The 84 acres that encompass the Museum of Life + Science are packed full of attractions designed to spark wonder and curiosity in guests. It is frequently ranked as one of the top family-friendly museums in the Southeast. Rent the entire museum for a business party, sip champagne in the Butterfly House at your garden wedding, or host your next board meeting in one of our individual meeting rooms. The indoor and outdoor venue spaces are ideal for business functions, family events, weddings and receptions, private parties and company outings
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Hours:
Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
We booked the Museum of Life and Science for our wedding and 10/10 would recommend! When we started planning our wedding, we knew that we wanted something a little more non-traditional. After touring the Museum of Life and Science, we knew it was the perfect fit.
We held our ceremony outside of the butterfly house, allowing guests to tour the butterfly house (and take a train ride) during cocktail hour, and we had our reception in the Aerospace exhibit.
We kept calling our wedding “an Introvert’s dream wedding” because of all the activities. What we didn’t realize was that all the activities gave people things to talk about the whole night through. So many of our wedding guests have raved about our wedding being the most fun wedding they’ve been to, and a great deal of that was due to how much fun the Museum of Life and Science is!
On the admin side, the Museum’s event coordinator, Rachel, was very friendly, positive, responsive, and accommodating. She helped a great deal with coordinating the set up of everything for our wedding in collaboration with our wedding planner, Events by Emily.
Originally, we had been worried that having to start our wedding after the Museum closed at 5pm (ceremony at 6:30pm) would not be enough time, but all things considered, the limited amount of time did not outweigh how amazing and unique our wedding was because of the Museum. Without a doubt, if we were to plan our wedding again, we would absolutely book the Museum of Life and Science!
(Photography: Laura Memory Photography; Wedding Planner: Events by Emily)
Lisa Pettinato
Oct 19, 2024
3
Museum of Life & Science in Durham is our go to place! There are so many activities for various age groups. I have two under three and spend 3-4 hours on the Museum grounds seamlessly - multiple times a week!
Food pricing is very fair
Train pricing is adequate
Cleanliness of the park is good
The staff are friendly (front desk sometimes iffy, could be a little grouchy at times waiting on kids to cooperate as you are trying to check in).
Pay them a visit! The membership is so worth it.
Trista Jones
Sep 21, 2024
5
This was well worth the money and time. The kids had so much fun. The activities were fun and educational. Bring a bag with a change of clothes, towel, water bottle, snacks and maybe a lunch. We were there for 4 hours and they were not able to explore every exhibit. Would highly recommend for a day of fun for the kids.
April
Aug 22, 2024
5
Such a great place to spend the day. Plenty of hands on things for the kids of all ages. We loved the butterfly house. There’s a play area with water activities, be sure to bring towels or head their first to allow time for the kids to dry off after. They have separate play areas for toddlers which was cute too. We definitely recommend visiting if you have the opportunity to do so.
Shauna Adams
Aug 1, 2024
5
Incredible day. There is so much to see, you really do need a whole day. We had 4 hours and we still had to skip quite a bit. The earth moving section was amazing. Bring a bathing suit and there's single stall changing area that easily fits strollers or wheelchairs. The cafe for lunch was great too. The French dip was more Philly then French dip but it was good and so were the Mac Cheese and the Okra. (No straws here though hard to drink without one for a 2 year old)
The animals were easily visible and there were so many unique exhibits here that I've never seen anything like elsewhere. I will absolutely be back!
Krista Copeland
Jul 15, 2024
5
We came here for community day, Durham residents get in free. This place is huge and full of fun, interesting experiences. We didn't make it through the whole place. I love that they offer free days for residents. Workers are very friendly and knowledgeable. Lots of things for children to do and plenty of opportunities to experience natural play.
FOEChief
Jul 4, 2024
5
Surprisingly larger than expected inside and out. Plenty of activity and interactions for children from 1 to 92...even 100+ I'm sure! Food and beverages in a few locations hand sanitizers located regularly but most I attempted to use were empty. Be in comfortable shoes you will get them steps in. Bring a stroller or wagon for smaller ones eventually them legs will ask for a break. A lot of attractions including wildlife of all sorts. Worth a visit for sure.
Woody Pipatchaisiri
Jun 26, 2024
5
One of the best life and science museums, great and nice place to take the kids out for exploring. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Water fountains are every conner, dont worry about being thirsty. About 1 full day there to visit and see everything. They have a restaurant inside the museum next to the butterfly museum. Recommended for everyone.
Kateryna Morales
Jun 15, 2024
5
I went there with my kids on Thursday. There were a lot of people, the parking lots were full but the museum is so big that people spread out and it was still enjoyable. I had to remind the kids that we need to move to another station because there’s so much to see and every station is interesting and kids don’t always want to move on. It’s a good idea to bring snacks and change of clothes for the water parts.
Therrick Redding
Jan 7, 2024
5
This place is still a great place to bring the kids and family to. I feel like we always discover something new every time we get to come out here. If you haven't been, or it's been a while, then you should diffently come through
satyajit das
Dec 28, 2023
5
A must see place with kids. Wholesome entertainment, cool and comforting weather, nice trails with variety of play area/structures and clean indoor exhibits. Overall superb fun outing for the family.
Lyle Griffin
Nov 24, 2023
5
Really impressive experience, especially for kids. Way too much to see in a single day, but you'll want to come back for more anyway. The treehouse alone is worth the price of admission (or better yet, membership)!
