Asheville Museum of Science
A hands-on science museum in Asheville, NC, perfect for young explorers with interactive exhibits on dinosaurs, space, and more.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more play time
Asheville Museum of Science
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more play time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hands-on science museum in Asheville, NC, perfect for young explorers with interactive exhibits on dinosaurs, space, and more.
"It's small and doesn’t have a ton to do, but if you're into hands-on learning, it’s a fun place to explore."
🎯 Free Library Passes Available
Check your local library for ZOOM passes for free admission! A great budget-friendly option.
👟 Wear comfy shoes!
You'll be doing a lot of exploring and playing, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dinosaur Dig Pit
Paleontology Exhibit
Unearth prehistoric secrets by digging for dinosaur bones and fossils in this hands-on excavation zone.
French Broad River Water Exhibit
Environmental Science Area
Engage with water play, build dams, and learn about local hydrology in this interactive water feature.
Maker Space & Creative Zone
Back Room
Unleash creativity with building materials, design challenges, and hands-on STEM activities for all ages.
Space & Astronomy Exhibits
Various Locations
Explore the cosmos with engaging displays on planets, stars, and the wonders of space.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Manage Expectations: It's a Gem for Little Ones
Maximize Your Visit with Smart Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Library Passes Available
Check your local library for ZOOM passes for free admission! A great budget-friendly option.
👟 Wear comfy shoes!
You'll be doing a lot of exploring and playing, so comfortable footwear is a must.
⏳ Allow 1-2 hours
It's a smaller museum, perfect for a focused visit without overwhelming little ones.
💡 Read the displays!
Don't just play; engage with the thought-provoking displays for a deeper learning experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Library Passes Available
Check your local library for ZOOM passes for free admission! A great budget-friendly option.
👟 Wear comfy shoes!
You'll be doing a lot of exploring and playing, so comfortable footwear is a must.
⏳ Allow 1-2 hours
It's a smaller museum, perfect for a focused visit without overwhelming little ones.
💡 Read the displays!
Don't just play; engage with the thought-provoking displays for a deeper learning experience.
📱 Scavenger hunts are fun!
Participate in the museum's scavenger hunts for an extra layer of engagement.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Asheville Museum of Science to be a charming, hands-on science center, particularly ideal for younger children aged 2-7. While small, it offers engaging exhibits like dinosaur digs and water play that keep kids entertained for a couple of hours. Some note it's less suited for older children or adults seeking complex scientific displays, but its affordability and interactive nature make it a worthwhile stop for families.
"It's small and doesn’t have a ton to do, but if you're into hands-on learning, it’s a fun place to explore. There’s plenty of material to read, blocks and different structures to play with, and a few tunnels to climb through. There’s also a room for designing and creating.
Again, it’s not a big place and doesn’t offer a huge variety of activities, but if you want to spend an hour or two learning, exploring, and having some fun, it’s a really nice spot! Plus, it’s only about $10 to get in—kind of a perfect addition to an Asheville day, just maybe not the main attraction.
I'm glad I went, but I’d advise everyone to keep their expectations in check. It’s small and not super advanced, but it’s still a cool and educational experience."
Josiah Kenyon
"My 12 yo wanted to go to a science museum, and this was the closest one. This is a very tiny museum and if I had a two year old, I would’ve rated it a bit differently. I don’t want to discourage people from going but this place is solely for about age 5 and under. It’s about $11 per person to get in, so it wasn’t a huge loss as far as expenses but still for two adults and a preteen, I can think of 20 other ways to spend $33."
Megan “Lucy” Schmidt
"Great space for younger kids! We took our 3yo and he was able to spend almost 90 minutes occupied with activities. Very good if you have a little one that's into space, dinosaurs, rocks. He also loved the scavenger hunts they had available. I think if you have kids under 5-6, it's the perfect space. And is a great indoor activity to get out of the heat.
The only one downside is that they had 1 of the rooms (there's only 4 total) closed off for summer camps. Makes sense to utilize that space for camps but feel like the summer price should reflect that if it's not going to be an option at all."
Chandler Combs
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS) is located in downtown Asheville, NC. It's easily accessible by car, with nearby parking garages. Public transportation options are also available in the downtown area.
Yes, there are several parking garages and street parking options available in downtown Asheville, close to the museum. Expect to pay a fee for parking.
Absolutely! If you're staying in a downtown Asheville hotel, the museum is within easy walking distance, making it a convenient stop.
For convenience, driving and parking in a downtown garage is recommended. Alternatively, consider ride-sharing services or public transit if you're already in the city.
Yes, Asheville has a public transit system that serves the downtown area, making the museum accessible via bus routes. Check local schedules for details.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is reasonably priced, typically around $10-$11 per person. Keep an eye out for potential discounts or special offers.
Yes! A fantastic tip is to check with your local library for ZOOM passes, which can grant free admission.
Hours can vary, so it's always best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date opening and closing times before your visit.
While not always explicitly stated, it's often possible to purchase tickets in advance online through their website to save time, especially during peak seasons.
The museum is primarily geared towards children, but adults can enjoy the hands-on exhibits and learn something new, especially if they appreciate interactive science.
🎫 🔬 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the dinosaur dig pit, the French Broad River water exhibit, the engaging maker space, and the captivating space and astronomy displays. 
Yes, it's excellent for toddlers and younger children with its hands-on water play, building areas, and interactive exhibits designed for little hands.
The museum is ideal for children aged approximately 2-7. While older kids might enjoy it for an hour, it's primarily designed for younger learners.
Absolutely! Kids will love the dinosaur digs, water play, maker space, scavenger hunts, and climbing structures.
The maker space offers a variety of building materials and creative stations, encouraging hands-on STEM exploration and design.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself does not typically have a cafe or restaurant. However, being in downtown Asheville, there are numerous dining options within walking distance.
It's best to check their policy, but generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the exhibit areas. There might be designated areas for snacks.
Downtown Asheville boasts a wide array of restaurants, from casual cafes to upscale dining. Explore options like pizza, burgers, or local Southern cuisine.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, personal photography is generally allowed for non-commercial use. Capture those fun moments of discovery!
The interactive exhibits, especially the dinosaur dig and water play, offer great candid photo opportunities of children engaged in learning.
The colorful water exhibit, the detailed dinosaur bones, and the creative constructions in the maker space provide visually appealing backdrops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
+1 The museum is compact, making it manageable for short attention spans, and offers a great indoor escape from weather. Pro-tip: Look into library ZOOM passes for free admission!
Consider visiting on a weekday afternoon to avoid the busiest times. While older kids might find it less engaging, for the under-7 crowd, it's a fantastic and educational outing. 💰 Budget Travelers
This makes it an incredibly affordable activity. Even at full price, the hands-on nature of the exhibits means kids can spend a good amount of time engaged, maximizing the value of your ticket. It's a great way to have an educational and fun experience without breaking the bank, especially when combined with other free or low-cost Asheville activities.
📚 Educational Field Trips
+1 The hands-on nature of the exhibits, like the dinosaur dig and maker space, provides a memorable and interactive learning experience for students. Teachers often praise the museum for its thoughtful and engaging programming that complements classroom instruction.
Booking in advance is essential for school groups to secure a spot and coordinate logistics. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'All Ages' Promise: Who is it Really For?
While adults can certainly appreciate the educational value and the joy of seeing children engage, those seeking complex scientific demonstrations or advanced exhibits might find it limited. One Reddit user noted feeling a bit out of place as an unaccompanied adult, highlighting the predominantly child-focused atmosphere.
Maximizing Value: Tickets and Free Admission
However, the real gem for budget-conscious visitors is the ZOOM pass program. Many local libraries offer these passes, which can grant free admission to the museum. This is a tip frequently shared by savvy parents looking to make their trips more economical.
It's highly recommended to check with your local library before your visit to see if they participate in this program. This can significantly reduce the cost of your visit, making it an even more attractive option for families. Hands-On Learning: Exhibits That Engage
The French Broad River water exhibit is a hit for sensory play and understanding basic physics principles like water flow and dam building. +1The maker space is another highlight, offering a dedicated area for creativity and problem-solving. Here, kids can experiment with various building materials, fostering their engineering and design skills.
Beyond these, the museum also features engaging displays on space and astronomy, as well as exhibits focused on rocks and geology, often incorporating scavenger hunts to keep young explorers engaged. +1
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