North Carolina Zoo Asheboro, NC Website: nczoo.org The North Carolina Zoo is the nation’s largest walk-through, natural-habitat zoo. The zoo is divided into the North American and African regions and includes several areas where children can stop to play, eat and use the restrooms. New in 2008 is the Watani Grasslands Reserve. The
Tag: Museum
Town Creek Indian Mound
Town Creek Indian Mound Mt. Gilead, NC Website: nchistoricsites.org In the 11th century, a new Indian culture emerged in the Pee Dee River Valley that built earthen burial mounds for their leaders. Town Creek Indian Mound includes a reconstructed ceremonial center, visitor center, nature trail and burial house. The site is handicapped accessible
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center Chapel Hill, NC Tel: (910) 962-1236 Website: moreheadplanetarium.org This attraction offers skywatching and shows at its planetarium and theater, interactive exhibits, camps and workshops. Special programs include StoryTime Science for toddlers, Sciventures for older kids and special theater adventures for families. Memberships are available and include reciprocal admission to
Museum of Life & Science
Museum of Life & Science Durham, NC Tel: (919) 220-5429 Website: lifeandscience.org Indoor hands-on exhibits at this museum include a KidLab and many other galleries aimed at science lovers of all ages. The Outdoor Science Park includes the Ellerby Creek Railway (where you can take a ride on an old train), the Magic Wings
Natural Science Center
Natural Science Center Greensboro, NC Tel: (336) 288-3769 Website: natsci.org This center includes a museum, zoo, planetarium, dome theater and solar observatory. Kids Alley will keep little ones under five busy and entertained. Summer camps, workshops and monthly events are offered for children of all ages. Memberships are available and include reciprocal admission to
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Raleigh, NC Tel: (919) 733-7450 Website: naturalsciences.org The Museum of Natural Sciences looks at the natural world through the distinct lens of North Carolina’s diverse geography, geology and plant and animal life. It is filled with four floors of exhibits, live animals and hands-on activities. The museum offers
North Carolina Museum of Art
North Carolina Museum of Art Raleigh, NC Tel: (919) 839-6262 Website: ncartmuseum.org Tour-in-a-Tote bags engage children in games and activities while exploring the galleries. Park Backpacks engage families through a tree tour, getting to know North Carolina sculptors, playing Bird Bingo, reading by the pond and becoming a poet. Other activities include family fun
North Carolina Museum of History
North Carolina Museum of History Raleigh, NC Tel: (919) 807-7900 Website: ncmuseumofhistory.org The Museum of History encourages visitors to discover the past, reflect on the present and preserve history for future generations. Exhibits range from several on North Carolina’s military heritage to a 1920s drugstore replica. The museum offers summer camps, programs and special
Union Station Museum
Union Station Museum Aberdeen, NC Tel: (910) 944-1115 This Victorian-era railroad station is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum displays artifacts from the Aberdeen & Rockfish Railroad and one of two inspection cars remaining in the country. Founded by John Blue in 1892, the railroad was the region’s first
Carthage Historical Museum
Carthage Historical Museum Carthage, NC Tel: (910) 947-2331 The Carthage Historical Museum displays artifacts covering more than 200 years of history, including its past as home of a buggy factory. Carthage commemorates its history each May with the popular Buggy Festival. Open on Sundays, 2–5 pm or by appointment.
Kidzu Children’s Museum
Kidzu Children’s Museum Chapel Hill, NC Tel: (919) 933-1455 Website: kidzuchildrensmuseum.org Kidzu is a non-profit museum founded to inspire children to learn through play. “KidZoom” features three zones: Green Thumb, where children learn about the lifecycle of produce; Build a Dream, where kids build communities; and Kidoodle Moodle, where they design works of art.
Greensboro Children’s Museum
Greensboro Children’s Museum Greensboro, NC Tel: (336) 574-2898 Website: gcmuseum.com This museum is a non-profit, hands-on, educational play place for children up to age 10 and their families. Visitors learn while they explore more than 20 “Our Town” exhibits (including a learning garden, transportation gallery and Big Bubble Springs). Camps and special events are
Marbles Kids Museum
Fascinate-U Children’s Museum
Fascinate-U Children’s Museum Fayetteville, NC Tel: (910) 829-9171 Website: fascinate-u.com This museum is about learning through doing. Children can be judges, respond to 911 calls, bag groceries and build their way to a good time. The museum also offers more advanced programs on subjects such as health matters and scientific discovery with special events
Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve
Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve 1024 Ft. Bragg Rd. Southern Pines, NC 28387 Website: ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/wewo/main.php Located in Southern Pines, Weymouth Woods was established in 1963 as an 898-acre natural preserve. Early settlers called this area the Pine Barrens because of its extensive open forests of longleaf pines. Today, the preserve protects a remnant of