Discovery Place Tours

Discovery Place showing a city and modern architecture


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.
The Westin Charlotte
Courtyard by Marriott Ballantyne
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Charlotte Matthews

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Best Lodging Options Near Discovery Place

Omni Charlotte Hotel
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4 out of 5
132 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC
Omni Charlotte Hotel
Sheraton Charlotte Hotel
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Homewood Suites By Hilton Charlotte Uptown First Ward
3 out of 5
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Hampton Inn Charlotte-Uptown
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2.5 out of 5
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The Westin Charlotte
The Westin Charlotte
4 out of 5
601 S College St, Charlotte, NC
The Westin Charlotte
Hyatt Place Charlotte Downtown
Hyatt Place Charlotte Downtown
3 out of 5
222 South Caldwell Street, Charlotte, NC
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DoubleTree by Hilton Charlotte City Center
DoubleTree by Hilton Charlotte City Center
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Charlotte Marriott City Center
Charlotte Marriott City Center
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100 West Trade Street, Charlotte, NC
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HYATT house Charlotte/Center City
HYATT house Charlotte/Center City
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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.