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January 2024 by Steph T.
This is, hands down, the coolest Science Museum I've ever been to!Dinosaur bones, rocks and minerals, fish, foliage! Pretty much anything you could think of was there, and even the things you'd never think of were there. One of the most incredible parts was the Research side! You definitely don't want to skip going across the bridge to the Research Center. You're able to be there for different animal checkups and observe the vets talking care of the animals. We actually had the chance to see a live snake surgery! The staff was awesome. Everyone was so positive and you could tell they all loved their jobs. Especially those giving demonstrations and helping the kids learn something new!And the most shocking part of it all? It's completely FREE! Doesn't get any better than that.
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September 2023 by Katharine D.
I've really been impressed with this natural science museum. First off, the price is right (mostly free and ticketed special exhibits). It's large, with three stories, North Carolina centric! From oceans to forests and geology, the museum has an excellent array of material on display. Another highlight for me is the number of live animals that live there- in a way it's a museum with an aquarium side hustle. A highlight for the little ones is their Discovery Room, hosting a plethora of hands on items with things suitable for real young to older kiddos. Did I mention their live bee hive?? It's in plexiglass for awesome viewing, with the bees coming and going as they please through their access way to the outside. NCMNS also have a great deal of events and programming throughout the year, with a number of special exhibits per year as well. I must also mention the Prairie Ridge Ecostation, which is an educational and informative accessory location of the museum on the edge of town (near NCMA) focused on native vegetation. Great for walks and an awesome nature play space for kids! NC Museum of Natural Science is doing awesome things. Love it.
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August 2023 by Mike O.
I think that this would be a better visit if you had never gone to any natural history museums anywhere else. However I have gone to a number of different museums and this was lacking on content. Some of the things were "cute", but for the most part it was okay. Also the air conditioner didn't seem to be working well.
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August 2023 by Marie O.
The museum was small and interesting. I'm used to the one in LA so this one seemed like a miniature version. Granted it was warm out, but their AC was struggling and we were a little uncomfortable. Exhibits we're good but just seemed to be lacking.
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March 2023 by Kaitlyn M.
Would 100% this museum to anyone in the area! Perfect for children and families, or anyone looking for something fun to do. There are about 3 floors of exhibits to walk around and look at, and best of all- it's FREE! The only thing I wish we could have done was walk through the butterfly room, which was closed.
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February 2023 by Thao T.
If I can give 6 stars, I would! Raleigh's museum of natural life and science blew us away! Price? FREE and all 4 floors of super interesting things to explore and learn! My son had a blast and it took us over 3 hours just to walk around and explore the museum
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January 2023 by Anissa W.
11/5/22: It was my first time here so I didn't know what to expect. We went on a busy Saturday afternoon & the exhibits were amazing. We went on both sides of the museum & took in all it had to offer. We didn't even take the kids. Lol. It was just us 2 grown ups having a blast. I learned a lot. I was freaked out by the snake exhibit because I do NOT like snakes or creepy crawly things. They make my skin crawl...literally. Barely anyone wore masks. COVID social distancing definitely wasn't in effect. We wore ours though, so no big deal I guess. I will definitely go back & take the kiddos next time. We really enjoyed ourselves.
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December 2022 by Alexa A.
Amazing place for children and adults. Nothing to say but all good things. I will always come back here when I visit again and will always donate since the entry door is opened to public with no entrance fee.
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December 2022 by Jennifer L.
Haiku: NC Museum of Natural SciencesThere's free admissionTaxidermy animalsLots of research labs. ---I was thoroughly impressed with the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. The museum is free admission and is for all ages. No tickets are required, just walk right in!As a top NC family destination, there's innovative natural science education and learning with ancient fossils, astronomy, changing climates, North Carolina seascapes, a butterfly exhibit (it was closed when we visited), and lots of research labs to see scientists and paleontologists at work (some are interactive!). There's a new Dueling Dinosaurs exhibit that will be finished in 2023 (which sounds exciting!). Plan to visit for a few hours because the natural science center comprises of two buildings: Nature Exploration Center and Natural Research Center (with bridges connecting both buildings on floors 2 & 3). There is a lot to see and explore!My child and my favorite room is the Discovery Room on the 2nd floor of the Nature Exploration Center. It's an interactive nature room where you can touch taxidermy animals and fossils, smell tropical scents, build using kinetic sand, guess animal tracks, try on costumes, play with puppets, and find hidden animals in their dead tree critter hotel. This is an ideal area for intergenerational learning.Also, The Daily Planet Cafe is a must-try if you want to break for lunch or a snack. It's located on the 1st floor of the Nature Research Center building.This museum has so much to offer and is a must-visit when you're in the area!
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December 2022 by Tyler Tubbs
Well maintained store with lots of fun things for children to get!
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July 2022 by Jenny D.
First time here. Went as a date and would recommend going here AND to the History Museum they're so close! Cons: the butterfly walk still isn't opened and I was really wanting to go to this part. Really disappointed I couldn't walk through. Please open it soon, it seems like it's been a long time. We paid for the Dino exhibit and it just wasn't really worth it. Would only recommend paying for the dino exhibit if you have a young child who loves them it may be better for you. Otherwise it was awesome, I loved the live animals, really cool to see them and fossils/ rocks and minerals. It's FREE to all and I think that in itself is amazing. Really great place, 10/10 recommend
