Science

Discovery Place Touch a simulated tornado in the Discovery Halls, learn about nature in the Once in the Wild exhibit, discover fascinating scientific facts in Einstein's Corner, take in a movie at the IMAX theatre, stroll among butterflies in the Butterfly Pavilion, walk the Paw Paw Nature Trail. 301 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC; +1 704 372 6261. Fee.

Morehead Planetarium and Science Center Learn about astronomy in a state-of-art planetarium with nearly 8,800 stars projected on a 60-foot dome; marvel at multimedia shows that include Carolina Skies, Destination: Space, and The Magic Tree House Space Mission; see live presentations that explain principles of physics and chemistry; head outdoors for sky-watching sessions and take part in summer camps. 250 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC; +1 919 962 1236. Fee.

National Science Center of Greensboro Observe tigers, maned wolves, and black bears in the Animal Discovery Zoo; get inspired about space and the sea in the OmniSphere total immersion theater; view a giant T. rex model in the Dinosaur Gallery; hike nature trails and have a picnic in the adjacent park. 4301 Lawndale Dr., Greensboro, NC; +1 336 288 3769. Fee.

North Carolina Museum of Life and Science Learn about spiders, butterflies, and frogs; discover scientific facts through hands-on exhibits on geology, space, and weather; meet the museum's four black bears; climb aboard the Ellerbee Creek Railway; explore wetlands and other natural areas. 433 Murray Ave., Durham, NC; +1 919 220 5429.

SciWorks Explore the solar system in the 50-foot planetarium; immerse yourself in exhibits on wildlife, earth science, and the human body; walk the nature trails of the Environmental Park and see white-tailed deer, waterfowl, and river otters; enter your experiments in a science fair or attend a summer camp. 400 W. Hanes Mill Rd., Winston-Salem, NC; +1 336 767 6730. Fee.