North Carolina Museum of Life and Science: A Great Place for a Family Outing

As a native of Baltimore, MD, when I think of visiting a 'museum', what comes to mind are thoughts of those boring trips field trips we used to take in elementary school to the Walter's Art Gallery, the Blacks in Wax Museum, or those other historic museums in the city. So, when some other mom friends of mine wanted to go to the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science in Durham, I wasn't too thrilled to go, but figured the kids may enjoy it, sort of like when a parent takes a child to a kiddie movie. You're doing it for the kids and don't expect to enjoy it from an adult point of view.

I was pleasantly surprised that this 'museum' as they call it was far from the typical museum I'd visited as a child in Baltimore. I was amazed that this wonderful place was right in my own city and I can visit anytime. Also, because I'm a Durham resident, my family can visit the museum for free on Wednesdays from 1pm -5pm. The adults just need to bring ID with proof of address. The only downside to the free time is that it just isn't enough time to see everything, so I need to break it up into mini excursions.

Actually, it is more like a science center similar to the Maryland Science Center in MD or the Liberty Science Center in NJ with an attached zoo in its backyard. It's not so big that you're constantly worried about your child running away and getting lost and not so small that you want to leave if you come when it is busy. When you go inside, there are lots of hands on activities for the children of all ages to explore. There's a weather exhibit complete with a cloud making machine and tornado. There's a block building exhibit you may have to drag the kids out of. There are rocks for the kids to touch and explore different textures and magnetism. Also, lots of eye candy to keep the kids interested. There's a mini zoo exhibit inside (just a taste of what's to come later) with plenty of reptiles, amphibians, and birds. Some time ago they even had a baby black bear right behind the glass so everyone could see it very close. I'd never seen a baby bear at the zoo behind glass so close before. However, the baby bear quickly outgrew that exhibit, so they had to move it outside with the other bears during my next visit.

Many times, after seeing the first floor, we usually head outside to see the more cool stuff, but there actually is an upstairs area that unfortunately we haven't gone to yet. I'm sure there is great stuff up there, but my kids wanted to see the animals and we never have enough time to do it all. A warning: when you do go outside, if you're not wearing comfortable shoes and clothes, you may be sorry. This place is really huge! There is a lot of walking to do if you want to take full advantage of your time, so you need to be ready for that. The kids will want to drag you around if you start to get tired, so be prepared for that. Also, don't go out there on a hot day without a good supply of water. There is a vending machine out there, but it's a bit of a distance before you can get to it.

The farm type animals are the first ones you'll see along with some exotic ones you may not have seen. Then there's the famous Magic Wings Butterfly House with plenty of colorful butterflies fluttering around. Just make sure you dress in layers so you can peel some off if you go when it's cold outside. It's pretty hot and humid inside there. Think tropical rain forest. Oh, and if you know you have an insect phobia, do NOT go in the Insectarium. I'm sure the museum staff doesn't want to have to help revive you after you pass out. There are lots of large creepy crawly things from all over the world in there to freak you out, but your kids may love it.

After that, get your walking shoes ready, because there's a lot of ground to cover, six acres to be exact. From now on, you're basically in a zoo. There's plenty of wildlife, wetlands, and plants to see and experience. Last, but not least, there's the Ellerbee Creek Railway which is a scaled down version of a real locomotive. The kiddos would surely love the train ride around the Nature Park, well the younger kids. The older ones may want to sit this one out especially considering the extra charge. There's an extra charge of $2 per person for the train. You have to make sure you're on time for your scheduled train ride. You pay for your ticket when you first come in. Your time is printed on the ticket. It's easy to miss if you're distracted by all the great sites to see.

In addition to the great exhibits, the museum also has several daily events along with other special events. There are always different educational events going on there. If you become a member of the Museum, there are even more perks for the family. You can also arrange to have a party or event, even a wedding there and of course field trips. There's so much to see and experience at the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science. This article would be quite lengthy if I were to go into more detail about everything there. This museum is definitely recommended as a place the whole family would enjoy if you come and visit the Triangle area of North Carolina.