Hang out with a life-sized dinosaur at the Museum of Natural Sciences!

Located in the heart of downtown Raleigh this museum is always a favorite among visitors. With four floors of adventure in the Nature Exploration Center, there is something for everyone. There several permanent exhibitions but also featured ones that switch every six months. Some of my favorite permanent exhibitions include the arthropod zoo, the living conservatory or “butterfly room” and of course the dinosaur exhibit which features giant replicas of some of the most famous species.

The discovery room is a great place for the younger kids and gives them an opportunity to get involved by touching fossils and bird wings, playing with puppets and costumes or watching the beehive. Each of the exhibits focuses on animals and science prominent to North Carolina. This is a great rainy day activity that's free and can keep the whole family entertained for hours! 

And you can’t miss the entrance, the front door is in a giant globe!