North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, downtown at 11 W. Jones St., explores the diverse geology, geography and wildlife of North Carolina. The four-story museum with nine exhibition halls is home to a fully restored skeleton of the predatory dinosaur Acrocanthosaurus. The state's natural treasures—everything from Venus flytraps and tiger beetles to fossilized shark teeth and scarlet tanagers—are exhibited on the first floor. Other exhibits include Mountains to the Sea, with live animals and a 20-foot waterfall.

Five great whale skeletons are displayed in Coastal North Carolina, and visitors can walk among fluttering butterflies in the Living Conservatory. Highlights of a new 80,000-square-foot wing include the SECU Daily Planet, a three-story multimedia space for live programming of science news; a 10,000-gallon aquarium; and Investigate Labs, where visitors can participate in hands-on activities and research skill-building exercises.

Food is available. Time: Allow 2 hours minimum.