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Zoos #1 in Greensboro, North Carolina

Greensboro Science Center

4.7 · 9,786 reviews
Educational, active, and family-oriented.
Greensboro Science Center, 4301 Lawndale Dr, Greensboro, NC 27455, United States
Interesting facts
1

The aquarium was the first in North Carolina to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

2

The facility includes a specialized 'Penguin Habitat' designed to mimic the climate of the South African coast for its African penguins.

3

The planetarium uses a high-definition dome projection system to simulate space travel and celestial navigation.

4

The Skywild attraction allows guests to navigate aerial obstacles while observing zoo animals from an elevated perspective.

5

The center maintains a permanent exhibit dedicated to the 'Hidden World of Insects' featuring live specimens and macro-photography.

Overview

The Greensboro Science Center is a multifaceted destination that combines an aquarium, a zoo, and an interactive museum on a single campus. The aquarium, known as the Carolina SciQuarium, features a two-story shark tank and an immersive walk-through tunnel. The zoo section, known as Animal Discovery Zoological Park, focuses on species such as red pandas, maned wolves, and meerkats. The museum houses a dedicated area for physical science experiments, a planetarium, and a pre-historic fossil gallery. The campus also features the Skywild ropes course, a tree-top adventure park suspended above the animal exhibits. It operates as an AZA-accredited facility dedicated to conservation education and wildlife research.

Photo spot

The glass viewing tunnel inside the SciQuarium offers the best angle for underwater shots of sharks and stingrays.

Insider tips

Check the website for daily keeper talks and animal feeding demonstrations, which occur on a rotating schedule.

Visit the interactive exhibits early, as these areas are designed for hands-on engagement and can be crowded by midday.

Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes to navigate both the outdoor zoo trails and the multi-story interior museum.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to feed or touch the animals, as this disrupts their specialized care and dietary management.

Good to know

Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Etiquette

No outside food is permitted in the aquarium or animal exhibits; remain on marked pathways to ensure animal safety.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-4 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings, particularly in spring or fall, to avoid peak school field trip traffic and extreme heat.
Address
Greensboro Science Center, 4301 Lawndale Dr, Greensboro, NC 27455, United States
36.130, -79.833
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsCarolina SciQuarium, Animal Discovery Zoological Park, and OmniSphere Theater
Conservation focusSpecies Survival Plan participant for endangered red pandas and maned wolves

Frequently asked

Plan for about 3-4 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings, particularly in spring or fall, to avoid peak school field trip traffic and extreme heat..

The glass viewing tunnel inside the SciQuarium offers the best angle for underwater shots of sharks and stingrays.

Close by you'll find Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden, Greensboro Botanical Gardens.

United States of America

About Greensboro, North Carolina