School’s officially out for summer and — if you’re anything like those of us with kids — you’re probably wondering how to keep your them entertained + educated without constant screen time. The good news? In addition to some wacky museums, WNC also has a number of kids museums dedicated to expanding young minds. We recommend bookmarking this page so you can refer back to it all summer-long.
Asheville Museum of Science, 43 Patton Ave.
This small-but-mighty museum offers kids opportunities to explore astronomy, climate, ecology, geology + more. Activities and exhibits include a mineral collection and a hands-on paleontology display that lets kids uncover fossils, Also cool? There’s still space available in some of AMOS’ summer camps.
Catawba Science Center, 243 3rd Ave NE, Hickory
Looking for a place to entertain the kids all day long? With hands-on exhibits, fresh and saltwater aquarium galleries, a naturalist center, a digital planetarium theater with laser shows, a greenhouse, and other attractions, this 35,000 sqft. spot fits the bill.
Hands On! Children’s Museum, 318 N Main St., Hendersonville.
Here, kids can learn emotional + social development skills, as well as practice cognitive, fine, and gross motor skill development through educational and interactive exhibits that feature art, STEM + beyond. The museum also reopens today after completing the first phase of its expansion, which will include the new People’s Museum and Walk of Fame, a 1,000 sqft addition with cultural area artifacts and more.
KidSenses Children’s InterACTIVE Museum, 172 N Main St., Rutherfordton
This 11,000 sqft kids museum offers 14 interactive exhibits, as well as programs + educational workshops that center engineering, arts, science + more. The museum’s new maker space — the 5,000 sqft The Factory — designed for kids ages 11+ features 3D printers, laser cutters, robotic technology, and computers.
