Discovery Place

Discovery Place which includes a city and modern architecture
Discovery Place
Discovery Place
Discovery Place
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 programmes. 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.

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Top Hotel Deals

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
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Omni Charlotte Hotel
DoubleTree by Hilton Charlotte City Center

DoubleTree by Hilton Charlotte City Center

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DoubleTree by Hilton Charlotte City Center
AC by Marriott Charlotte

AC by Marriott Charlotte

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

The Ivey's Hotel

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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

Discover an array of activities near Discovery Place, including vibrant theatre performances, live music events, and exciting sports activities. For those interested in the arts, Charlotte boasts several prominent arts centres that showcase local talent and creativity. Immerse yourself in the cultural offerings of this dynamic city while enjoying its unique blend of entertainment and artistic expression.

Shopping

The nearest shopping centre is Optimist Hall, offering a vibrant atmosphere with a mix of business and family vibes, only 1.4km away. SouthPark Mall, located 8.0km away, presents a delightful shopping experience with entertainment options. If you're up for a drive, visit the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, also 8.0km away, for fresh local produce.

Recreation

The Spectrum Center, a vibrant sports facility, offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for catching a game or event, located 483m from Discovery Place. Enjoy live performances at Fillmore Charlotte, 1.1km away, or unwind with a round of golf at Revolution Park Golf Course, 4.8km distant, embracing the outdoors.

Adventure

Experience the thrills of Ray's Splash Planet, a vibrant waterpark located 1.3km from Discovery Place, perfect for family fun. For more excitement, head to Victory Lane Karting, 4.8km away, where you can race against friends. Finally, explore the Hendrick Motorsports Complex, 19.3km away, for an exhilarating motorsport experience.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Topgolf, a lively drinking pub with romantic and entertaining vibes, just 12.9km from Discovery Place. For a cultural evening, visit the Children's Theatre of Charlotte, located 483m away, offering family-friendly performances. Enjoy some adventure at Ten Park Lanes, 6.4km away, with its arcade atmosphere.

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

Find the best attractions near Discovery Place

Within and around Discovery Place, visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including urban parks, arts centres, and conference venues. These points of interest cater to those seeking cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and vibrant city life. Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in the arts or enjoy a leisurely day outdoors, Discovery Place offers a delightful mix of options to enrich your holiday.

  • Charlotte Convention Center: Situated 966m from Discovery Place, this venue is a hub for business events and conferences. With its modern facilities and vibrant atmosphere, it provides an excellent space for networking and professional gatherings, making it a unique spot to experience Charlotte's business culture.
  • NASCAR Hall of Fame: Also 966m away, this museum celebrates the rich history of NASCAR. With interactive exhibits and memorabilia, it offers a thrilling glimpse into the world of motorsports, capturing the excitement and passion that defines American racing culture.
  • Blumenthal Performing Arts Center: Just 161m from Discovery Place, this cultural gem hosts a variety of performances, from theatre to concerts. Its elegant design and diverse programming make it a perfect destination to experience the arts in Charlotte.

Best time to go to Discovery Place

The best time to visit Discovery Place is dependant 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, consider visiting in August or December to January, as these months typically offer lower accommodation rates. Mondays tend to be the cheapest days for stays, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and hotel type, focusing on eco-friendly options if desired. Additionally, look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for further savings. Exploring the area on foot or using public transport can also help minimise travel costs.

  • 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 enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most economical hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to narrow down 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 enjoy savings by combining your hotel stay at Discovery Place with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.