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Museum of Life and Science

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raynepoe
raynepoe
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5 out of 5
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Going Wild at the Museum of Life and Science

  • October 6, 2008
  • Rated 5 of 5 by vampirefan from Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina
Going Wild at the Museum of Life and Science



If you are traveling with wee ones, you certainly need something to keep them entertained while at the same keeping the adults sane. When in Durham, the Museum of Life and Science is the answer to that dilemma.

The museum started in 1946 as a trail-side nature center aimed at children. By the 1970’s the museum had expanded and changed its name to the Museum of Life and Science. The museum added Geology and Aerospace to the museum as well as a rail car for the children’s area. From 1986 to 1991 saw a major growth for the museum. It included the Mercury space room, a large exhibit gallery and space, as well as the science and tech wing for the 70 area campus.

In March 2000 the Magic Wings Butterfly conservatory was implemented. Guests can step inside this amazing 3-story house to more than 200 varieties of plants, birds, and of course the butterflies. With the 5000 foot conservatory and 13,000 foot learning lab, it is one of the largest and comprehensive Butterfly houses in the Southeast.

The most recent additions have included the Into The Wild nature walk which starts at the beautiful wetlands walk and a visit to see bears, red wolves, and lemurs. There is also a farm yard, insectarium (that I can’t say I have seen or have a desire to see as I have insectphobia), outdoor play area, and numerous hands on exhibits for the whole family. And soon to come is a dinasour trail.

There are numerous events held though the day including butterfly release (which we had to miss as it was at 2), insect feeding, meet the keepers, and lab experiments, They do hold numerous events through out the year including Santa Train ride, holiday exhibits, earth day celebrations, and earth science week.

While this is a great place for kids, adults will find plenty to do here. The Mercury room is simply amazing. You can see actual parts of spaceships as well as space suites. The outdoor play area is unfortunately unavoidable and we tore through here VERY quickly for the Butterfly House.

The butterfly house is just spectacular. You can’t help but watch is amazing as these winged beauties fly, flitter, and sore through the airy conservatory occasionally landing to thrill even the staunchest of visitors. You can also marvel at the incredible flora and fauna here. Look up and below and numerous birds can be spotted though out. Now I wish there was an age limit here or parents were required to make their children behave. Numerous times while trying to enjoy God’s redeeming insects, we had to deal with children screaming, yelling, stomping, and chasing the butterflies and birds. The wetlands walk is also just breathtaking. I can only imagine how these trees will look in a few more weeks when they are branishing their fall colors. And I never stopping being in awe of the beautiful animals and even the cute standard barn animals I see in the pastures near my home all the time.

There is a gift shop on the premises but it is geared more towards kiddie stuff. Bring 51 cents with your for the squished penny machine. You can host your next big event here or plan a school or scout trip here. Groups welcome. There is a café on the premises. They are accessible to all people even those with special needs. There are picnic spaces for guests and stroller rentals. And animal lovers,they do work with the AZA and are kept in natural habitats.

Hours/admission/info

Current 2008 information:

Hours: Monday-Saturday 10-5 Sunday noon-5 closed Monday September 8th through December 15.

Admission: $10.85 (a) $8.85 (s/m) $7.85 (c 3-12) free children under 3.

There are separate admissions for the train ride and several other exhibits.

Website: www.ncmls.org.

For a great day for the whole family take the time to come by the Museum of Life and Science and enjoy one of Durham’s favorites. Just make sure you bring your camera to bring the entire beauty and fun home with you.


From journal 2 Days in Durham

Museum of Life and Science

  • August 4, 2006
  • Rated 5 of 5 by raynepoe from Lynchburg, Virginia
It is wonderful, bring a picnic lunch, and leave lots of time for exploration. It is so much fun! Some exhibits were weather - a tornado, a musical playground, and a great fossil exhibit.

From journal Durham, NC, Fun

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