Greensboro Science Center
A vibrant 3-in-1 destination featuring a zoo, aquarium, and hands-on museum, perfect for family fun and discovery.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Greensboro Science Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant 3-in-1 destination featuring a zoo, aquarium, and hands-on museum, perfect for family fun and discovery.
"It's a great little all-in-one zoo-aquarium-science center for kids preschool to elementary age."
🎯 Membership Value
Get a membership! It pays for itself quickly and offers endless family fun. :moneybag:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wiseman Aquarium
Indoor Aquarium
Dive into a vibrant underwater world with sharks, stingrays, and diverse marine life. A must-see for all ages!
Red Panda Haven
Zoo
Spot the adorable red pandas, a highlight for many visitors. Learn about conservation efforts for these endangered cuties.
Kiwanisaurus Treehouse Adventure
Outdoor Playground
An epic outdoor experience with treehouses and bridges, perfect for climbing and exploring. ADA accessible!
Prehistoric Passages
Museum
Journey back in time with impressive dinosaur exhibits that captivate both kids and adults.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Membership Magic
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Membership Value
Get a membership! It pays for itself quickly and offers endless family fun. :moneybag:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water bottles! Outside food and drink are allowed. :droplet:
📸 Capture the Moments
Plenty of photo ops! Don't forget your camera or phone. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Membership Value
Get a membership! It pays for itself quickly and offers endless family fun. :moneybag:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water bottles! Outside food and drink are allowed. :droplet:
📸 Capture the Moments
Plenty of photo ops! Don't forget your camera or phone. :camerawithflash:
⏳ Plan Your Visit
Allow at least 3-4 hours to see everything. :clock:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Greensboro Science Center as a fantastic '3-in-1' destination offering a zoo, aquarium, and museum. It's highly recommended for families due to its engaging exhibits, kid-friendly play areas, and excellent value, especially with a membership. While some teens might find it geared towards younger audiences, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the well-cared-for animals and helpful staff.
"Really nice medium sized zoo and aquarium. The zoo has plenty of shade. It reached 85° the day we were there and was very tolerable. There are plenty of great different animals you would not expect.
There is an AMAZING sky walk adventure zip lines and aerial walks. Bigger then any I've see elsewhere. $40 per person i think.
Great for kids"
Margaret Rickards
"Wow! This was a great experience. It's my second time to visit the science center. The last time was several years ago. It has really grown in that time. There is a quite impressive aquarium section. The dinosaur, butterfly, and flight sections were particularly good. There was a fairly nice outdoor zoo but because of the weather conditions that day most of the animals had taken the day off. There is a sky adventure which you could not pay me enough money to get on. But it looked like a lot of fun for those who were doing it. I also had lunch at the meerkat Cafe which was pretty good. It's a fun place to spend the day. It's an excellent choice for families and individuals and groups. All the staff were incredibly helpful and gave great suggestions."
Myron Jackson
"The Greensboro Science Center is an incredible mix of science museum, aquarium, and zoo all in one! You can explore fascinating exhibits, see amazing marine life up close, and meet animals from all over the world. Right now, the Blue Whale exhibit is a must see it’s breathtaking and educational. The staff are friendly and passionate, making the whole experience even better. Highly recommend adding this to your list when visiting Greensboro, especially for families or anyone curious about the natural world! It’s about an hour and a half from Raleigh, but worth the visit."
Justin Keishing
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Greensboro Science Center is located at 4301 Lawndale Dr, Greensboro, NC 27455. It's about 1.5 hours from Charlotte and an hour from Raleigh. Many visitors arrive by car, and there is ample parking available.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the Greensboro Science Center, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
While public transportation options might exist, most visitors opt for driving due to the center's location. Check local Greensboro transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, the Greensboro Science Center is generally accessible. The Kiwanisaurus Treehouse Adventure is ADA accessible, and many exhibits are designed to accommodate visitors with mobility challenges.
From I-40 Westbound, take exit 124 for US-29 N/Lawndale Drive. Turn right onto Lawndale Drive, and the Greensboro Science Center will be on your right.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, but general admission typically covers the aquarium, museum, and zoo. Check their official website for the most current pricing and any special exhibit fees. [^Review]
While specific discounts like AAA or EBT are not always advertised, consider a membership for significant savings if you plan to visit multiple times.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is often recommended to save time and ensure entry, especially during peak seasons or special events.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Greensboro Science Center website for the most up-to-date hours of operation before your visit.
Absolutely! A membership to the Greensboro Science Center is highly recommended by visitors, as it offers great value and unlimited access throughout the year.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The zoo features a variety of animals, including red pandas, pygmy hippos, gibbons, and cassowaries. Many visitors are impressed by the diverse and unexpected animal collection.
Beyond the zoo, you can explore a fascinating aquarium, engaging museum exhibits (like dinosaurs and butterflies), and the Kiwanisaurus Treehouse Adventure playground.
Yes, it's a fantastic place for toddlers! The hands-on exhibits, petting zoo, and the Kiwanisaurus Treehouse Adventure are big hits with the little ones. +1 [^Review]
The center often features special exhibits. The Blue Whale exhibit and the flight simulator have been highlighted as particularly breathtaking and educational. [^Review]
The Sky Adventure includes zip lines and aerial walks, offering a thrilling experience for those seeking adventure. It's a separate ticketed attraction. [^Review]
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Meerkat Cafe offers concessions. However, visitors also appreciate that outside food and drink are permitted, making it easy to bring your own snacks. [^Review]
Absolutely! The Greensboro Science Center allows visitors to bring their own food and drinks, which is a great option for families looking to save money. [^Review]
The Meerkat Cafe offers typical cafe fare. Reviews suggest it's a decent option for a quick bite during your visit. [^Review]
While not explicitly mentioned, the allowance of outside food suggests there are areas where visitors can enjoy their own meals. [^Review]
Greensboro has a variety of dining options nearby. You can find numerous restaurants and cafes a short drive from the Science Center.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. Capture the amazing animals, exhibits, and your family's fun moments!
The aquarium with its vibrant marine life, the red pandas, the butterfly house, and the dinosaur exhibits offer fantastic photo opportunities.
It's always best to check signage at individual exhibits. Flash photography can disturb animals and damage delicate displays, so it's often discouraged. [^Review]
While personal cameras and phones are fine, professional photography or videography may require special permission. Check with the center if you plan on extensive shoots.
You can find many visitor photos and videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram by searching for #greensborosciencecenter.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a membership for the best value if you plan multiple visits. 💰 Budget Travelers
👫 Couples & Adults
The Sky Adventure offers a thrilling activity for couples seeking adventure. [^Review] The center has grown significantly, offering updated exhibits that appeal to all ages. 🚗 Day-Trippers
[^Review] It's a manageable size, allowing you to see most of the attractions in 3-4 hours. [^Review] Arrive early to make the most of your day and avoid the biggest crowds. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A 3-in-1 Adventure: Zoo, Aquarium, and Museum
+1 [^Review]The zoo features a diverse range of animals, including popular red pandas and pygmy hippos, with many exhibits offering good shade for comfort during warmer months. The aquarium is a highlight, showcasing vibrant marine life like sharks and stingrays, providing a captivating underwater spectacle.
Complementing these are the museum exhibits, which include impressive dinosaur displays and interactive learning areas, ensuring educational fun for all ages. [^Review]This integrated approach means you don't have to choose between a zoo, aquarium, or science museum; you can experience all three in a single visit. This comprehensive offering is a major reason why many recommend it as a top attraction in Greensboro.
[^Review]Family Fun and Value: Membership and Kid-Friendly Features
Beyond the value, the center is packed with kid-friendly features. The Kiwanisaurus Treehouse Adventure is a major draw, offering an accessible outdoor playground with climbing structures and bridges that kids adore.
Toddlers, in particular, find plenty to engage with, from the hands-on museum exhibits to the petting zoo areas. With its combination of engaging exhibits, dedicated play areas, and cost-effective membership options, the Greensboro Science Center consistently delivers a memorable and fun-filled day for families with children of all ages.
Beyond the Exhibits: Adventure and Conservation
The center also plays a vital role in conservation efforts, particularly highlighted by their work with red pandas. They actively participate in events like International Red Panda Day, raising awareness about these endangered animals and showcasing their conservation programs.
+1 Visitors can learn about these efforts and even see red pandas up close, making the visit both entertaining and educational. These additional elements, from adventurous activities to impactful conservation initiatives, contribute to the Greensboro Science Center's reputation as a dynamic and multifaceted destination that offers more than just a typical day out.
[^Review]
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit