North Carolina tourism offers more than a dozen hands-on museums designed especially with children in mind, but perhaps one of the best is found in Charlotte. For a unique hands-on learning adventure, make plans to visit the Discovery Place. As one of the best children’s museums in America, this is truly a great family activity.
As you enter Discovery Place, you will see that there is a special area just for those little one who love to crawl around as they explore. With the toddler-sized displays and activities, even the youngest in your group can have fun. As you continue down the hall, there is an assortment of hands-on exhibits. (When we went, there was a large pendulum and gears machine that worked much like an oversized spiral graph which you could use to draw amazing patterns simply by giving the arm a push.)
In the Science Circus you will learn how circus acts like tightrope walking, acrobatics, contortionist and other Big Top acts use science. While there, you can even walk the tightrope or swing and flip on the bungee seat similar to those used in training by trapeze artist. The Planetarium has automated dinosaurs and then as you meander the Rain Forest you will see a variety of reptiles, amphibians, mammals and birds. Most days, there are teaching sessions where you can pet the animals and talk to those who care for them.
Discovery Place also has an OMNIMAX theater which shows films on various scientific discoveries and historic events-you will need to check their website to know what the feature offering is when you visit. There is also a section where you and your children can arrange an assortment of textiles, blocks and other manipulatives into patterns of your own choosing. Also onsite is a dining area where you can enjoy a meal without needing to leave the museum.
Get into the act as you walk the tightrope!
One of the dinos seen in the Discovery Place Planetarium.
So, come explore one of America’s top rated hands-on museums. You will laugh and learn while spending a day playing at the Discovery Place.