By Guest Blogger Aprille Donaldson, author of the blog Beautiful in His Time

The Museum of Life and Science is truly a hidden treasure for North Carolina families. The Museum, located in Durham, has been around for a long time. New additions from the last ten years make it a wonderful day-trip location for families of active, explorative children.

My family was privileged to visit this past Mother’s Day, and we were blown away at all they had to offer. We have a very active, special needs child who thrives on having places to climb and explore. Of all of the places our family has visited in North Carolina, the Museum of Life and Science is now, by far, our favorite as a place for him to run off some energy and get some sensory input.

Outdoors, there are many wonderful exhibits for climbing and exploring. Treehouses, hammocks, a nature stream for wading, a Sweetgum thicket, and a “Sensory Ramble” line the paths of the Hideaway Woods Exhibit.

Families can explore life-size dinosaurs along the Dinosaur Trail, run through the mist and over the hills in the Into the Mist Exhibit, sail boats on Sailboat Pond, and explore a ropes course and sand digging area in Gateway Park.

Children can interact with beautiful butterflies in the Magic Wings Butterfly House, observe insects in the Insectarium, view bears and lemurs along the Explore the Wild trails, and pet goats and alpacas in the Farmyard.

And that’s just all of the things to do outside!

The indoor portion of the museum is home to active science exhibits, more wildlife, a gated toddler and baby play area, a coffee shop, and a gift shop.

North Carolina families would probably have to return for multiple trips to be able to thoroughly experience all that the Museum of Life and Science has to offer, which is why they offer several different options for membership starting at $155.

The Museum of Life and Science is set up practically for families to enjoy. The outdoor wading stream has a convenient, private, changing area closeby. If you take your family, make sure to bring along some swimming suits and sunscreen! The indoor restrooms have several low sinks for young children and changing tables for babies. There are also nursing areas for breastfeeding moms in the both the Insectarium and in the main museum, right near the toddler play area. Train rides, stroller rentals, and other family-friendly amenities are listed on the website.

If you are looking for a fun-filled, active day trip for your family, look no further than Durham’s Museum of Life and Science. You and your children will not be disappointed!

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