Let The Adventure Begin
Simply put, its almost impossible to enjoy everything that the museum offers in one visit. The best thing to do is to thoroughly review the museum campus map and exhibits information online before your arrival and seek out exhibits that your particular brood might enjoy the most on that particular day. For out-of-town visitors who might not have an opportunity to revisit the museum as frequently or easily, the best advice is to first enjoy the exhibits that might not be offered in your hometowns childrens museums, and then plan to return for another adventure. Current Indoor Exhibits: Aerospace, Butterfly House, Carolina WildLife, Flip It Fold It Figure It Out, Insectorium, Investigate Health, Launch Lab, Math Movers, Play To Learn, Tinker Lab, Weather Current Outdoor Exhibits: Catch the Wind, Dinosaur Trail, Earth Moves, Explore the Wild: Black Bears, Lemurs, Tortoises, Red Wolves, Gateway Park, Hideaway Woods, Into the Mist, Sound Garden, The Farmyard, The Train, Wander Away.
Summer Hours: Museum Of Life And Science Now Open Daily
As the summer season gets underway, the Museum of Life and Science is now open daily. With Memorial Day, the Durham museum began operating seven days a week through Labor Day. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
DURHAM, N.C.
This adds a couple more days of play at the museum each week. It had been open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday.
continues to require a reservation in advance
Admission is $23 and $18 for kids ages 3 to 12. There are discounts for seniors and active or retired military. Members play for free. Train rides aboard the Ellerbe Creek Railway are $5.50 .
17 tips for making a visit great
Aza & Astc Reciprocity
This discount is only available for in-person, same-day ticket purchases please present your valid membership card and matching ID.
Reciprocal memberships for participating Association of Science – Technology Centers or Association of Zoos and Aquariums organizations will be accepted provided the member follows the following guidelines: You must have your membership card with you. The membership card must be in your name. You must present a photo ID. The expiration date on the membership card must be valid.
To use a reciprocal corporate membership, the member must observe the following guidelines: You must have the membership card with you. The membership card must be in your company’s name. You must present your business ID to match with the company name on the membership card. The expiration date on the membership card must be valid. The reciprocal benefit applies to up to 5 people per membership card presented.
To find out if your museum or zoo is part of the reciprocity program, view the lists online: ASTC | AZAPlease note the exceptions below. Reciprocity is subject to change.
Read Also: Children’s Museum San Francisco Ca
Wed Love To Hear From You
If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please send us a direct message or fill out the form below and we will get back to you shortly.
Common Questions
Reservations Trouble reserving tickets? Questions about visiting? See our Museum FAQ page or contact
Membership Cant download your new digital card? For all membership related questions, e-mail us at or call 919-220-5429 ext. 324
10 am 5 pm
- Children Free
- U.S. Military $21
- Learn about group pricing
Durham Community Days In 2022
On Durham Community Days, Durham County residents receive free admission. Youll need to show proof of residents. All adults in your party will need to show proof of residency. Each adult can bring up to five children.
Durham Community Days take place twice a month. The day of the week varies, making it possible for Durham residents with various schedules to attend.
The dates of Durham Community Days have been announced for the second half of 2022.
Also Check: National Civil Rights Museum Atlanta
Magic Wings Butterfly House
A major attraction at MLS is the three-story glass Magic Wings Butterfly House, which opened April 17, 1999, a butterfly zoo and tropical conservatory featuring a community of several hundred tropical butterflies representing dozens of species, as well as an array of tropical plants. The Bayer CropScience Insectarium, located in the Magic Wings Butterfly House, features exotic insects from around the world. This exhibit was the first of the BioQuest expansion to be completed.
Plan Your Trip To The Museum Of Life And Science
Discover the scientist in you with a visit to Durham’s popular museum.
Posted ByChika Gujarathi
In 1946, a group of volunteers created a small trail-side nature center at C-36 Lavender Street off Durhams West Club Boulevard to offer storytimes, a preschool, and hands-on nature discovery opportunities to the community. Now, 75 years later, the Museum of Life and Science stands amidst a sprawling 84 acres on Murray Avenue it seems unfathomable to imagine such humble beginnings for an institution synonymous with childhood in Durham and the entire Triangle.Located about five miles from downtown Durham, the Museum of Life and Science has grown exponentially in the past few decades. With over 35 indoor and outdoor exhibits for all ages, including a zoo, an aquarium, an aerospace museum, a science lab, a nature preserve, a conservatory, an old-time railway, the museum has upheld its commitment to spread a sense of wonder, awe, and critical thinking through play and exploration. Honored as the National Model by the National Science Foundation, we are proud to have the Museum of Life and Science as a steady part of Durhams vibrant and ever-evolving community.
Don’t Miss: Terry Redlin Museum Watertown Sd
A Day At The Museum Is An Adventure Here Are Some Of Our Best Tips For A Great Day With Your Family
Downtown Museum Dates Closed
- Thursday, Nov. 24Friday, Nov. 25
- Friday, Dec. 23Monday, Dec. 27
- Thursday, Nov. 24Friday, Nov. 25
- Friday, Dec. 23Monday, Dec. 27
- Thursday, Nov. 24Friday, Nov. 25
- Friday, Dec. 23Monday, Dec. 27
- Monday-Friday: 9am-3pm for groups by reservation
- Saturday: 10am2pm
- Thursday, Nov. 24Friday, Nov. 25
- Friday, Dec. 23Monday, Dec. 27
You May Like: Titanic Museum Branson Gift Shop
Museum Of Life And Science
Reserved tickets are no longer required to visit the Museum, but online tickets can get you into the Museum faster. With your confirmed ticket, you can either present a printout of your reservation or show the reservation electronically on your mobile device, and well check you in and get you on your way!
Business Member visitors will need to reserve tickets via email before their visit. While we have dropped timed ticketing for the general public, all Business Member visitors need to reserve tickets via email before their visit.
Did you know that a Membership to the Museum can cost less than the price of two visits? Its one of the best values for families anywhere in North Carolina!
Learn more
Never A Disappointing Trip To The Museum
“I love the blend of Richmond history along with science education experiences. They go above and beyond to switch up their offerings and discussions so we learn something every time we visit. The exhibits are very interactive for the kids, too. The programs Rat Basketball, planetarium shows and more are great.”
Also Check: Free Museums In Houston On Tuesday
Tuesday Sunday 10 Am 5 Pm*
* Open to Members at 9 am
Special Schedule Days
Durham Community Days
On Durham Community days, Durham County residents get in free with current proof of residence. All adults must have Durham residency to get in free each adult can bring up to five children. Guests without current proof of residency will need to pay for tickets at check-in.
2022 Durham Community Days
2022
2023
