ZooNorth Carolina, US

Museum of Life and Science

The Museum of Life and Science is a vibrant hub for discovery and adventure.

About

The Museum of Life and Science is a vibrant hub for discovery and adventure. This 84-acre campus in Durham, North Carolina, uniquely blends a dynamic science museum, an engaging children's museum, and an AZA-accredited zoo, offering a rich tapestry of indoor and outdoor experiences for all ages. It's a place where curiosity is ignited through interactive exhibits and close encounters with wildlife, fostering a deeper connection to both science and the natural world.

Visitors can explore diverse habitats in the "Explore the Wild" exhibit, home to magnificent endangered red wolves, playful ring-tailed lemurs from Madagascar, impressive black bears, and radiated tortoises. Journey back in time on the "Dinosaur Trail," featuring over a dozen life-sized dinosaur models and an exciting fossil dig site where you might uncover ancient marine relics. The "Magic Wings Butterfly House" offers an immersive experience within one of the largest butterfly conservatories on the East Coast, while the whimsical "Hideaway Woods" invites imaginative play among treehouses and flowing streambeds. Inside, the "Aerospace" exhibit showcases significant Apollo-era NASA artifacts, and "Earth Moves" captivates with a 20-foot waterfall and hands-on explorations of geological processes.

A visit to the Museum of Life and Science is an unforgettable journey that sparks wonder and fosters a lifelong appreciation for scientific inquiry and conservation. Its commitment to hands-on learning, coupled with its impressive collection of live animals and engaging outdoor spaces, makes it a perfect destination for families, educators, and anyone eager to explore the intersections of science, nature, and play. Whether you're marveling at a soaring butterfly, digging for fossils, or observing a red wolf, every moment here promises discovery. Take the ultimate field guide with you: use the Snappit app to identify birds, plants, and animals on your trip.

The Museum of Life and Science began its remarkable journey in 1946 as "The Children's Museum" in Durham, North Carolina. Initially a trail-side nature center, it offered storytime, a preschool, and hands-on nature discovery opportunities to the local community. Over the years, the institution expanded its collections and physical footprint, moving to new locations as it grew. In the early 1970s, it was renamed the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science, and by 1983, it officially became the Museum of Life and Science, reflecting its broader mission and appeal. The museum steadily blossomed into the expansive 84-acre campus seen today, continually adding indoor and outdoor exhibits that underscore its dedication to science exploration, conservation, and nature play.

What to do here

Engage with hands-on science exhibits, observe animal behaviors, participate in daily Q&A sessions with animal care staff, climb and play in nature-based environments, and explore the diverse ecosystems represented across the campus.

Seasonal info

Lemurs and radiated tortoises may choose to stay indoors on very hot, cold, or rainy days. If rain is predicted, focus on the extensive indoor exhibits like the Aerospace Gallery or the Magic Wings Butterfly House.

Accessibility

The Museum of Life and Science is committed to accessibility, with ADA-compliant indoor and outdoor paths, accessible restrooms, and designated accessible parking spaces. Manual wheelchairs are available for loan on a first-come, first-served basis, and elevators provide access to upper floors. The Ellerbe Creek Railway can accommodate one wheelchair per train ride. For visitors with sensory sensitivities, the museum offers sensory-friendly kits, visual schedules, and a calming room in the Aerospace Gallery. A significant portion of the staff has been trained by the UNC TEACCH Autism Program, and caregivers of individuals with disabilities receive free admission.

Plan your visit

Suggested duration: To fully experience both indoor and outdoor exhibits, ride the train, and explore at a relaxed pace, plan for a minimum of 4 to 6 hours. Many families with young children often spend an entire day from opening to closing. If time is limited, focusing on 2-3 "must-see" areas can take around 2-3 hours.
Best time to visit: Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. Afternoons might offer a quieter experience compared to busy mornings, especially during the academic year. During hot North Carolina summers, consider exploring outdoor exhibits early in the morning and moving indoors during the warmest part of the day.
Location: North Carolina, US
Species in this guide: 12

Best for

Families With Young ChildrenScience And Nature EnthusiastsAnimal Lovers And Conservation AdvocatesEducational Field Trips And Curious Learners Of All Ages

Official website Open in Maps

Don't miss

Explore the Wild

Observe black bears, ring-tailed lemurs, radiated tortoises, and endangered red wolves in their expansive habitats.

Dinosaur Trail

Walk among life-sized dinosaur replicas and dig for ancient marine fossils.

Magic Wings Butterfly House

Immerse yourself in a lush tropical environment filled with hundreds of butterflies.

Hideaway Woods

A two-acre nature playscape featuring impressive treehouses, rope bridges, and a flowing streambed.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Anole

Northern Cardinal

American Robin

Monarch Butterfly

Carpenter Bee

Brown Thrasher

Eastern Gray Squirrel

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Wear comfortable walking shoes

** The campus is expansive with 84 acres of indoor and outdoor exhibits, so you'll be doing a lot of walking.

Bring a refillable water bottle

Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months, as there are places to refill.

Consider a change of clothes for kids

Several outdoor exhibits involve water, sand, and mud, so children might get wet or messy.

Pack sun and bug protection

For extensive time spent outdoors, sunscreen and bug repellent are advisable.

Arrive early or visit on a weekday

Weekdays and early mornings tend to be less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed experience at popular exhibits.

Utilize free parking

Free parking is available on both sides of Murray Avenue, including a covered three-story parking deck across the street.

Check the daily schedule

The museum offers Q&A with animal care and other programs, so check the schedule upon arrival to plan your day.

Frequently asked questions

: The Museum of Life and Science is home to over 60 species of animals, many of which are part of conservation efforts. Key animals include endangered Red Wolves, Ring-tailed Lemurs, Black Bears, and Radiated Tortoises in the "Explore the Wild" exhibit. You can also see various native Carolina wildlife such as American Alligators, birds, and salamanders, along with farm animals like alpacas, cows, and pigs in the Farmyard, and hundreds of tropical butterflies in the Magic Wings Butterfly House.
: Yes, the Museum of Life and Science strives to be accessible for everyone. Its indoor and outdoor paths are ADA compliant, and the exhibits, outdoor elements, and even the train ride are designed to be accessible for wheelchair users. The museum provides accessible parking, restrooms, manual wheelchairs for loan, and elevators. Additionally, they offer sensory-friendly kits, visual schedules, and a calming room. Many staff members have received training from the UNC TEACCH Autism Program, and caregivers for people with disabilities receive free admission.
: For a comprehensive and immersive visit, especially with children, it is recommended to plan for 4 to 6 hours, or even a full day. The museum's extensive indoor and outdoor exhibits offer a wide range of activities that can easily fill an entire day. If you have limited time or are focusing on specific highlights, a visit could be condensed to 2-3 hours.