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Take the Kids: Greensboro Science Center

You can easily spend a full day at this facility. It's the only place in the state that has a zoo, museum and aquarium.

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By
Tandra Wilkerson
, WRAL contributor
DURHAM, N.C. — It had been years since we stepped inside the Greensboro Science Center. We ended that streak recently during Spring Break. What a fun time!

You can easily spend a full day at this facility. It's the only place in the state that has a zoo, museum and aquarium. There's also a treetop adventure park on site. Additional fees are required for this and reservations are encouraged.

So much to see and do at this place. The amount of time needed for your visit depends on how much you participate. At the very least, I'd suggest three hours.

I can't remember ticket prices from our first trip to the center. This time it was $19.50/person for my oldest and me. Then $17.50 for my youngest.

The center has membership and military discounts, too. And if you receive SNAP/EBT benefits from any state, you can purchase up to five tickets at $5 per person. All you need is your SNAP card and ID. There are other avenues for financial assistance available too.

Restrooms are our first stop wherever we go. Here, they are located at the front entrance. My daughters then headed straight into the aquarium. They love seeing marine life.

There are sharks, penguins, inverted jellyfish, an octopus and much more than I can list. I was really impressed with the interactive features throughout the entirety of the center. My youngest was especially engaged.

Before heading to outdoor attractions, we made purchases at the gift shop. It has items you'd normally expect such as T-shirts, mugs, stuffed animals, candies and toys. We left with candy and plushies.

Next, was lunch. The Meerkat Café is their on-site dining area. Outside food and coolers are welcome if you'd prefer. We usually pack our lunches but decided differently this time.

Kid's meals come with an entree, side of fries or chips, and a drink. We each chose to get one and they were perfectly filling for us. The hot dogs are good but the grilled cheese sandwiches are delicious & buttery.

There are tables in front of the café and additional seating on the lower level. You have the option to take the stairs or elevator. We chose to eat on the lower level for more spacious seating and less traffic.

Before heading outdoors, be sure to step into the dinosaur exhibit. It's an area younger dino lovers will especially enjoy. Unfortunately, the center's beloved Komodo dragon, Drogo, recently passed away. He was a staple at this exhibit.

Heading out into the sunshine leads you to tortoises, lemurs, tigers, pygmy hippos, and other amazing animals. There's a Discovery House full of smaller critters and a barn with farm animals. Plenty of viewing and learning opportunities await.

Also, adventure through a tree house with your kids. It gets pretty crowded so be prepared. And if you chose the Skywild treetop experience, you'll find that nearby as well.

We were very tired by the end of our visit. Yet, we made time for one more thing on the way out... a carousel ride. Yes, it's located right on the premises and you access it from the parking lot.

Although we had a great time, there are things we didn't get to. The Greensboro Science Center has events, classes, programs, shows, VIP experiences and camps. I don't think the activities ever end!

Please... get to Greensboro and experience this fun place. And if you don't have kids to visit with, take an adult or go solo. You'll enjoy either way.

I know we'll return. And next time around, we plan to try Skywild. I'll keep you posted. You can see more from our visit on this Insta reel.
Tandra Wilkerson is a regular Go Ask Mom contributor. You can read more of her adventures on her blog, Thriller Mom.

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