The Museum of Life and Sciences may be geared towards the younger generation, but parents and babysitters alike will enjoy a day exploring the grounds of this center of interactive learning.  Located in Durham, this museum has a range of exhibits, both indoor and outdoor, so you’ll have plenty to do no matter what the weather brings.  On a nice day you can explore the six acres of outdoor activities including a Farmyard complete with goats, sheep, turkey and cows.  Exotic animals such as lemurs, black bears, and red wolves can be seen from various observation decks throughout the Explore the Wild exhibit.  Then, step back in time onto the Dinosaur Trail and learn all about these extinct species.  One of the most popular attractions is the Catch the Wind exhibit, which includes a sailboat pond, a seed tower, and even an ornithopter, a ride that raises you in the air with large flapping wings, mimicking a bird or insect.  The dancing plants machine shows you how plants react when exposed to strong winds.

If the weather takes a turn for the worse, no need to change your plans, there’s plenty to occupy you indoors.  The Magic Wings Butterfly House recreates the warm damp atmosphere of the rain forest and houses hundreds of tropical butterflies.  Don’t miss the daily butterfly release, where one of the zoo keeper’s releases newly hatched butterflies into the conservatory.  The Play to Learn Exhibit is a great place for kids to expand their minds with building blocks, a climbing wall and even water painting.  Other exhibits such as the Bayer CropScience Insectarium or the WTVD ABC 11 Accu-Weather exhibit, where you can walk through a tornado, offer unique, new experiences for all ages.

There’s so much to do at this museum you’ll want to spend all day here, and with the tasty menu options at Grayson’s Café, there’s no reason not to.  And before you go, make sure to take a ride on the Ellerbee Creek Railway through the museum grounds.  Museum and train ticket information can be found online at the museum’s website.