This fabulous, hands-on spot for kids (adults, too!) brings science to life in multiple ways. Back in the day, science museums tended to focus on hard sciences — specifically physics. But Discovery Place is like Oz after Dorothy landed her house on the witch — colorful, exciting and fabulously surprising.

Here you’ll find exhibits like Project Build. allowing kids to explore “the design behind everything from forts to pyramids to skyscrapers.” Kids can also design buildings with impressive technology. Dozens upon dozens of exhibits include a bed of nails everyone can lie on (showing how pressure is distributed without getting hurt), build with atoms (demonstrating how super small items create), and ride an air chair (demonstrating how air pressure works). Traveling exhibits happen throughout the year and add new learning experiences to the center.

The immense IMAX Dome Theater shows two sometimes breathtaking, sometimes adorable — always absorbing — movies on a daily basis. Movies change throughout the year, but you can count on one movie being geared for the under-10 crowd, while the other is ideal for the tweens and older.

Dining
A beautiful Community Cafe on the first floor of Discovery Place has everything for hungry tummies.

Parking
Weekends get busy. Parking at Discovery Place is $12 for the day in the parking deck. A less expensive parking arrangement — depending how many hours you’re staying — is at the ImaginOn Garage (300 E 6th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202). The first 30 minutes is $2 and each additional 30 minutes is $1.

Hours
Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.