Plan A Visit

Closed Today

Welcome to Discovery Place Nature

Purchase Tickets

Museum Hours

Discovery Place Members receive exclusive access to the Museum one hour prior to opening to the public, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Not a Member? Join Today

Friday - Monday 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday - Thursday Closed

Getting Here Today’s Schedule

Admission Become a Member

  Adults Children Children under 2 Members
Museum $8 $8 FREE FREE

Purchase Tickets Getting Here Today’s Schedule

Welcome 2

As a benefit of your EBT or WIC card, you can visit any Discovery Place Museum as part of our Welcome program for only $1 per person per visit. Welcome visits do not require advance reservation—simply show your benefits card at the Admissions Desk to receive $1 admission for up to six family members. Purchase your tickets on the day of your visit at the Museum for entry while the Museum is open, 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Welcome program benefits are for NC and SC residents only and may not be used for school or group visits. Some special exhibitions will require an additional fee. ID is required.


Getting Here

Discovery Place Nature is located in the heart of Charlotte adjacent to Freedom Park.

Parking at the Museum is free. Limited parking for larger vehicles is available on-site. Additional parking is available at Freedom Park.

Looking for Discovery Place Science or Discovery Place Kids?

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Will I be required to wear a mask?

    Masks are not required but strongly encouraged for all Museum visitors.

  • Where can I buy a ticket?

    Tickets must be purchased in advance online. Click here to purchase your tickets.

  • How do I purchase Welcome tickets?

    As a benefit of your EBT or WIC card, you can visit any Discovery Place Museum as part of our Welcome program for only $1 per person per visit. Welcome visits do not require advance reservation—simply show your benefits card at the Admissions Desk to receive $1 admission for up to six family members. Purchase your tickets on the day of your visit at the Museum for entry while the Museum is open, 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

  • I purchased tickets in advance but now I need to reschedule. What should I do?

    If you need to reschedule your visit, it must be done no later than 24 hours prior to your visit. Due to capacity limitations, we cannot reschedule or offer refunds if you contact us after your reserved time. Our Guest Sales team can assist you with rescheduling your visit. You can contact them weekdays at 704.372.6261 x300.

  • Do I have to leave the Museum by a certain time?

    Once you are in the Museum you are welcome to stay until closing.

  • What is the Member Hour?

    All Discovery Place Members have exclusive access to the Museum(s) included in their Membership prior to opening to the public. All Discovery Place Museums open to the public at 10:30 a.m. Members may arrive and enjoy the Museum up to one hour prior to opening to the public, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Not a Member? Join today!

  • Can I bring lunch, snacks, drinks?

    Small snack items may be brought into the Museum and consumed in designated locations. Masks must be worn at all times when not eating or drinking.

  • Can I bring a stroller?

    Yes, strollers are permitted in all of the Museums. Please be aware that elevator access will be limited to one family/group at a time and so we ask for your patience when accessing the elevators with strollers.

  • Are pets allowed in the Museum?

    For the safety of our living residents, no pets or other outside animals are not allowed in the Museum.

  • How are you providing accessibility accommodations?

    Wheelchairs are available on a first come, first serve basis at all of our Museums. Visitors should request a wheelchair at Ticket Check In. Wheelchairs are sanitized after each use.

  • Why is the store closed?

    We are temporarily pressing pause on retail merchandise sales at Discovery Place Nature and Discovery Place Kids locations. While supply chain issues continue, we’re consolidating our retail to Discovery Place Science. We are also building an online store, and plan to have that launched this summer.

  • How do I show my ticket?

    All visitors must enter the Museum through a single location as identified on your ticket. There, visitors must present their digital tickets for entry.

  • I received a confirmation email but not the second email with my tickets.

    Please bring the confirmation email to Ticket Help when you arrive at the Museum.

  • I have purchased a ticket but now have (mild) symptoms. What should I do?

    Should an individual start showing symptoms or learn of a potential COVID-19 exposure after purchasing tickets, they are required to contact Guest Sales at 704.372.6261 x300 for a refund.

  • Is there reduced capacity in the Museum? What about social distancing?

    Yes. Our Museums will operate at reduced capacities to allow for proper social distancing. Inside our Museums, directional signage and pathways provide guidance for social distancing. Visitors are asked to follow these guidelines at all times.

  • Are all exhibits open?

    Not all areas of the Museum will be available during a visit. Some areas will remain closed due to the difficulty they pose related to social distancing and/or cleaning. Other exhibits may be modified or temporarily offline at different times throughout the day to ensure proper sanitation and cleanliness.

  • What are your cleaning practices?

    Several cleaning protocols have been put into place at our Museums to limit the spread of viruses. Intense sanitization of each Museum will take place daily and individual areas and exhibitions will be cleaned, on a rotating schedule, multiple times a day. Cleaning will be conducted both by Discovery Place team members and a third-party company. All cleaning products being used are approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to combat the spread of COVID-19. Additional deep cleaning will take place on days our Museums are closed to the public.

  • Can I use my ASTC Passport benefits at Discovery Place Nature?

    Yes, general admission to Discovery Place Science and Discovery Place Nature are included in the ASTC Passport Program with the admittance policy of: general admission for two adults and up to four children 18 or younger. Distance exclusions may apply. Discovery Place Kids locations are not included in the ASTC Passport Program. Proof of active membership at a participating museum and proof of residency required. Contact Members@discoveryplace.org for more information.

Discovery Place is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our admission fees cover only a portion of the cost to provide high-quality science education experiences to our community.