See large sharks upclose at the Shark Reef inside the Carolina SciQuarium
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Greensboro Science Center

4.7
·10k reviews·Greensboro, United States

A vibrant 3-in-1 destination featuring a zoo, aquarium, and hands-on museum, perfect for family fun and discovery.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal activity

CrowdLow
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See large sharks upclose at the Shark Reef inside the Carolina SciQuarium

Greensboro Science Center

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal activity

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant 3-in-1 destination featuring a zoo, aquarium, and hands-on museum, perfect for family fun and discovery.

4.7
(10k reviews)

"It's a great little all-in-one zoo-aquarium-science center for kids preschool to elementary age."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 9,588 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wiseman Aquarium

Wiseman Aquarium

Indoor Aquarium

Dive into a vibrant underwater world with sharks, stingrays, and diverse marine life. A must-see for all ages!

TikTok
Red Panda Haven

Red Panda Haven

Zoo

Spot the adorable red pandas, a highlight for many visitors. Learn about conservation efforts for these endangered cuties.

TikTokInstagram
Kiwanisaurus Treehouse Adventure

Kiwanisaurus Treehouse Adventure

Outdoor Playground

An epic outdoor experience with treehouses and bridges, perfect for climbing and exploring. ADA accessible!

Instagram
Prehistoric Passages

Prehistoric Passages

Museum

Journey back in time with impressive dinosaur exhibits that captivate both kids and adults.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Membership Magic

Consider a membership! Redditors and visitors rave that it pays for itself quickly and offers endless family fun, making frequent visits easy and affordable. Reddit

Beat the Heat & Crowds

Visit during cooler parts of the day, especially in summer. The zoo has good shade, but animals can be less active in peak heat. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon (Summer)
Why
Cooler temps, animals more active
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends (Off-Peak Hours)
Why
Still fun, but plan for crowds
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍Greensboro Science Center, Greensboro North Carolina✨ can you spot the Red Panda!🐍🐝🦅🐞🦖 #greensboro #greensboronc #greensborosciencecenter #toddler #toddlersoftiktok #nctravel #nc #northcarolina #amtrak #winstonsalem #boymom #ncmom #zoo #aquarium #childrensmuseum
@thetravelingveteranmama
1.8K likes • 38.6K views

🎯 Membership Value

Get a membership! It pays for itself quickly and offers endless family fun. Reddit :moneybag:

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:

Greensboro Science Center #gsc #greensboro #greensborosciencecenter #northcarolina #OREOBdayStack #336 #moonies #getoutside
@nestedinnorthcarolina
256 likes • 6.1K views
The Greensboro Science Center is like no other zoo, aquarium, or museum in the state. Guests can immediately see why GSC is such a special place as soon as they walk through the front doors. The space includes an indoor aquarium, indoor and outdoor play spaces, hands-on learning areas, laser shows, a petting zoo, and more. Visit them before your kiddos return to school, and share our video to your...
thesociableadventurer
16 likes • 450 views

💧 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:

📍 Greensboro Science Center ✨ Greensboro, North Carolina. #boymom #toddler #toddlersofinstagram #toddlermom #northcarolina #mom #greensboro #raleigh #winstonsalem #thingstodo #greensboro #amtrak
thetravelingveteranmama
15 likes • 1.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Membership Value

Get a membership! It pays for itself quickly and offers endless family fun. Reddit :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. 🕐

What Travellers Say

4.7
(10k reviews)

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

Great value membership
Diverse animal collection
Engaging kid-friendly exhibits

What People Dislike

Can be geared towards younger kids
Sky Adventure is pricey

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. TikTokInstagram

Yes, there is ample parking available at the Greensboro Science Center, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

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. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. InstagramReddit

Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is often recommended to save time and ensure entry, especially during peak seasons or special events. TikTok

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. TikTok

Absolutely! A membership to the Greensboro Science Center is highly recommended by visitors, as it offers great value and unlimited access throughout the year. InstagramReddit

🎫 🧭 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. TikTokInstagram [^Review]

Beyond the zoo, you can explore a fascinating aquarium, engaging museum exhibits (like dinosaurs and butterflies), and the Kiwanisaurus Treehouse Adventure playground. Instagram+1

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. TikTok+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. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. Capture the amazing animals, exhibits, and your family's fun moments! TikTok

The aquarium with its vibrant marine life, the red pandas, the butterfly house, and the dinosaur exhibits offer fantastic photo opportunities. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTok

You can find many visitor photos and videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram by searching for #greensborosciencecenter. TikTokInstagram

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