Greensboro Science Center

The Greensboro Science Center (formerly known as the Natural Science Center of Greensboro) is a science museum and zoological park established in 1957 and located in Greensboro, North Carolina. It has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 2008 and is a member of the American Alliance of Museums (AAM).

About The Greensboro Science Center

The Greensboro Science Center was established in 1957 as the Greensboro Junior Museum. By its 40th anniversary in 1997, it was attracting some 200,000 visitors each year, and attendance has continued to grow to nearly 500,000 as of 2021. The facility received accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 2008, which allows for guests to utilize the AZA’s reciprocity program where they can get discounts on their admission at the Greensboro Science Center when they have a membership with a fellow AZA organization. This is helpful for Triad families hoping to visit the many area museums and science centers.

As part of a $20 million makeover, the Greensboro Science Center opened Time Warner Cable’s Extreme Weather Gallery in May 2011, followed by the SkyWild tree-top adventure park in 2015, and finally, its newest expansion, Revolution Ridge in 2021 which features new animals such as Pygmy hippos, Cassowary and Red Pandas in an exhibit called “Endangered Species Village.”

Greensboro Science Center Exhibits & Attractions

Not only does the Greensboro Science Center offer an aquarium, museum, and zoo, they also have plenty of other exhibits and experiences for the whole family to enjoy.

Animal Discovery Zoological Park
- At the zoo, you can enjoy close-up encounters with meerkats, howler monkeys, crocodiles, wallabies, gibbons, and many more animals that change from year to year.
The Museum
- At the Museum, kids can come face-to-face with a 36-foot Tyrannosaurus Rex and other dinosaur models, experience wild weather in the Extreme Weather Gallery, take an interactive journey through the human body, visit live snakes in the herpetarium, and enjoy hands-on learning in SciPlay Bay and in the touch lab.
  - The museum is also home to the OmniSphere Theater, where visitors young and old can watch awe-inspiring, full-dome digital, laser, and eye-popping 3D shows.
Wiseman Aquarium
- North Carolina’s first inland aquarium features sharks, stingrays, penguins, otters, fishing cats, hundreds of fish, and much more
SKYWILD
- SKYWILD was specifically constructed to enable participants to experience a variety of animal behaviors while enjoying an exciting workout. Many challenges will encourage participants to imitate animal actions, such as waddling, leaping, brachiating, and crawling to allow them a better understanding and greater appreciation for the diversity of life.
Aquarium Adventure
- Go behind the scenes of the Wiseman Aquarium and learn how we bring a world-class aquarium to the center of North Carolina! See our Shark Reef tank from a new view, feed our cow nose stingrays a special treat, and wave hello to our penguins after their breakfast.
Penguin Encounters
- Come nose to beak with our engaging African penguins in a special encounter space during this private 45-minute program! Learn about our penguins and meet one of their keepers who will explain the ins and outs of African penguin feeding, care, and overall management. Then, get the chance to interact with two ambassador penguins from our colony before ending the encounter with a great photo opportunity.
Zoo Trek
- Get an up-close look at some of our zoo animals alongside our incredible animal keepers! Learn from our experts as we provide enrichment and treats to animals from an exclusive, behind-the-scenes setting. You’ll have a great time and may end up meeting our okapi, cassowaries, flamingos, Aldabra tortoises, meerkats, or prehensile-tailed porcupine.
Carousel
- The Rotary Club of Greensboro Carousel features unique, hand-carved figures ranging from dinosaurs to horses.
The OmniSphere Theater
- The OmniSphere Theater features full-dome, 3D, and laser shows on the 40-foot dome ceiling. View special programs and movies focusing on dinosaurs, space, and the solar system.
Winter Wonderlights (Seasonal)
- New experiences will light up Revolution Ridge, our brand new zoo expansion project, in ways you’ll have to see to believe. Visit Greensboro Science Center’s outdoor Winter light show with light shows, music, and Winter-themed exhibits for the whole family to enjoy.

To learn more about all of the Science Center’s exhibits click here.

Greensboro Science Center Rules & Info

Accessibility
The GSC is dedicated to developing inclusive experiences for all guests.

Parking
- Parking is available for free on a first-come, first-first served basis. Eleven (11) parking spaces are reserved for vehicles displaying handicap placards.
Wheelchairs
- A limited number of wheelchairs are available to guests for use on a first-come, first-served basis. A photo ID is required for wheelchair check-out.
Restrooms
- Each of our restrooms is outfitted with a wheelchair-accessible stall.
Guests with Service Animals
- The Greensboro Science Center welcomes all ADA service animals or those in a recognized training program. All service animals must be checked in at the front desk before proceeding into the facility. There are currently no access limitations for guests with service animals, but this is subject to change pending any potential animal concerns.

Balloons
Balloons are not permitted.

Child Policy
Children under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Dining
On-site dining is available at the Meerkat Café. Coolers and outside food are welcome.

Gift Shop
The TriceraShop is open Mon. – Sat. from 9 – 5 and Sun. from Noon – 5.

Infant Care
Changing tables are available at each restroom location. Nursing mothers are welcome and may request a private area if desired.

Parking
Parking is available for free on a first-come, first-served basis.

Pets
Pets are not permitted. See accessibility for service animal policy.

Smoking
Smoking of any kind (e-cigarettes, vapes, etc.) is not permitted.

Wagon Rentals
Wagons are available for rent at our Information Desk.

Weapons
Weapons of any kind are not permitted, including concealed carry firearms (C.O. 18-25).

Weather
Animals may be off-exhibit due to weather. Check our homepage for closing information. We do not offer refunds for inclement weather.

Photo Policy
You are welcome to take photos and/or videos for personal use only; photography or videography for commercial, educational, or research purposes requires written permission from the GSC’s Marketing Department. The Greensboro Science Center reserves the right to photograph, videotape, and/or film our members, visitors, and guests, on the Center’s grounds for self-promotional purposes.