Education. Engagement. Inspiration. That is what Discovery Place is all about.
A 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, Discovery Place is dedicated to encouraging and inspiring the community through it’s stunning facilities, educational outreach programs, and educational programs. Their facilities focus on helping visitors have a deeper understanding of science, technology, engineering, and math – designed in a fun and interactive setting. With three very different facilities under their umbrella, there is always something new to explore!
The first location, nestled in Charlotte’s exciting uptown area, is known as “Discovery Place”. They first opened their doors in 1981 with 72,000 square feet of comprehensive hands-on science and technology learning. They have continued to grow as the needs of the community grow, and are now a stunning 160,000 square foot complex including interactive exhibits, traveling exhibits, and Charlotte’s first ever giant-screen motion picture theatre – the IMAX Dome Theatre. When you visit, you can explore the wonders of the world in “World Alive”, including an aquarium, learning labs, and a rainforest to help you learn about the different ecosystems and the amazing species that inhibit them. “Think it Up” is an extraordinary multi-sensory world of sound, light, color, and creativity to help bring out the innovator in us all. And for those little scientists, there are special exhibits for visitors under age 7 to help them play and learn in different activities with wind tunnels, blocks, gears, and much more! Be sure to check out the world famous “Body Worlds” exhibit where you can see the human body as you’ve never seen it before, featuring over 100 real human bodies that have been preserved through a process of plastination (I’m not sure if this is cool or gross?!). This is just a tiny glimpse at some of the fun to be had, for a full list of exhibits and to see what’s happening this week – please see here!
For those that want to get close to nature, the Charlotte Nature Museum is calling your name. Separate from the uptown museum, you’ll find this gem located adjacent to Freedom Park. Here you can walk among free-flying butterflies, explore several different insect species up close and personal, spend time observing live animals, or just enjoy the beauty of nature. They have puppet shows and hands on activities scheduled daily!
Developed to focus completely on “learning through play”, in 2010 they opened the first Discovery Place KIDS (the first of many planned) in Huntersville. This facility focuses on imaginative play through acting, climbing, creating, and splashing – just to name a few. Every section is designed to help kids explore their world, test their strength and skills, and learn to play with others. Watch your little ones beam as they fix a car in the Body Shop, nurse a sick animal in the Vet’s Office, and climb down the firepole at the Fire Station. It is great fun for the whole family, and will most certainly leave you with tuckered out and exhilarated kiddos. Translation–they will nap. You’re welcome!
For more information about these wonderful locations, and to plan your visit, please see their website.