Roper Mountain Science Center
Explore dinosaurs, stars, and nature at this interactive science center with a planetarium, observatory, and living farm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Roper Mountain Science Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore dinosaurs, stars, and nature at this interactive science center with a planetarium, observatory, and living farm.
"Kids eat free? What?? My littles are obsessed with Wild Kratts and dinosaurs, so we HAD to go!"
🎯 Pack Your Own Lunch
Cafeteria food can be pricey and lines long. Bringing your own lunch saves money and time!
⏰ Arrive Early
Beat the heat and crowds, especially in summer. Aim for opening to get the most out of your visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dinosaur Trail
Outdoor Exhibit
Roam among life-sized dinosaurs and explore a dino-themed playground. A must-see for young paleontologists!
Nature Exchange
Indoor Exhibit
Kids can trade natural treasures they've found for new specimens. A unique, hands-on learning experience!
Planetarium Shows
Planetarium
Experience the largest planetarium in South Carolina with captivating shows and laser light experiences.
Living Farm & Gardens
Outdoor Area
Meet farm animals, explore gardens, and even try gem mining for a taste of rural life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Budget-Friendly Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pack Your Own Lunch
Cafeteria food can be pricey and lines long. Bringing your own lunch saves money and time!
⏰ Arrive Early
Beat the heat and crowds, especially in summer. Aim for opening to get the most out of your visit.
💰 EBT Discount
If you have an EBT card, admission is $5 per person. Great for budget-conscious families!
🦋 Butterfly Encounter
Don't miss the chance to see beautiful butterflies up close in this enchanting exhibit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pack Your Own Lunch
Cafeteria food can be pricey and lines long. Bringing your own lunch saves money and time!
⏰ Arrive Early
Beat the heat and crowds, especially in summer. Aim for opening to get the most out of your visit.
💰 EBT Discount
If you have an EBT card, admission is $5 per person. Great for budget-conscious families!
🦋 Butterfly Encounter
Don't miss the chance to see beautiful butterflies up close in this enchanting exhibit.
🚀 Planetarium Tickets
Planetarium tickets can sell out, especially for evening shows. Book in advance if possible!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Roper Mountain Science Center for its engaging, interactive exhibits and diverse attractions, from dinosaurs to marine life. The affordability, especially with the 'kids eat free' program and EBT discounts, makes it a top choice for families. While the food options receive mixed reviews, the overall educational and fun experience ensures many visitors plan return trips.
"We enjoyed the Roper Mountain Science Center. There were a lot of engaging, interactive exhibits and activities for the children. Children under the age of 18 even eat free in their cafeteria and it was a nice, healthy, and nutritious balanced lunch. The butterfly garden had many beautiful butterflies. The Wild Kratts Adventure Exhibit was fun and every station throughout the center was very educational. From seeing snakes and underwater creatures up close to exploring a pirate playground, dinosaur trail, and living farm, there's something for all ages."
Kahleela Blake
"My kids and I had the best time!! I thought admission was really reasonably priced for the summer adventure, $15 per adult and $14 per kid. Plus, kids eat free?? What?? (From 10:30-1:00.) I got a yummy salad for $3 too! My littles are currently obsessed with Wild Kratts and dinosaurs, so obviously when I saw the traveling Wild Kratts exhibit and the life size dinosaur trail we HAD to go. But they also loved petting the stingrays and starfish, the butterfly encounter, the animals and gem mining at the farm, the playgrounds....really just everything! We made a special day trip from Columbia and it was so worth it. We got there at 10:40 and had time to do everything, but I'd definitely recommend trying to get there right at 10:00 so you can have the full six hours. You won't run out of stuff to do! My kids are already begging to go back."
Shalynne Orth
"Was blown away with all of the fantastic sections of this museum. More kid friendly, with playgrounds and other areas within the museum."
Elissa Elders
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Roper Mountain Science Center is located in Greenville, SC. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available on-site. Many visitors make it a day trip from nearby cities like Columbia.
Information on public transportation options can be found on the official Roper Mountain Science Center website or by contacting their visitor services.
There is a dedicated parking lot for visitors. It's generally spacious, but can fill up during peak times.
Absolutely! Many visitors, including those from Columbia, make a day trip to Roper Mountain Science Center and find there's plenty to do to fill the entire day.
Yes, you can easily use GPS navigation to find the center. The address is readily available online.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission is reasonably priced, with specific rates for adults and children. EBT cardholders receive a discounted rate of $5 per person.
Yes, EBT cardholders get a discounted rate. Additionally, children under 18 often eat free during specific lunch hours, making it very budget-friendly. +1
Yes, children under 18 can eat free at the cafeteria during specific hours (typically 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM), which is a fantastic perk for families.
It's recommended to check the official Roper Mountain Science Center website for the most up-to-date information on purchasing tickets, especially for special events or planetarium shows.
Operating hours can vary, especially seasonally. It's best to check the official Roper Mountain Science Center website for the most current hours of operation before your visit.
🎫 🔬 Onsite Experience
Highlights include the Dinosaur Trail, Nature Exchange, Planetarium, Observatory, Living Farm, Butterfly Encounter, and various interactive indoor exhibits covering topics like marine life and environmental science. 
The outdoor Dinosaur Trail is accessible for free, offering a great way to explore prehistoric life without additional cost.
The Nature Exchange allows children to bring in natural items they've collected and trade them for other specimens, fostering a love for nature and discovery. +1
Yes, visitors can often interact with animals, such as petting stingrays in the Marine Lab and seeing farm animals.
Yes, there are themed playgrounds, including a dinosaur-themed one, and other play areas that are great for kids to burn off energy.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a cafeteria on-site offering meals. However, some visitors recommend bringing your own lunch to save money and avoid lines.
Reviews on food quality are mixed. While some find it acceptable, others describe it as low-end cafeteria fare and overpriced.
Yes, the cafeteria does offer some healthier options, and the 'kids eat free' program provides a balanced meal for children.
Bringing your own lunch and drinks is highly recommended by many visitors to save money and ensure you have what you like.
The cafeteria typically operates during specific hours, often coinciding with the 'kids eat free' program. Check the center's schedule for exact times.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, personal photography is generally allowed throughout the center, allowing you to capture memories of your visit.
The Dinosaur Trail, Butterfly Encounter, and the various interactive exhibits offer great photo opportunities. The planetarium dome can also make for a unique shot.
It's always a good practice to check for any signage regarding flash photography, especially in exhibits with live animals or sensitive displays.
Drone usage is typically not permitted inside or around attractions like Roper Mountain Science Center for safety and privacy reasons.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for indoor exhibits. A smartphone camera is usually sufficient for most visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
The Living Farm with its animals and the Nature Exchange offer engaging, hands-on fun. Many exhibits are designed for interactive play, ensuring toddlers and preschoolers stay entertained. Plus, the 'kids eat free' program during lunch hours is a major budget-saver for families.
💰 Budget Travelers
Many outdoor exhibits, like the Dinosaur Trail, are free to explore once inside, offering great value. Packing your own lunch is also a smart way to cut down on expenses.
🧑🏫 Educators & Homeschoolers
+1The Nature Exchange encourages scientific inquiry, while the Planetarium offers engaging lessons on astronomy. The center also hosts special events and programs tailored for school groups and educators, making it an ideal field trip destination.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Dinosaur Trail
Beyond the impressive dinosaur models, the trail also features a dinosaur-themed playground, allowing kids to burn off energy and imagine themselves as explorers. Information panels throughout the trail provide educational insights into the Mesozoic era, making it a fun and informative experience for the whole family.
This outdoor section is often highlighted as a favorite, offering a unique blend of education and active play. It's a great way to experience paleontology in a tangible way, making it a memorable part of any visit.
The Wonders of the Planetarium
Shows often cover topics like constellations, planets, and space exploration, making them both entertaining and educational. It's recommended to check the schedule and potentially book tickets in advance, as popular shows can sell out, especially during evening hours.
The planetarium is a key attraction that appeals to all ages, providing a unique perspective on the universe and a memorable visual spectacle. It's a perfect way to cap off a day of scientific exploration.
Hands-On Learning at the Nature Exchange
This program encourages curiosity about the natural world and teaches children about conservation and the value of natural resources. It's a unique way to engage young minds and foster a deeper appreciation for the environment.
It's a fantastic, hands-on activity that sets Roper Mountain Science Center apart, offering a dynamic and educational experience that goes beyond passive observation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit