Discovery Place Tours

Discovery Place showing a city and modern architecture
Discovery Place showing signage and interior views
Discovery Place showing street scenes as well as a couple
Discovery Place featuring interior views and marine life
Discovery Place


This science museum gets young minds working with activities that range from designing an architectural wonder to watching a 3-D movie.

Hands-on learning laboratories and multimedia experiences make Discovery Place an exciting learning experience for kids and their families. It’s located right in the heart of uptown Charlotte, near Freedom Park, and is perfect entertainment for a rainy day.

Get a scientific glimpse into diverse ecosystems in World Alive, which is inhabited by sharks, stingrays, reptiles and birds. Take some field notes on the swing bridge or in the researchers hut at this exotic explorers’ outpost. Visit the Explore More Life Lab to test, observe and interact with animals in their habitats.

The Think It Up lab provides fun opportunities to experiment with different materials in creative ways. Make your own footwear, craft stop-motion animations, and create music with the movements of your body in a motion-sensor room. Sculptures made from paper float through the Air Tubes before being shot out at the top to float back to earth.

Project Build encourages budding architects to create floor plans and buildings using computer programs. Try your hand at building the Eiffel Tower using Build It blocks, or construct a shelter out of pipes and netting.

Once you’re done inventing, lie back and enjoy the immersive experience of the IMAX cinema. The latest 3-D movies feel close enough to reach out and touch them.
Exhibits change regularly at this museum. There’s easily enough activities to fill half a day. Whether testing materials, building, lying on a bed of nails, or investigating forces, Discovery Place teaches kids about their world through experimentation and play.

Discovery Place is open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. Paid parking is available in the lot behind the museum. There is light rail stop two blocks from the museum. The museum’s entry fee doesn’t include the IMAX movie experience.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Discovery Place

Tours & day trips

See all 35 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 11 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 3 activities

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 3 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Discovery Place

Homewood Suites By Hilton Charlotte Uptown First Ward

Homewood Suites By Hilton Charlotte Uptown First Ward

3 out of 5
508 N. College St., Charlotte, NC
Homewood Suites By Hilton Charlotte Uptown First Ward
Charlotte Marriott City Center

Charlotte Marriott City Center

4 out of 5
100 West Trade Street, Charlotte, NC
Charlotte Marriott City Center
HYATT house Charlotte/Center City

HYATT house Charlotte/Center City

3 out of 5
435 E Trade Street, Charlotte, NC
HYATT house Charlotte/Center City
Hampton Inn Charlotte-Uptown

Hampton Inn Charlotte-Uptown

2.5 out of 5
530 E Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Charlotte, NC
Hampton Inn Charlotte-Uptown
Omni Charlotte Hotel

Omni Charlotte Hotel

4 out of 5
132 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC
Omni Charlotte Hotel
DoubleTree by Hilton Charlotte City Center

DoubleTree by Hilton Charlotte City Center

4 out of 5
230 N College St, Charlotte, NC
DoubleTree by Hilton Charlotte City Center
AC by Marriott Charlotte

AC by Marriott Charlotte

3.5 out of 5
220 East Trade Street, Suite 500, Charlotte, NC
AC by Marriott Charlotte
The Ivey's Hotel

The Ivey's Hotel

4.5 out of 5
127 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC
The Ivey's Hotel
Grand Bohemian Charlotte, Autograph Collection

Grand Bohemian Charlotte, Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
201 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC
Grand Bohemian Charlotte, Autograph Collection
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Discovery Place

While visiting Discovery Place in Charlotte, North Carolina, you'll find a variety of engaging activities nearby, such as live music, theater performances, and sporting events. Don't miss the chance to explore local museums that offer enriching experiences. For a memorable stay, consider accommodations that provide easy access to these attractions, ensuring you make the most of your vacation in this vibrant area.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Discovery Place, visit Optimist Hall, just 1.4km away, offering a vibrant city and family atmosphere. SouthPark Mall, 8.0km away, is perfect for entertainment and diverse shopping. If you're up for a drive, head to Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, also 8.0km away, for local goods.

Recreation

Experience the excitement at Bank of America Stadium, where you can enjoy thrilling sports events. For live music and entertainment, head to Fillmore Charlotte, offering vibrant concerts. For a peaceful retreat, visit Abbott Park, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation amidst nature.

Adventure

At Ray's Splash Planet, enjoy thrilling water slides and a lazy river, perfect for family fun. Victory Lane Karting offers an adrenaline rush as you race go-karts on a competitive track. For motorsports enthusiasts, the Hendrick Motorsports Complex showcases NASCAR racing excitement and behind-the-scenes tours.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Discovery Place by catching a show at McGlohon Theatre, just 161m away, for a dose of culture. For a fun twist, head to Ten Park Lanes, 6.4km away, for arcade games and family fun, or enjoy drinks at Topgolf, 12.9km away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Discovery Place

During your visit to Discovery Place in Charlotte, North Carolina, you'll find a vibrant mix of attractions including urban parks, arts centers, and conference venues. Ideal for those seeking cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and city life, this area also offers options like the Charlotte theater and Discovery Place Science, ensuring a memorable vacation filled with exploration and entertainment.

  • Charlotte Convention Center: Located 966m from Discovery Place, this modern venue is perfect for events and conferences, offering a professional atmosphere. Experience the buzz of business activities and networking opportunities in the heart of Charlotte.
  • NASCAR Hall of Fame: Just 966m away, this interactive museum celebrates the rich history and culture of NASCAR. Dive into the thrilling world of racing through engaging exhibits and memorabilia, perfect for sports enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
  • Blumenthal Performing Arts Center: A mere 161m from Discovery Place, this vibrant arts venue hosts a variety of performances, from Broadway shows to concerts. Immerse yourself in the local arts scene and enjoy the cultural offerings that Charlotte has to offer.

Best time to go to Discovery Place

The best time to visit Discovery Place is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February45.5°F (7.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April60.6°F (15.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May69.1°F (20.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June77.0°F (25.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July80.2°F (26.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August78.3°F (25.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September73.0°F (22.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
October62.6°F (17.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December45.9°F (7.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Discovery Place

To save money on your trip to Discovery Place, visit during the off-peak months of August or December to January, and aim for a Monday stay for the best rates. Utilize Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly accommodations and consider eco-certified hotels for sustainable options. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities in an Expedia package can also lead to significant savings. Lastly, explore free activities in the area and use public transport for affordable travel around Charlotte.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Discovery Place are August and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Discovery Place is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Discovery Place is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool lets you choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Discovery Place with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia