Discovery Place Tours

Discovery Place showing a city and modern architecture
Discovery Place showing signage and interior views
Discovery Place showing street scenes as well as a couple
Discovery Place featuring interior views and marine life
Discovery Place


This science museum gets young minds working with activities that range from designing an architectural wonder to watching a 3-D movie.

Hands-on learning laboratories and multimedia experiences make Discovery Place an exciting learning experience for kids and their families. It’s located right in the heart of uptown Charlotte, near Freedom Park, and is perfect entertainment for a rainy day.

Get a scientific glimpse into diverse ecosystems in World Alive, which is inhabited by sharks, stingrays, reptiles and birds. Take some field notes on the swing bridge or in the researchers hut at this exotic explorers’ outpost. Visit the Explore More Life Lab to test, observe and interact with animals in their habitats.

The Think It Up lab provides fun opportunities to experiment with different materials in creative ways. Make your own footwear, craft stop-motion animations, and create music with the movements of your body in a motion-sensor room. Sculptures made from paper float through the Air Tubes before being shot out at the top to float back to earth.

Project Build encourages budding architects to create floor plans and buildings using computer programs. Try your hand at building the Eiffel Tower using Build It blocks, or construct a shelter out of pipes and netting.

Once you’re done inventing, lie back and enjoy the immersive experience of the IMAX cinema. The latest 3-D movies feel close enough to reach out and touch them.Exhibits change regularly at this museum. There’s easily enough activities to fill half a day. Whether testing materials, building, lying on a bed of nails, or investigating forces, Discovery Place teaches kids about their world through experimentation and play.

Discovery Place is open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. Paid parking is available in the lot behind the museum. There is light rail stop two blocks from the museum. The museum’s entry fee doesn’t include the IMAX movie experience.

Plan a trip to see Discovery Place

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Wingate by Wyndham Charlotte Airport I-85/I-485
The Westin Charlotte
Charlotte Marriott City Center

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Discovery Place

Omni Charlotte Hotel

Omni Charlotte Hotel

4 out of 5
132 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC
Omni Charlotte Hotel
HYATT house Charlotte/Center City

HYATT house Charlotte/Center City

3 out of 5
435 E Trade Street, Charlotte, NC
HYATT house Charlotte/Center City
DoubleTree by Hilton Charlotte City Center

DoubleTree by Hilton Charlotte City Center

4 out of 5
230 N College St, Charlotte, NC
DoubleTree by Hilton Charlotte City Center
SpringHill Suites Charlotte City Center

SpringHill Suites Charlotte City Center

2.5 out of 5
311 East 5th Street, Charlotte, NC
SpringHill Suites Charlotte City Center
Grand Bohemian Charlotte, Autograph Collection

Grand Bohemian Charlotte, Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
201 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC
Grand Bohemian Charlotte, Autograph Collection
Homewood Suites By Hilton Charlotte Uptown First Ward

Homewood Suites By Hilton Charlotte Uptown First Ward

3 out of 5
508 N. College St., Charlotte, NC
Homewood Suites By Hilton Charlotte Uptown First Ward
The Ivey's Hotel

The Ivey's Hotel

4.5 out of 5
127 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC
The Ivey's Hotel
AC by Marriott Charlotte

AC by Marriott Charlotte

3.5 out of 5
220 East Trade Street, Suite 500, Charlotte, NC
AC by Marriott Charlotte
Aloft Charlotte City Center

Aloft Charlotte City Center

3 out of 5
210 E Trade Street, Charlotte, NC
Aloft Charlotte City Center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Discovery Place

While visiting Discovery Place in Charlotte, North Carolina, you can enjoy a variety of nearby attractions, including live music venues, theaters, and sports events. Don't miss the hands-on exhibits at Discovery Place Science, which offers engaging experiences for visitors of all ages. Explore the vibrant local scene with its unique food and shopping options, making your trip both educational and entertaining.

Food and drinks

Visit NoDa Brewing Company for craft beers and a lively atmosphere, just 2 miles from Discovery Place. For a fun outing, Topgolf offers delicious food and entertainment, located 6 miles away. Don't miss Kilwins, a delightful sweet shop 15 miles away, perfect for family treats.

Shopping

For shopping near Discovery Place, visit SouthPark Mall, just 5 miles away, offering a variety of family and entertainment options. Also, check out the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, 5 miles away, for local goods. If you're up for a drive, The Belmont General Store is 11 miles from Discovery Place.

Recreation

Experience the excitement at Bank of America Stadium, just 0.7 miles from Discovery Place, where you can catch a game and soak in the sports atmosphere. For a serene day outdoors, visit the U.S. National Whitewater Center, 10 miles away, offering relaxation and recreational activities amidst nature.

Adventure

At Charlotte Motor Speedway, experience the thrill of motor racing only 12 miles from Discovery Place, where the adrenaline rush is palpable. For a fun karting adventure, head to Victory Lane Karting, located 3 miles away, offering an exciting racing atmosphere. For outdoor enthusiasts, Beech Spring Mountain Bike Park, 15 miles away, provides stunning scenery and adventurous trails.

Nightlife

Catch a show at the Children's Theatre of Charlotte, only 0.3 miles away, for a delightful family-friendly experience. For a lively evening, visit Ten Park Lanes, 4 miles away, for arcade fun, or unwind at TopGolf, 8 miles away, for drinks and entertainment.

Find the best attractions near Discovery Place

When visiting Discovery Place in Charlotte, North Carolina, you'll find a variety of attractions to explore, including urban parks, modern colleges, and arts centers. Ideal for families and culture enthusiasts, the area offers outdoor experiences and unique points of interest such as the Discovery Place science museum, local theaters, and notable landmarks. Be sure to check out nearby hotels for a comfortable stay while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Charlotte.

  • Charlotte Convention Center: Just 0.6 miles from Discovery Place, this vibrant venue is ideal for events and conferences, showcasing Charlotte's business spirit. Enjoy modern architecture and amenities while attending various exhibitions or conventions.
  • NASCAR Hall of Fame: Located 0.6 miles from Discovery Place, this interactive sports museum celebrates the rich history of NASCAR. Experience racing simulators, exhibits on legendary drivers, and memorabilia that bring the excitement of motorsports to life.
  • University of North Carolina at Charlotte: About 8 miles away, this modern university boasts beautiful campus grounds and a lively atmosphere. Explore its diverse academic programs and cultural events that reflect the city's vibrant community.

Best time to go to Discovery Place

Visitor numbers around Discovery Place is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Discovery Place can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Discovery Place falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Discovery Place falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February45.5°F (7.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
April60.6°F (15.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May69.1°F (20.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June77.0°F (25.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July80.2°F (26.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August78.3°F (25.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September73.0°F (22.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
October62.6°F (17.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December45.9°F (7.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Discovery Place

To save money on your trip to Discovery Place in Charlotte, visit between November and January when hotel prices are lower. Utilize Expedia to find affordable accommodations by filtering for eco-friendly hotels and bundling your stay with flights and activities for additional savings. Explore nearby free attractions like SouthPark Mall and the Billy Graham Library. Consider joining Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and to earn rewards for future bookings. Always check for good availability, the latest prices, and reviews to ensure you're getting the best deal.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Discovery Place are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to May, where prices are slightly higher.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy for you to customize your travel search by setting your budget, choosing your ideal destination, and more. You can arrange the results by price, starting with the most affordable options. Additionally, you have the ability to narrow down your choices based on hotel type—if you select the "Eco-certified" filter, you'll find a selection of sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Discovery Place with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.