Really good Museum with lots of indoor/outdoor activities and environments for kids and adults. Some of the activities include the Butterfly House, Hideaway Woods, Farmyard, Sprout Cafe, Explore the Wild nature park, Catch the Wind, Dinosaur Trail, and the Ellerbe Creek C.P. Huntington train ride, and many more.
You need to purchase tickets to get in but children from 0-2 years old don’t need tickets. Also, on Durham Community days, Durham County residents get in free with current proof of residence. All adults must have Durham residency to get in free; each adult can bring up to five children. Guests without current proof of residency will need to pay for tickets at check-in.
Plenty of restrooms throughout the Museum The indoor and outdoor facilities are well maintained and safe. The animals look well taken care of. It has a small parking at the Museum but there is a large parking deck across the street. Parking is free.
Nathan Vey
Nov 12, 2023
5
Amazing place and worth the hype for Raleigh Durham area. We went for a kids birthday party. They have a mini zoo with live farm animals! As well as inside they have birds and reptiles, and in a separate area, a butterfly habitat - we saw a little girl covered in them (3-4 of them). Amazing. And really cool scientific interactive exhibits inside, as well as various playgrounds including a ropes based treehouse outside. Awesome experience.
Thomas Charles Nantz
Nov 4, 2023
5
Fun-filled day, for adults and kids. Great way to spend several hours of a day in the Raleigh/ Durham area. Definitely do not leave without checking out the Butterfly House and Insectarium!!
Ally Diaz
Oct 15, 2023
5
My experience at the museum was amazing, I enjoy myself with so many things they have at this museum. To be my first time, I was so amazed, because I know this a place I can take my nieces and they would enjoy it with the different things they have for kids to experience, the train ride was fun even if it was 5$ extra it was fun, the butterfly garden was amazing,the playground,they have animals, the science had so many things kids can do. This is a great place to bring kids. I absolutely loved it.
Emilie Shepard
Aug 31, 2023
5
Lots to see and do both inside and outside, for both younger kids and older. Loved that there were wheelchairs available for those who needed them. Also loved that they offered a reciprocal membership program! And I really loved that there was a nursing mom’s room inside of the kids room!!
Donald Toomey
Aug 13, 2023
4
A good place to bring your kids. You don’t need to be watch in g them 24/7. I went with three kids under five and they loved the indoor kids area.
It was $90 for our family of five to go but we had a friend let us in with their guest pass. I think a membership is only $130 or so a year so if you’re not from out of town make it count and get the membership.
They have free days if you have proof of Durham county residence (sorry chapel hill)
Free dates in 2023
Tuesday, June 6
Sunday, June 18
Tuesday, July 11
Thursday, July 27
Sunday, August 6
Wednesday, August 16
Friday, September 8
Sunday, September 24
Friday, October 13
Tuesday, October 24
Sunday, November 5
Friday, November 17
Wednesday, December 6
Sunday, December 17
Lettie C
Aug 10, 2023
5
Very large museum of interesting things to both the young and old. Be prepared to do a lot of walking so wear comfortable shoes. However, it is a gorgeous place to visit and see all the exhibits. My favorite was the Butterfly House. But if you take your time and read all the information that is provided. It is a fulfilled day of education both indoors and outdoors.
Neha Patel
Aug 6, 2023
4
So much to do for kids and families because it's interactive, so can spend 3 hours here. Visited on free entry day for Durham residents around 4 pm. Many indoor and outdoor exhibits and some shops for food and drink. Some exhibits are sparse or small, however, compared to other museums I've gone too. We saw the astronomy section, weather section, insects, the butterflies, and then the farmhouse. Again, great for kids. Nice bathrooms. Free parking lot.
Brian Padgett
Aug 6, 2023
4
As a father of a former science-museum buff, I have been to many museums. This one is better than average. We only visited for the butterfly house this time, though - and we were not disappointed. The butterflies were beautiful and quite social, which was unexpected. A very nice experience!
Drew Carter
Jul 9, 2023
5
Genuinely one of the best science museums I've been to. There are tons of things for adults and kids! There are indoor exhibits, animals, and play areas for all ages. (Even under 2).
But then outdoors they have all that plus amazing places like a water play area for kids with tons of different activities.
Additionally the cafe is actually affordable and tasted great.
Seriously recommend for anyone.
Marom Lior
Jun 25, 2023
5
Love this place!
We find new things to do every time we visit there.
Yes, it will take you a couple of visits to cover the place, so just take your time and enjoy :)
Great for both summer activities with the splash zone outside, and for the winter time with the indoor exhibitions and games.
Theresa Novicky
Jun 8, 2023
5
I have a membership to the Life and Science Museum. It’s so worth it! The new under 5 area is perfect for my 8 month old son. We go about 2-3 times a week. It’s the best spot for my son, they ask that you take your shoes off and strollers are left at the door. They also have a “tasted toy” bin for any toys that end up in your babies mouth! I also have an older daughter who loves the lemurs. It is a really nice walk and my son loves looking at all there is to see. Our favorite exhibits (in order) are the Under 5 area, the lemurs, origami, the bears, the wolves, the butterflies and the outdoor pond (so many turtles. It’s a very safe place for and if you get hungry the food is great. I will continue to bring my kids at least once a week.
Chelsea Fountain
Jun 2, 2023
5
What a wonderful experience. I came here as a kid growing up and now to have an opportunity to bring my family. We love the Museum and it has only gotten better over the years. It has great indoor and outdoor exhibits, wildlife, plant life, and good food as well. We enjoyed it and can’t wait to come back. You have to come here !!
Vinay K
Apr 26, 2023
5
We love coming to this museum my kid is always excited to come here. It so much of fun..
They have opened a new indoor place and that’s really cool. Kids will spend a lot of time.
The restaurant is always busy, food is good but pricy.
The train ride is exciting too, we always hop on the train.
Butterfly garden is very nice and enjoyable..
Everting thing is good in the museum, you need to plan for a long day. We were there from 12 to close.
They have EV charging stations but I was not able to charge. It required some approval..
Katharine Bayer
Apr 5, 2023
5
There is something here for the entire family. We met up with my brother and his family and they are members. I am considering the membership because of all the play and educational benefits. The Play Learn area for toddlers was just renovated and we did this as the last part of our visit. On a beautiful day, you can spend all the time outdoors visiting the animals, tree house, the sound garden, rope courses and sandbox. My favorite part is the butterfly sanctuary with all of the tropical plants. I believe they are closed Mondays. Fun fun fun and so much to do for all.
Han Stw
Dec 11, 2022
5
Nice science museum, especially for kids to play and learn. The museum has both indoor and outdoor components. Some cool space related exhibits and lots of hands on learning activities. The outdoor part has some hiking trails and the dinosaur walks. They also have a neat butterflies greenhouse. Museum cafes, brewery, coffee, and gift shop are available. Free to Durham residents on certain dates with proof of residence
