Spend the Day at Discovery Place: Charlotte, NC

Have you been thinking about a visit to Discovery Place Science in uptown Charlotte, NC? Our visit was amazing, as always. If you’re never been to Discovery Place Science, here’s what you’ll see! Mixed throughout you’ll find our Kidding Around® Parent Tips for the best trip!

Thanks to local mom, Jen H. for all the great parent tips and sharing her thoughts to enhance this review.

What is there to do at the Discovery Place Science Museum in Charlotte?

At Discovery Place Science Museum in Charlotte, NC, there’s an abundance of activities and exhibits to explore, making it a vibrant destination for visitors of all ages. Here’s a snapshot of what you can do:

Learning + Labs

The museum contains multiple exhibits and labs that touch on every area of science, like physics, biology, chemistry, and technology. Hands-on activities throughout the museum let you and your kids discover science in a tangible way. 

Labs like Explore More Me, Explore More Future, and Tinker Space, offer you and your kiddos the space to really dive into science.  Labs feature classes and unique experiences throughout the day.

Parent Tip: Be sure to check the daily schedule of events when you get to the museum.

For the Younger Kids

KidScience is a space designed with younger kiddos in mind. This area offers interactive play and learning tailored to preschool and early elementary-aged children. It’s a fun and educational environment for kids to explore basic scientific concepts.

Parent Tip: It does have a small water feature, so you may want to bring extra clothes.

Live Shows and Demonstrations

See live science shows throughout the day, including experiments and hands-on demonstrations. You may even have the opportunity to see some animals up close, learn about them, and give them a pet.

Watch a Movie

The IMAX Dome Theatre at Discovery Place Science Charlotte, NC

Discovery Place Science is home to the largest IMAX Dome Theater in the Carolinas.  They offer a wide variety of movies appealing to all ages. Their shows change frequently, so there’s always something new.

Parents Note: IMAX theater shows are an add-on expense.

Why we love Discovery Place

This museum has something for kids of all ages. As a mom to children of mixed ages, it can be hard to find a place that they can all enjoy. This place fits the bill. My kids spend hours in the labs, immersed in activities.

Some recent favorites included Lego robot coding, learning about electric currents, and designing a motor to draw circles with markers. 

Every time we go back, there seems to be something new! It’s a very well-done experience, with attentive and educated staff.

Plan to Spend the Day

Be prepared to spend a good portion of your day here, especially if you have middle-aged children who may spend more time in the labs and stations.

Parent Tip: In our experience, the morning is the least crowded time to go.

More to Know About Discovery Place

Café and Gift Shop

The museum is home to the Bean Sprouts Café. They serve a variety of breakfast and lunch foods including salads, sandwiches, and pizza.  Their kid-friendly options are made with healthy ingredients and appeal to younger kids. You can even find vegan and gluten-free options. For parents who need a caffeine boost midway through, you can find some pretty good coffee, too!

If you are concerned about food allergies, you’ll want to know that the Beansprouts Cafe has been awarded the Best Food Allergy Innovation Award and offers some unique options to accommodate food allergies.

Visit the gift shop to find science-themed souvenirs, educational toys, and books that extend the learning experience beyond your visit.

Educational Programs

Discovery Place offers workshops, after-school programs, and summer camps designed for children and teens. These programs focus on hands-on science learning and often include activities like building robots or conducting experiments.

In addition, schools frequently visit Discovery Place Science for educational field trips. The museum offers tailored programs that align with curriculum standards to enhance students’ learning experiences.

Birthday Parties at Discovery Place

Discovery Place offers multiple party themes and add-ons including IMAX tickets, science demos, and more. Check them out and plan a birthday party at Discovery Place.

Admission to Discovery Place

The cheapest way to get tickets is to purchase tickets in advance as walk-up tickets are more expensive. In addition, you can save 10% by purchasing a 4-ticket pack and 12% by purchasing a 6-ticket pack.

Individual ticket prices vary from $18 to $29 per person depending on time of day, age, and whether you purchase in advance. Kids under 2 are free all of the time. Check ticket prices for your visit on the Discovery Place ticket page.

Are there other Discovery Place locations?

Yes, we’ve been reviewing Discover Place Science, the main science museum, located in uptown. But, there are multiple Discovery Place locations in and around Charlotte, NC. The Discovery Place network includes several distinct museums and centers, each offering unique experiences.

Discovery Place Science

• Location: 301 N Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
• Description: This is the main science museum located in uptown Charlotte. It features interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and educational programs focused on various scientific fields. It’s known for its innovative exhibits and Science Theater.

Discovery Place Nature

• Location: 1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte, NC 28209
• Description: Discovery Place Nature is a nature-focused museum that offers a more outdoorsy and ecological experience. It includes exhibits on local wildlife, nature trails, and hands-on activities related to natural science. It’s an excellent destination for learning about local ecosystems and conservation.

Discovery Place Kids – Huntersville

• Location: 105 Gilead Road, Huntersville, NC 28078
• Description: Discovery Place Kids in Huntersville is tailored for younger children, offering interactive, educational exhibits designed for early learners. The museum focuses on playful learning and includes exhibits on various themes such as community roles, science basics, and imaginative play.

Discovery Place Kids – Rockingham

• Location: 233 E Washington Street, Rockingham, NC 28379
• Description: Similar to the Huntersville location, Discovery Place Kids in Rockingham caters to young children with interactive exhibits and educational activities. It provides a hands-on learning environment that encourages curiosity and creativity in younger audiences.