Looking for a one-stop family adventure that combines a zoo, aquarium, museum, ropes course, and even a carousel? The Greensboro Science Center in North Carolina is the kind of place where your kids will learn without even realizing it—and you’ll have just as much fun tagging along.
We sent one of our team members with a group of kiddos ages 5–13, and they came back with tons of stories to share. Here’s what to expect when you visit—plus our favorite tips for making it the best day possible for your crew.
Watch! Take a Peek at Our Visit
From Sharks to Otters: The Aquarium Is a Big Win
We kicked off our visit at the Wiseman Aquarium, and it was an instant hit. The shark tank drew the kids in right away (pun intended), but it was the touch tank with sting rays that really got them engaged.
And it’s not just fish tanks—there are tunnels you can crawl through to see otters up close, mesmerizing jellyfish tanks, and plenty of interactive exhibits that had the kids happily pressing buttons and asking questions.
Hands-On Science That Feels Like Play
After the aquarium, we headed into the indoor science exhibits. One favorite? A giant pendulum swinging above a circular platform—it demonstrates the rotation of the Earth, and yes, it’s way cooler than it sounds.
The kids were fascinated, and it sparked some fun conversations about science (and whether or not the Earth is flat—spoiler: it’s not!).
Next up: dinosaurs! This section had so many fun fossils and interactive features, we accidentally lost part of our group in the excitement. (No worries—we reunited outside!) There’s also a great play space just for younger kids, perfect for those 8 and under who need to move at their own pace.
Time to Head Outdoors!
After a full morning of science and aquarium exploring, we were ready for sunshine—and the Animal Discovery Zoo did not disappoint.
Here’s what we loved outside:
- Tunnels you can crawl through like a meerkat
- A treehouse-style play structure that adults and kids all climbed and swung on
- A petting area with friendly barnyard animals
- An aerial ropes course (SKYWILD) that had the older kids begging for one more go
- Adorable animal exhibits, including tigers and small wildcats
Probably the funniest thing we did was the huge treehouse like play structure. All the adults and kids had
a great time climbing and swinging and running through it.
Just when we thought we’d seen it all, we reached the Animal Hospital, where you can watch real live exams and procedures being done through big observation windows. That was a pretty neat educaitional kind of behind-the-scenes experience.
Carousel Rides, Hippos, and a Walk in the Woods
By this point, we were hot, thirsty, and so thankful to find clean bathrooms with refillable water stations nearby. There was a snack stand (closed during our visit), but the center allows outside food and water, so we grabbed snacks from our bags and found a shady spot to relax.
We wrapped up the visit with a walk up a wooded trail, where we spotted the pygmy hippos and got a laugh from the kids: “Well, now we’ve seen hippos. Check.”
After a quick stop in the gift shop, we headed down to the carousel—and we’re so glad we didn’t skip it. The beautifully painted animals and gentle ride were a sweet, calm way to end an action-packed day.
What You’ll Find at the Greensboro Science Center
Here’s a breakdown of the different sections and experiences available:
Indoor Fun
- Wiseman Aquarium: sharks, rays, jellyfish, and a touch tank
- SciPlay Bay: a space for younger kids to explore safely
- Dinosaur & Prehistoric Gallery: full of fossils and dino facts
- Weather & Physics Exhibits: pendulums, light displays, and more
- Reptile and amphibian habitats on the lower levels
Outdoor Experiences
- Animal Discovery Zoo: tigers, meerkats, lemurs, pygmy hippos, gibbons, and more
- Revolution Ridge: a new zoo expansion with beautiful walking trails
- SKYWILD: a treetop ropes course designed to mimic animal movement (height restrictions apply)
- Jeansboro Junction & Friendly Farm: climbable play areas and barnyard animals
Extras
- Animal Hospital Viewing Gallery: real-time animal care in action
- The Rotary Carousel: 56 hand-painted creatures to ride
- Gift Shop: great for science-themed souvenirs
- Shaded picnic areas and restrooms with refill stations
Greensboro Science Center: Tips for Visiting with Kids
- Strollers welcome: and paths are easy to navigate.
- Outside food & water allowed: perfect for packing your own snacks or lunch.
- Bring refillable water bottles: water stations are plentiful and easy to find.
- Plan to stay at least 3–4 hours: more if you want to try SKYWILD or the behind-the-scenes animal encounters.
- Gift shop and carousel are near the exit: budget time (and money) for a quick stop.
Know Before You Go
- Location: 4301 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro, NC
- Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily (check their site for holiday hours)
- Parking: Free
- Admission: General admission covers zoo, aquarium, and museum. The carousel and SKYWILD are extra. The ticket price can vary based on the day and age, from $18-21 per person.
- Greensboro Science Center Website
The Greensboro Science Center is packed with kid-approved, hands-on learning experiences that stretch across science, nature, and just plain fun. Whether you’re climbing like a lemur, petting a goat, or touching a stingray, your kids will be learning—and they won’t even realize it.
Have you visited the Greensboro Science Center? Share your family’s favorite part in the comments!
Find more places to see animals near Charlotte, NC
