North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences always offers free admission, but you might not be aware of the free and inexpensive events, beyond the exhibits, that it offers. You can view all their events here. Some are free and some have fees associated with them. Here are a few upcoming free and cheap events.
Please follow the links to see if you need to register, and to see if there are any changes.
Make sure to check the location.
- Prairie Ridge Ecostation, 1671 Gold Star Drive, Raleigh
- Downtown Raleigh, 11 W. Jones Street, Raleigh
- Nature Research Center, 121 W. Jones Street, Raleigh
Upcoming Events at North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Science Trivia
First Thursday of month, scheduled through September 7, 2023
7 to 8 p.m.
Downtown Raleigh (Daily Planet Cafe)
Free
Questions feature a mix of science facts, current news, pop culture and scientific discoveries. Held in the Daily Planet Cafe the first Thursday of each month, this is a great opportunity to mingle with friends, compete for prizes and bragging rights, and perhaps even learn something cool. The Museum closes at 5 p.m., but the Daily Planet Cafe will remain open.
Great Sunflower Project (Age 10 and up)
Saturday, August 5, 2023
2 to 3 p.m.
Prairie Ridge
Free
Did you know that pollinators are more than just bees and butterflies? Want to learn more about them and contribute to Citizen Science? The Great Sunflower Project is a great way to start!
This program is for ages 10 and up. We will meet in the outdoor classroom building, which is a short 3-minute walk down the gravel path. Please dress for the weather – hat, sunscreen and closed-toed shoes recommended. Also be sure to bring water! Worried about the heat? The majority of this program will be in the shade.
Bug Walk (Ages 8 and up)
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Prairie Ridge
Free
Ever wonder how to identify some of the insects you see? Or wonder where the best place is to look for ladybugs? Come take a walk with us as we learn to identify some of the insects at Prairie Ridge AND show you the best places to find some of your favorites!
This program is for ages 8 and up, families welcome. Please dress for the weather, wear closed-toed shoes, hat and sunscreen recommended. We will meet at the entrance kiosk. No preregistration necessary.
Nature Play Day
Various dates (see below)
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Prairie Ridge
Free
Come out and play! The Nature PlaySpace will be stocked with extra-special materials and supplies and a Museum play facilitator will be present to help you play your way. Supplies may vary from week to week, but may include fun things like fort-building equipment, puppets and costumes, bubbles, paint, giant blocks and more.
This is a free, drop-in event. Staff and supplies will be available from 10am to noon. Come dressed for the weather and ready to get messy! Everyone is welcome at the Nature PlaySpace, but it has been designed especially for kids 7 and younger.
- August 12, 2023
- August 15, 2023
- August 26, 2023
- August 29, 2023
- September 9, 2023
- September 12, 2023
- September 23, 2023
- September 26, 2023
- October 10, 2023
- October 21, 2023
- October 24, 2023
- November 4, 2023
- November 7, 2023
Science Cafe
3rd Thursday of month, scheduled through November 16, 2023
7 to 8 p.m.
Downtown Raleigh (Daily Planet Cafe)
Free
Grab a bite from the Daily Planet Cafe and join host Chris Smith and special guests for the Science Cafe. On the 3rd Thursday of every month at 7 pm, gather with other curious minds at this after-hours event for an informal presentation and conversation about current science topics with guest experts.
- August 17: Invisibility: The History and Science of How Not To Be Seen
- September 21: How to Stop a Lava Flow
- October 19: TBA
- November 16: TBA
Bumblebee Watch
Saturday, August 19, 2023
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Prairie Ridge
Free
Bumblebees tend to be thought of as the fuzzy, friendly members of the bee family, but they have other special characteristics that make them excellent pollinators! Join us for a program on bumblebees, learn how to identify the most common ones, and see how you can contribute to Citizen Science just by watching them.
This program is for adults. Please dress for the weather – hat, sunscreen and closed-toed shoes recommended. Please bring a filled water bottle. We will meet at the Nature Neighborhood Garden, which is a 2 minute walk down the gravel path. Worried about the heat? The majority of this program will be in the shade!
Pond Prowl (Ages 8 and up)
Saturday, August 26, 2023
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Prairie Ridge
Free
Turtles and pond weeds and frogs, oh my! Ever wonder what lives in the pond at Prairie Ridge? Join us and learn about the amphibians, birds, and other creatures that live in and around water!
This program is for ages 8 and up, families welcome. Please dress for the weather and prepare to get a bit (or a lot) muddy and wet. All exploration supplies will be provided. We will meet at the pond platforms.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Triangle on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and it's also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
Upcoming Events in the Triangle
Check out our full events calendar, where you can enter any date, or look at the events for the next few days here:Monday, October 2, 2023
Tuesday, October 3, 2023
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh
11 W Jones St
Raleigh, NC
Prairie Ridge Ecostation (North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences), Raleigh
1671 Gold Star Drive
Raleigh, NC
