We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Museum of Life + Science

433 Murray Avenue, Durham, NC 27704
919 220 5429
Website
Update attraction details
Ranked #4 of 26 attractions in Durham
Type: Museums, Science Museums
Owner description: The Museum of Life and Science is one of North Carolina’s top attractions. Situated on 84-acres, our interactive science park includes a science... more » Owner description: The Museum of Life and Science is one of North Carolina’s top attractions. Situated on 84-acres, our interactive science park includes a science center, a butterfly conservatory which is one of the largest in the world and beautifully-landscaped outdoor exhibits which are safe havens for rescued black bears, lemurs, and endangered red wolves. The Museum's Dinosaur Trail takes visitors on a journey through the Late Cretaceous period. Other attractions include a Farmyard, Ellerbe Creek Railway, Contraptions – a hands-on exhibit for older children and adults, a sailboat pond, The Lab in Investigate Health!, Play to Learn – an exhibit for children under six, more than 60 species of live animals and so much more. The Museum of Life and Science is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. « less
Write a Review

218 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    156
    54
    5
    2
    1
Date Rating
Fort Mill, South Carolina
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 June 2013

An earlier reviewer said it is free - it is not - about $14 for adults, $10 for kids - still a bargain! My sisters-in-law and I took our 6 year old grandchildren here for an afternoon while our husbands went to the baseball game. We all had a great time. The boys (very active) loved each exhibit. The outdoor... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Lori B, External Relations Assistant at Museum of Life + Science, responded to this review
11 June 2013

Glad to hear what a great time you all had, Lalyc! Into the Mist is a very popular exhibit come these warm weather months. If you really want to stay cool this summer, come back and visit us between July 18 - 20 from 10 am – 3 pm when we'll be beating the heat with a variety of super... More

Raleigh
Top Contributor
86 reviews 86 reviews
23 attraction reviews
Reviews in 29 cities Reviews in 29 cities
45 helpful votes 45 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 June 2013

There are so many interesting exhibits here. Something for everyone. They offer many opportunities to attend workshops or presentations, so plan ahead. Visit often - it's free!

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 6 more reviews by Bridgette2073 for Durham
Lori B, External Relations Assistant at Museum of Life + Science, responded to this review
10 June 2013

We're so glad to hear you enjoyed your visit, Bridgette2073! Our admission, which is free for Members, does indeed include all those great experiences you mentioned! I saw you visited in December--hopefully you'll come see us again during our warmer weather months. We have great exhibits inside our Museum facility that feature exploration in local, Carolina wildlife, aerospace and an... More

Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 June 2013

There is so much to see, learn and play here. Even as a solo traveler I've thoroughly enjoyed my time here. I was first a the outdoor area. I really like the small farm area where the huge bull is (name is Max?). The enclosures for the animals further in we're really nice as well, big and spacious for the... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Chiucheong for Durham
Lori B, External Relations Assistant at Museum of Life + Science, responded to this review
10 June 2013

Thank you for posting such a positive review about your visit, Chiucheong! We're glad to hear you enjoyed exploring the huge variety of animals we care for here. Hopefully you'll visit us again and explore the interactive exhibits we have indoors! All summer long we'll have extended hours in our hands-on Lab from 10:30AM-4:30PM Tuesday-Saturday and will be featuring a... More

Henderson, Nevada
Top Contributor
68 reviews 68 reviews
15 attraction reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 June 2013

I was looking forward to seeing the "butterfly house" ... I wasn't disappointed. All those butterflies flitting around and landing wherever. I got some good pictures. The building is kept at tropical temperatures and the humidity is high so be prepared to get wet armpits and dripping foreheads. Actually, I was enjoying myself so much I didn't mind it and... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by KalihiKid65 for Durham
Henderson, Nevada
Top Contributor
68 reviews 68 reviews
15 attraction reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 June 2013

So happy we visited the Museum of Life and Science. It was more than we expected. Families will love this attraction. There were lots of hands-on exhibits for kids young and old; children of all ages. Some things were high tech and other things were simpler. It can be what you make of it ... lots of walking or just... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by KalihiKid65 for Durham
Lori B, External Relations Assistant at Museum of Life + Science, responded to this review
10 June 2013

Thanks for submitting such a positive review, KalihiKid65! We often hear from guests that there is so much to do here it takes more than a day to experience it all! If you enjoyed the Magic Wings Butterfly House during your last visit, come see us in July. We'll be releasing 1,000 blue morpho butterflies throughout the month. Make sure... More

Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 June 2013

This is a wonderful resource for young and old alike. I'm a member, so go often. Recently, I took my 8 year old granddaughter and my 93 year old dad. He, a former marine aviator, enjoyed seeing the Astronaut-related exhibits. Both inside and out, the museum is quite wheelchair accessible, and the restaurant is outstanding. The mist gardens are fabulous... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Lori B, External Relations Assistant at Museum of Life + Science, responded to this review
7 June 2013

Thanks for sharing such great memories with us; we love to hear about why our members love visiting! For even more Aerospace fun, come back to see us on June 15 as we celebrate the Grand Opening of Launch Lab: Aerospace. We're introducing all new components including mechanical airplane launchers, hover tables, and lots of common household supplies for guests... More

virginia
Top Contributor
68 reviews 68 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 36 cities Reviews in 36 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 June 2013 via mobile

We took our two grand children here for a day outing and we had a blast. This place can easily keep both young and old's attention for a full day. It's a combination of Marbles Museum, Pullen Park, and the zoo, all rolled into one. Our grand children are 6 and 3 years old, and they went non-stop all day... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Lori B, External Relations Assistant at Museum of Life + Science, responded to this review
10 June 2013

Glad to hear you enjoyed yourselves, beachcomber1947! With summer in the South just heating up, definitely come back to visit us and leave some time to spend inside the Museum. All summer long we have extended hours in the Lab where you can experiment with local scientists! From 10:30am-4:30pm Tuesday-Saturday you can try your hand at answering questions like "Why... More

Raleigh, North Carolina
Top Contributor
99 reviews 99 reviews
53 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 May 2013

The Museum of Life and Science in Durham is a great learning experience that is also fun. There are all kinds of activities that always have some learning opportunities associated with it.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 14 more reviews by John F for Durham
Lynchburg, Virginia
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 May 2013

We have been to this location 10+times. Sticker shock every time for a family of 5. A season pass would be cheaper, but we aren't local so we haven't yet done that...not knowing when we might get back. Space tech area is outstanding with kid friendly science activities, and a lunar lander. Upstairs is a cool origami self-teaching area, a... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Mavsam for Durham
Lori B, External Relations Assistant at Museum of Life + Science, responded to this review
11 June 2013

Thank-you so much for sharing your experience with us – We’re delighted to hear you had such a good time with us and value your feedback on areas for improvement. We always strive to offer the highest level of customer service and rely on guests such as yourself to highlight areas where we can continue to create a great experience... More

Tallahassee, Florida
Top Contributor
50 reviews 50 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 May 2013

Took our 19-mo. old niece & there was plenty to keep her entertained for 2-1/2 hours. In some areas, separate play areas were designated by age group. Plenty to do both indoors & out so you could easily visit on a cold or rainy day as well. Lots of Purell stations for hand sanitizing. Bathrooms plentiful & well maintained. Best... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by Luv2Trvl18 for Durham

Travellers who viewed Museum of Life + Science also viewed

 

Been to Museum of Life + Science? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Museum of Life + Science, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing