to scratch the surface on what there is to do in this amazing museum in North Carolina, so why not visit and see for yourselves what there is to do!
Nature's calling!
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Suggest editHow much does it cost?
Suggest editAdults Free! (but donations appreciated)
Children Free!
Last Update 2023
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North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences FAQ’s
Doing our bit
Parking is available weekdays in several public pay parking decks within walking distance of the Museum.
An above-ground lot is located one block east of the Museum, with entrances on Jones and Edenton Streets.
The Green Square parking deck is at the corner of Edenton and McDowell Streets, behind the Nature Research Center (NRC). The entrance to the deck is on Edenton between Salisbury and McDowell Streets. Exit the deck on the north side and you will be at the back entrance to the NRC.
Limited metered parking is available along Jones and Edenton Streets.
What is there to do?
Meet the animals, special websites and exhibits regularly posted on their website, and have fun whilst you learn!
Do they have baby facilities?
You may bring your stroller into the Museum. Some areas of the Museum, such as Windows on the World and the Living Conservatory, may ask that you leave your stroller outside of their space.
I’m Hungry! Can I get food at North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences?
There are TWO cafes! The Daily Planet and the Acro Cafe offer a whole range of lunch and even breakfast items, from sandwiches, wraps, entrees, and parents - beer and wine!
Any top tips when visiting?
Check out the "Meet the Animal" times on the day you visit so you can plan around the event!
Does North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences have a gift shop?
There are in fact THREE gifts hops where you can pick up a whole range of goodies! The Museum Store, Center Store, and Exhibition Store offer a wide assortment of books, toys, minerals, jewelry, educational kits and more!
Teachers corner
What an amazing place to learn! They offer field trips as well as outreach programs, so give them a call to arrange!
Do they have baby facilities?
You may bring your stroller into the Museum. Some areas of the Museum, such as Windows on the World and the Living Conservatory, may ask that you leave your stroller outside of their space.
Does North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences have healthy eating or Vegan options?
There are healthy options in the cafe, like salads!
Is North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences fully accessible?
The museum is accessible and there are plenty of wheelchairs available in either building and are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
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