Discovery Place Science

Science museum · Uptown

Discovery Place Science

Science museum · Uptown

168 W 6th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Highlights

Charlotte's Discovery Place is a vibrant science and tech museum where hands-on learning meets fun, featuring colorful exhibits, a rain forest, and an IMAX theater.

168 W 6th St, Charlotte, NC 28202 Get directions

discoveryplace.org

@discoveryplace

@cntraveler

"Colorful, creative and designed around experiential learning, Charlotte's Discovery Place is the place to keep kids of all ages entertained. Here, you won't be reading placards–you'll be learning firsthand. The exhibits are interactive and fun, and while they're geared for kids, adults will enjoy it too. There is no guided tour. This is the kind of place where patrons run to the exhibit that interests them the most before moving on to the next great thing. Discovery Place doesn't offer a cafe, but you're in Uptown so there's always something nearby." - Nancy DePalma

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@cntraveler

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Mary Rose

Google

Really fun experience! Here visiting and it was raining so was needing something indoors. My daughter would have stayed here for 4-5 hrs if we had the time! We spent 2.5hrs and it flew by because it was so interesting and hands on. Tons of experiences and stations to do hands on things! My only complaint was the parking. There is a garage but is $17 for 2hrs or $30 for the day. That’s ridiculous when we already spent $72 for 2 adults and 1 child to enter. Parking should be included. We parked down the road in a lot that was $15 for the day and less than 5 minute walk. Otherwise was a blast! Could be a full day if you added in imax and lunch nearby.

Gaukhar Ra

Google

I had an amazing time at Discovery Place Science in Charlotte! This museum is full of interactive exhibits that make science fun and engaging for all ages. We got to touch a snake and sea stars, which was an unforgettable experience! On the third floor, there’s a creative space where you can build your own projects using boxes and tape—perfect for those who love hands-on creativity and solving scientific puzzles. The second floor felt like stepping into a tropical fairy tale, with beautiful birds flying around in a lush rainforest setting. The aquarium section was also a nice surprise, and the live science demonstrations were fascinating. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, making the visit even more enjoyable. Whether you’re visiting with kids or just love science and creativity, this place is definitely worth a visit. Highly recommend!

Oscar Reyes

Google

Fantastic place! Well designed with three floors of fun stuff. We spent so much time on floors 1 & 3 we didn't even get to floor 2. The Discovery/STEM lab on the first floor was excellent, our kids spent hours in there. Huge shout out to Menelik and the two other young guys working the room, they were so enthusiastic and fun! The made the place very enjoyable. Floor 3 with the Legos and craft stations was incredible. Definitely many more trips!

Nehal Ahmed

Google

The Marvel universe is not there anymore (Jan 2025 update). Discovery is probably the most well known tourist spot in Charlotte downtown, excellent for kids, but for adults more of a visual learning activity. We tried to buy the tickets online for discounted price but it didn’t work. So we bought them at the kiosk for regular price. It spreads over 3 floors. First floor has small aquarium, living things, theater, planetarium stuff. 2nd floor has cool thing about how human body is formed (my favorite section of the place), a walk by through rain forest, and special section for “Becoming Jane”. There’s also several of workshops for kids. 3rd floor is mainly for kids building and designing activities. The place is overall clean. Lots of staff all around to keep things tidy and safe. Cafeteria and gift shop is on first floor across the entrance.

Satish Venketachalam

Google

Loved this place. Lot of variety of exhibits from animals to crafts. Kids had a blast here. Easily can spend a few hours here. This place also has an imax theater, which we didn't explore but pics looked cool. Highly recommend for a family time.

Hannah

Google

Not bad. Kinda pricey….but for science on the rocks - its worth it. DJ was not the best but it was definitely a good vibe. Drinks were also okay. Not too expensive. The exhibits were definitely somewhat designed for children, which is fine if you still like that as an adult. Don't get the popcorn its way too salty. Budget your time because there are also live shows. Will it glow was boring (sorry) but the fire show was good. IMAX - Journey to Mars was NOT worth the price. Felt like I watched that same show when I was in grade school. (a long time ago lmao) Go for the vibes. Charlotte doesn't have much, but this is a good one time thing. (happens every month)

Nisha Thapa

Google

We drove 3 hours to go visit this museum. We already were a member of Life and Science Museum so we didn’t have to pay anything. This museum is surely does have entertainment for kids but not to that extent. They have restrictions on kids painting or making something out of wood. I think the best thing about this place is the rain forest which is flooded with birds. It feels like I am really in the jungle. I love the variety of birds they have but also felt like the space is so little for those birds. Birds are supposed to fly free in the sky but these birds are caged. They have a big a ceiling on top of themselves. It made me wonder if the birds are actually happy there. Overall it’s a good place for kids.

Lindsey Sisk

Google

We love our visits to discovery place. Not only is it always educational, but we all have fun while learning. This location is very clean from the restrooms to the interactive stations, they’re always well kept. Staff is super friendly and kind every time we’ve been.