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.

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Hilton Charlotte University Place
Charlotte Marriott City Center
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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
Sheraton Charlotte Hotel

Sheraton Charlotte Hotel

4 out of 5
555 South McDowell Street, South Tower, Charlotte, NC
Sheraton Charlotte Hotel
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
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
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
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
The Ivey's Hotel

The Ivey's Hotel

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

Near Discovery Place in Charlotte, North Carolina, visitors can enjoy a range of activities including live music, theater performances, and sporting events. Additionally, nearby museums offer enriching experiences for those looking to explore local culture. For a memorable stay, consider the various accommodation options that provide comfort and convenience, making your visit to this vibrant area truly enjoyable.

Shopping

For a quick shopping fix, head to Optimist Hall, just 0.9 miles away, where you’ll find a mix of local vendors and delicious eateries. If you're up for a drive, SouthPark Mall, located 5 miles away, offers a larger shopping experience with a variety of stores and entertainment options.

Recreation

Spectrum Center, only 0.3 miles from Discovery Place, offers an energetic atmosphere with sports events. Fillmore Charlotte, 0.7 miles away, immerses you in live music and entertainment. For a relaxing day outdoors, visit Revolution Park Golf Course, located 3 miles away, featuring beautiful greens and a peaceful environment.

Adventure

Ray's Splash Planet is a vibrant waterpark 0.8 miles from Discovery Place, perfect for family fun and adventure. For adrenaline enthusiasts, Victory Lane Karting, located 3 miles away, offers thrilling go-kart races. For motorsport fans, the Hendrick Motorsports Complex, 12 miles away, delivers an exciting racing experience.

Nightlife

In Discovery Place, Topgolf offers a lively atmosphere with drinks and entertainment just 8 miles away, while the Children's Theatre of Charlotte, only 0.3 miles away, provides a cultural experience for families. Ten Park Lanes, 4 miles away, promises adventurous fun in an arcade setting.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Discovery Place

During your visit to Discovery Place in Charlotte, North Carolina, immerse yourself in a blend of culture and family-friendly activities. Explore the nearby urban parks, visit the arts center, or attend events at local conference venues. Don't miss out on the Discovery Place Science, catch a show at the Charlotte Theater, and delve deeper into all that Discovery Place has to offer for an enriching experience in this vibrant city.

  • Charlotte Convention Center: Located 0.6 miles from Discovery Place, this expansive event venue is perfect for conferences and exhibitions. With its modern architecture and business atmosphere, it hosts a variety of trade shows and corporate events, making it a hub for networking and professional growth.
  • NASCAR Hall of Fame: Also 0.6 miles away, this sports museum immerses you in the thrilling world of NASCAR. Discover interactive exhibits, historic race cars, and the rich culture surrounding American motorsports, offering a unique glimpse into the adrenaline-fueled sport.
  • Blumenthal Performing Arts Center: Just 0.1 miles from Discovery Place, this vibrant arts center showcases a range of performances including theater, dance, and music. Experience the cultural heartbeat of Charlotte with world-class productions and local talent in an inviting atmosphere.

Best time to go to Discovery Place

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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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 SunnyAverageAverage
April60.6°F (15.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
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 SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September73.0°F (22.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
October62.6°F (17.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December45.9°F (7.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Discovery Place

To save on your trip to Discovery Place in Charlotte, visit during the cheaper months of August and December to January, with Mondays being the least expensive days for accommodation. Use Expedia to find eco-friendly hotels, sort prices from low to high, and consider package deals that combine flights and activities. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and earn you cash for future stays. Explore free local attractions and utilize public transportation for budget-friendly travel around the city.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Discovery Place are August and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Discovery Place is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Discovery Place is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Discovery Place with 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.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia