Are you looking for a reprieve from the hot summer sun? Discovery Place Science will keep the kiddos busy all day, and they will learn something without even realizing it! I am sharing this post today as part of my series on Traveling with Kids.
My kids are only a few years apart in age, but I still understand the struggle of finding a family activity that everyone can enjoy. Even three or four years apart can make a big difference when kids are small. When we decided to accompany my daughter as a family on her school field trip to Discovery Place Science, I was excited about our excursion yet unsure if the center would be too advanced for the triplets to enjoy. My apprehension was soon proven incorrect as Discovery Place Science in Charlotte delighted every member of our group.
Prior to this trip, we had never visited Discovery Place Science. We do not live close to the area, so the journey to the museum was an experience in itself.
The World Alive exhibit includes a look into the wonder of the rainforest and the oceans (complete with a mini aquarium of sorts).
My kids (and the hubby!) liked the jellyfish exhibit. I liked that the spaces to view the exhibits are open and not cramped together, giving everyone plenty of room to view.
While Discovery Place Science does offer a plethora of learning opportunities for older kids, as a mom I appreciated the inclusion of even the smallest kiddos at the KidScience Exhibition. From water play to music play to block building, my older daughter was also wowed! I spotted smaller seats in the water play area for babies (those who can sit up on their own) to join in the fun.
All kids will like the Cool Stuff and Project Build exhibits, though the older ones will find them particularly fascinating. My husband even took a turn on the “Bed of Nails.” From physics to engineering, theses exhibits (located on the second floor) do not disappoint.
Discovery Place Science offers special exhibits that are offered on a rotating basis. On our visit, we were able to see the Genghis Khan exhibit, which my husband and I found fascinating. You can always check their website to see current special exhibits.
These few photos that I have included do not compare to the plethora of eye-catching exhibits and activities that Discovery Place Science offers. In addition to the educational exhibits, the museum includes:
- Live shows
- IMAX experience (additional ticket required)- Our boys, who have short attention spans, enjoyed this show. They became a little wiggly near the end, but they liked the close up views of the fish, and they have mentioned things that they saw in the show since our trip (so I know that they really were watching and that it was memorable!)
- Gift shop
- Curio City Kitchen for dining- We packed our lunch, but several in our group ate at the Curio City Kitchen. We stopped in there for a snack near the end of our visit, and the food was great!
- Special events throughout the year
All of this sounds great, right? But you know that I can’t share these posts about our travels without giving you a glimpse into what I liked most about Discovery Place Science from the perspective of a mom.
- I loved that the kids were learning without even realizing it. Discovery Place Science shows that learning can be FUN!
- I liked that there were plenty of opportunities for kids to be kids. I’m a triplet mom, so I know that kids can be messy with a capital “M!” While Discovery Place Science has traditional exhibits, it encourages kids to explore and build, even if the end result is a little messy.
- Yes to stroller space! Moms can wheel their little ones in with plenty of space to maneuver through all the exhibitions.
- Kids of all ages will find something to enjoy.
If you are passing through Charlotte or staying near the area and are looking for a day activity with the kids, I encourage you to check out Discovery Place Science.
**This is NOT a sponsored post. We visited Discovery Place Science and enjoyed it so much that I had to share!
This brings back such great memories. When my kids were little, visiting our local science center was one of our favorite ways to pass the time. Discovery Place Science sure looks like a step up from ours. I’d especially love to see the jellyfish and try the Bed of Nails! x
WOW, this is so cool! My kids would want to spend hours at the Discovery Place Science, especially my oldest son that boy loves anything related to science! I love your images, what a great view from inside…thanks for sharing!
Wow! What a fun museum for kids and families. THis would be heaven for my son. He loves science so this would keep him entertained all day long. I love that so many cities have museums like this for family days.
Oh wow, that’s such an amazing place! I once brought my nephew to a place like this and he was over the moon. 😀 If I’m ever in the area, I will surely keep this in mind. It looks fantastic!
We have a local science center and my girls love it their. We visit often! I am loving all your pictures, it looks like you had a wonderful time. Thank you for sharing.
I love the fact that everything was so colorful – great for kids and to grab their attention. I’m up for anything family-friendly, so this spot totally looks like something up my alley. Also, the fact that it’s science-related and educational gets a thumbs up.
I will have to add this to our bucket list for the little guy. He’s not quite old enough to enjoy Discovery Place just yet. I think I’d enjoy a trip there with my hubby, the science nerd.
I miss these sort of trips with my kids. It was always great to incorporate fun and learning together on vacations. My kids are teenagers now, but I sure do miss visiting all the science centers and aquariums.
I love science museums. We have one here in Las Vegas and it’s the best. You really do learn without realizing it. So great every one (all ages) in the family were able to enjoy the museum.
My little one would have a field day over there! It looks amazing and even the teenagers could benefit from going to this science museum. There is so much to learn from there and thank you for the great pics, they are so vivid!
Oh wow, that’s such an amazing place! I once brought my nephew to a place like this and he was over the moon. 😀 If I’m ever in the area, I will surely keep this in mind. It looks fantastic!