North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

Hours

Monday–Saturday: 9 am–5 pm
Sunday: noon–5 pm
First Fridays — On the first Friday of every month (except as noted) the Museum stays open until 9 pm.
Note: The Discovery Room and Living Conservatory are closed on Mondays.

Dates Closed 2012

• Sunday, January 1
• Sunday, April 8–Friday, April 20 at 5pm in preparation for the opening of the Nature Research Center
• Thursday, November 22 (Thanksgiving)
• Monday, December 24 & Tuesday, December 25 (Christmas)

Admissions

General Admission is free, although donations are cheerfully accepted. There is a cover charge for Special Exhibits and the 3D Theater. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Nature Research Center

Hours

Monday–Saturday: 9 am–5pm
Sunday: noon–5 pm
The Naturalist Center and Labs close an hour before the rest of the NRC.

Note: Due to completion of construction, the new wing will NOT be open late on Thursdays or First Friday in May. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Prairie Ridge Ecostation

Hours

Monday–Saturday: 9 am–4:30 pm
Sunday: noon–4:30 pm
The main gate is locked at 5 pm daily.

Dates Closed 2012

• Sunday & Monday, January 1& 2 (New Year's Day)
  
• Monday, January 16 (Martin Luther King's Birthday)
• Friday, April 6 (Good Friday)
• Monday, May 28 (Memorial Day)
• Wednesday, July 4 (Independence Day)
• Monday, September 3 (Labor Day)
• Monday, November 12 (Veteran's Day)
• Thursday & Friday, November 22 & 23 (Thanksgiving)
• Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday December 24, 25 & 26 (Christmas)

Admissions

Free

Please note that public restrooms are not yet available at the facility.

Rules and Regulations

Prairie Ridge was established to protect wildlife, provide outdoor learning opportunities and promote respect for natural resources.

Do:

• Carry out all trash and litter
• Enjoy the natural sounds
• Park in designated areas only
• Leave your bike in the racks provided
• Leave plants, animals, and minerals as you find them

Don’t:

• Bring dogs or other pets
• Play amplified music
• Use campfires, firearms or fireworks
• Bring or consume alcoholic beverages on premises
• Smoke on property