I was looking for somewhere to take the kids in Charlotte and found Discovery Place Science, which opens at 9 a.m. Most attractions in Charlotte open at 10 or 11, so an early start here was perfect for using up the morning.
Bottom line first: it feels like a children’s science center. It has 3 floors, with exhibits on floors 1–2 and the IMAX theater on floor 3. I could skim the main exhibits in about 30 minutes, but since everything is hands-on, how long you stay will really depend on how old your kids are.
Admission and tickets
Buying online in advance, it’s $23.95 for adults, $18.95 for kids (ages 2–13) and $20.95 for seniors (60+). Walk-up tickets cost more, up to $28.96 for an adult. Under 2 is free. IMAX is an extra charge, about $6 for 1 person.
On Wednesdays kids’ tickets are $5 off, and military families get $2 off. EBT/WIC recipients get in for $3, and the annual membership ($129–$165) pays for itself in 2 visits, so it’s worth a look if you plan to come often. If you’re a member of the ASTC Travel Passport Program, you may be able to get in free, so check that.
Walking through the exhibits
A big exhibit hall opens up right after you walk in. On days without school groups it’s as quiet as in the photo, so you can take your time. It’s set up so you touch and try things across physics, chemistry, biology and other areas of science.
In the corner about architecture and design, kids can draw their own floor plans and stack up structures. This is where kids get completely absorbed in building with blocks.
‘Being Me’ is a permanent exhibit on human anatomy, where you learn about the skeletal, cardiovascular and nervous systems and more in an interactive way. Kids in elementary school and up will find it pretty interesting.
The aquarium
There’s a small aquarium inside the World Alive exhibit. Compared with a dedicated aquarium it’s on the small side (around 10 tanks), but they’ve recreated a range of habitats, from wetland ecosystems to coral reefs.
We also got to see seahorses hanging on among the seagrass. One of the spots where kids stay the longest.
KidScience play space for little ones
KidScience is a space just for toddlers and preschoolers. It’s set at their eye level, with nature, water play and construction play. There’s water play in this area, so bring a change of clothes.
IMAX Dome theater
The IMAX Dome theater on the 3rd floor has the biggest screen in the Carolinas. They show all kinds of programs, from nature documentaries to space films, and shows run about 40–50 minutes. They sometimes sell out on weekends, so I’d book online ahead of time.
Tips for visiting
- Tuesday to Thursday mornings are the quietest. Weekend afternoons can get crowded with groups.
- Buying online ahead is about $5 cheaper than at the door.
- Book IMAX and the planetarium ahead (same-day weekend tickets often sell out).
- Plan on 2–4 hours. Add IMAX and it’s half a day.
- Easy with a stroller, and there are elevators to every floor.
- The parking deck is at 220 W 6th St, 25% off when you show your admission ticket. Members pay a flat $8.
- 2 blocks on foot from the LYNX Blue Line 7th Street Station.
- There’s a café inside for a quick meal. 7th Street Public Market nearby is also walkable.
Honest take
From a grown-up’s point of view, it might be a bit underwhelming. In depth and size, it’s on the small side next to big science museums. But since it’s aimed at kids, if you’re with 3–12 year olds you can easily have a full, worthwhile visit. The staff were friendly too, and on a day without school groups it was comfortable to walk around.
The basics
| Address | 301 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202 |
| Hours | Mon–Thu 9:30–16:30 / Fri 9:30–17:30 / Sat 10:30–17:30 / Sun 10:30–16:30 |
| Admission | Adults $23.95 / Kids (2–13) $18.95 / Seniors (60+) $20.95 (online price) |
| IMAX | Extra ~$6 per person |
| Parking | Parking deck at 220 W 6th St, 25% off with admission ticket |
| Best for ages | 3–12 |
| Time needed | 2–4 hours |
| Phone | 704-286-8302 |
| Website | discoveryplace.org |
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