Top Children’s Museums in North Carolina
Discover the best children’s museums in North Carolina. These fun, educational, and interactive destinations are perfect for families and kids of all ages. From hands-on exhibits that spark creativity to science and art activities that inspire learning through play- North Carolina kids’ museums offer unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or looking for the top family attractions in North Carolina, our directory will help you find the perfect spot for exploration, imagination, and discovery. Explore, learn, and play at the best children’s museums North Carolina has to offer! To add or promote a children’s museum, email kodia@triadmomsonmain.com.
Top Children’s Museums in the Triad
Cognition Davie – Mocksville
Location: 119 N Salisbury St, Mocksville, NC 27028
Hours:
- Tuesday-Friday 9 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday 9 AM – 3 PM
- Sunday – Monday Closed
- * Hours may vary due to special events. Be sure to check their calendar before visiting!
Website: cognitiondavie.org
Ticket Prices: General admission is $5 per person. Under 12 mo is free. Annual memberships are available for unlimited visits, while Makerspace activities vary in cost depending on the class.
A true gem in Mocksville, Cognition Davie offers more than just interactive fun. It’s a hub for STEAM learning through play. The exhibit hall invites kids to explore, build, and engage with hands-on displays that nurture critical thinking. Older kids and tweens can level up with the Makerspace, where they experiment with tech, crafts, and creativity. It’s affordable, thoughtfully designed, and makes a great destination for families looking for both fun and learning.
Kaleideum – Winston-Salem
Location: 120 West 3rd St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Hours:
School Year Hours
- Monday: 9 am-Noon Members Only*
- Tuesday – Friday: 9 am-5 pm
- Saturday: 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday: 10 am-5 pm
Summer Hours – (Memorial Day-Labor Day)
- Monday-Friday: 9 am-5 pm Open to the Public*
- Saturday: 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday: 10 am-5 pm
Website: kaleideum.org
TMOM Blog: Kaleideum Exhibits
Ticket Prices:
- Adults: $15
- Youth (Ages 1-19): $12
- Seniors (Ages 62+): $13
- Ages 11 Months and Under: Free
- Members: Free
- Forsyth County Schools Educators (with valid ID): Free
- Military Personnel (with valid military ID) receive $2 off admission during the school year.
- Kaleideum’s Digital Dome shows are an additional cost: $3 for members; $5 for non-members per show.
Blending science, art, and discovery, Kaleideum is a well-rounded destination for curious minds. With exhibits that explore everything from light and sound to creative arts and physical play, this museum encourages kids to ask questions, experiment, and learn through doing. Special exhibits rotate throughout the year, so every visit offers something new. It’s a top pick for families with children of multiple ages who love to explore together.
Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum – Greensboro
Location: 220 N Church St, Greensboro, NC 27401
Hours:
- Monday: 9am – 12pm (members only)
- Tuesday – Thursday: 9am – 5pm
- Friday: 9am – 8pm
- Saturday: 10am – 6pm
- Sunday: 1pm – 5pm
Website: mbcmuseum.com
TMOM Blog: Day Trip to Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum
Ticket Prices:
- Adults & Children (1+) $12.95, Children under 12 months Free.
- Discounted Admission: $6 with WIC, SNAP, or EBT card (Limit 4 guests per transaction)
Formerly the Greensboro Children’s Museum, this downtown favorite is packed with immersive experiences. From a child-sized grocery store and post office to a real-life fire truck and airplane cockpit, it offers endless opportunities for pretend play and hands-on exploration. The museum also features an outdoor play plaza and Edible Schoolyard garden. With affordable access programs and rotating exhibits, it remains one of the top family destinations in the region.
Nido & Mariana Qubein Children’s Museum – High Point
Location: 200 Qubein Ave, High Point, NC 27262
Hours:
- Closed on Mondays
- Tuesdays
- June 3 – August 26: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Starting August 26: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Sundays: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Website: qubeinchildrensmuseum.org
TMOM Blog: A Day at Nido & Mariana Qubein Children’s Museum
Ticket Prices: Adults & Children (1+) $14
This museum is one of the newest in the state, offering modern exhibits and interactive zones that inspire curiosity. Children can explore themed play spaces, ride an indoor carousel, and experiment in discovery labs. Parents rave about how much thought has gone into the layout and design, making it easy to navigate with multiple children. As one of the top children’s museums in North Carolina, the Qubein Museum provides a full day of entertainment and learning.
Children’s Museum of Alamance County – Burlington
Location: 217 S Main St, Graham, NC 27253
Hours:
- Tuesday: 10am – 4pm
- Wednesday: 10am – 4pm
- Thursday: 10am – 4pm
- Friday: 10am – 5pm
- Saturday: 10am – 5pm
- Sunday & Monday: CLOSED
Website: childrensmuseumofalamance.org
Ticket Prices: Adults & Children (12 months+) $6, Ages 11 months & under: FREE
This museum is a wonderful choice for families in Burlington, Graham, and surrounding areas. With its smaller size, it offers a more relaxed experience for young children. Exhibits include pretend play areas, creative art spaces, and interactive discovery zones. For parents searching for best children’s museums near me with a more intimate feel, this one is a perfect fit.
Greensboro Science Center
Location: 4301 Lawndale Dr, Greensboro, NC 27455
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm (Closes at 4pm during Winter Wonderland Lights)
Website: greensboroscience.org
Ticket Prices:
- Adults (14+) $20.99
- Seniors (65+) $19.99
- Children (3–13) $18.99
- Children (2 & under) Free
Though technically a science center, this Greensboro hot spot is a favorite among families with young kids thanks to its mix of children’s museum-style exhibits, aquarium, and indoor play zones. Kids can touch stingrays, watch penguins waddle, and explore scientific concepts through hands-on displays. It’s a versatile option that packs a lot of discovery into one visit, making it one of the most dynamic family attractions in the Triad.
Top Children’s Museums in the Charlotte Area
Discovery Place Kids – Huntersville
Address: 105 Gilead Rd., Huntersville, NC 28078
Hours: Tue–Sun 9:30–4:30; Mon Closed
Website: https://discoveryplacekids.org
Ticket Prices: $14.95 online for ages 1 and up
Description: Museum for ages 0–7 focused on hands‑on STEM learning through play.
Charlotte Museum of Nature – Coming in 2026
Address: 1658 Sterling Rd., Charlotte, NC 28209
Hours: TBD upon opening
Website: https://charlottenature.org/
Description: Now under construction in the heart of Freedom Park on what was once the site of Discovery Place Nature, the new Charlotte Museum of Nature will serve as a cornerstone for learning and a gathering place for the community.
Discovery Place Science
Address: 168 W 6th St., Charlotte, NC 28202
Hours: Mon–Fri 9–4; Sat–Sun 10:30–4:30
Website: https://discoveryplace.org
Ticket Prices: $23.95 (online price)/ $28.95 (walk up price) adults; $18.95 (online price)/ $23.95 (walk up price) children; under 2 free
Description: Large family science museum with hands‑on labs, interactive exhibits, and IMAX dome theater.
Museum of Illusions – Charlotte
Address: 601 S Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202
Hours: Varies by day; check online
Website: https://moicharlotte.com
Ticket Prices: $29 adults; $25 children 5–12; under 5 free
Description: Immersive optical‑illusion exhibits exploring perception and visual science.
Top Children’s Museums Coastal, NC
Port Discover
Address: 611 E Main St., Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Hours: Mon & Tues 10–5; Thurs & Fri 10-7; Wed & Sun Closed
Website: https://portdiscover.org
Ticket Prices: $6.99 children over 1; adults free
Description: Hands‑on science center focused on STEM education for children and families.
The Children’s Museum of Wilmington
Address: 116 Orange St., Wilmington, NC 28401
Hours: Sun 1–5 pm; Tue–Sat 9–5; Mon Closed
Website: https://www.playwilmington.org
Ticket Prices: $10 adults/children; under 12 mo free
Description: A 4‑level interactive museum for ages 0–10 offering hands‑on exhibits in art, science, and imaginative play.
The Imperial Centre for the Arts & Sciences
Address: 270 Gay St., Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Hours: Tue–Sat 10–5; Sun 1–5
Website: https://imperialcentre.org
Ticket Prices: $6 per person; under 2 free
Description: Combined children’s museum and science center with planetarium, art exhibits, and animal gallery.
Zing Zumm Children’s Museum of Jacksonville
Address: 625 New Bridge St., Jacksonville, NC 28540
Hours: Tue–Sat 9–5; Sun 12–5; Mon Closed
Website: https://zingzumm.org
Ticket Prices: $8 ages 1+; under 12 mo free
Description: Nonprofit interactive museum for ages 0–10 encouraging imagination and play.
Top Children’s Museums in Southeastern, NC
Discovery Place Kids – Rockingham
Address: 233 E Washington St., Rockingham, NC 28379
Hours: Tue–Sat 10:30–4:30; Sun 1–5; Mon Closed
Website: https://discoveryplacekids.org/rockingham
Ticket Prices: $9.95 – non-members and non-residents (ages 1+)
Description: Interactive learning museum for early childhood development through play.
Exploration Station
Address: 104 N Chestnut St., Lumberton, NC 28358
Hours: Wed–Sat 10–5; Sun 1–5
Website: https://www.explorationstationnc.org
Ticket Prices: children – $5; adults – $3
Description: Interactive museum with themed exhibits such as a grocery store, pirate ship, and toddler area.
Fascinate- U Children’s Museum
Address: 116 Green St., Fayetteville, NC 28301
Hours: Tue–Fri 9–5; Sat 10–5; Sun 12–5; Mon Closed
Website: https://www.fascinate-u.com
Ticket Prices: $5 ages 1–15; $4 adults; under 12 mo free
Description: Nonprofit museum designed as a mini‑city for kids to explore arts, science, and careers.
Top Children’s Museums in the Triangle Area
Marbles Kids Museum
Address: 201 E Hargett St., Raleigh, NC 27601
Hours: Mon Closed; Tue–Sun 10–5 (Thu until 7)
Website: https://www.marbleskidsmuseum.org
Ticket Prices: $9.50 advance; $12.50 day‑of; children under 1 FREE
Description: Two‑story interactive museum in downtown Raleigh featuring creative and STEM exhibits for ages 1–11.
Museum of Life and Science
Address: 433 W Murray Ave., Durham, NC 27704
Hours: Tue–Sun 10–5
Website: https://www.lifeandscience.org
Ticket Prices: $24 adults; $19 children 3–15; under 2 free
Description: Expansive indoor/outdoor museum with butterfly house, dinosaur trail, and play areas.
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Address: 11 W Jones St., Raleigh, NC 27601
Hours: Tue–Sun 10–5; Mon Closed
Website: https://naturalsciences.org
Ticket Prices: Free general admission (fees for special exhibits)
Description: State’s flagship natural history museum with four floors of immersive science exhibits.
Top Children’s Museums in Western, NC
Asheville Museum of Science
Address: 43 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28801
Hours: Sun 1–5; Mon–Sat 10–5
Website: https://ashevillescience.org
Ticket Prices: $11.50 ages 3+; under 2 free
Description: Hands‑on museum featuring exhibits in geology, dinosaurs, and earth sciences.
Catawba Science Center
Address: 243 3rd Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601
Hours: Wed–Sat 10–4; Sun 1–4
Website: https://www.catawbascience.org
Ticket Prices: $16 adults; $14 youth; under 2 free
Description: 35,000 sq ft science center with aquarium, planetarium, and hands‑on exhibits.
Children’s Playhouse
Address: 400 Tracy Circle, Boone, NC 28607
Hours: Tue–Frit 9:30–5; Sat 9:30-3:30; Sun/Mon Closed
Website: https://www.goplayhouse.org
Ticket Prices: $8.50 per person; infants under 12 mo free
Description: Nonprofit play museum for ages 0–8 featuring art, science, and pretend play spaces.
Hands on! Children’s Museum
Address: 318 N Main St., Hendersonville, NC 28792
Hours: Tue–Thurs 9–5; Fri 9-4; Sun/Mon Closed
Website: https://www.handsonwnc.org
Ticket Prices: $18.95 adults/children; Under 18 mo Free
Description: 13,000 sq ft of interactive STEM and play exhibits for ages 1–10.
KidSenses Children’s Interactive Museum
Address: 172 N Main St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139
Hours: Tue–Sat 9–5; First Fri until 8 pm
Website: https://www.kidsenses.org
Ticket Prices: $8 ages 1+; $6 seniors/military; under 12 mo free
Description: Interactive exhibits and creative spaces promoting science and literacy in the foothills region.
FAQs About Children’s Museums in North Carolina
Q: What age group are children’s museums best for?
A: Children’s museums in North Carolina are designed for kids of all ages, from toddlers to pre-teens. Many offer age-specific exhibits and play areas that encourage hands-on learning and creativity.
Q: Are children’s museums in North Carolina good for toddlers?
A: Yes! Most children’s museums have safe, interactive zones made especially for toddlers. Many feature soft play spaces, sensory activities, and early learning exhibits.
Q: Do North Carolina children’s museums offer family memberships?
A: Many museums offer family memberships that include unlimited visits, special discounts, and access to member-only events throughout the year.
Q: Can I host a birthday party at a children’s museum?
A: Absolutely! Many North Carolina kids’ museums have birthday party packages that include private rooms, themed activities, and guided play sessions.
Q: Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
A: It’s a good idea to reserve tickets online, especially during weekends or school breaks. Some museums offer timed entry to ensure a comfortable and safe experience for families.
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