McWane Science Center
McWane Science Center
4.5
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
Fun and learning never end at McWane Science Center, a nonprofit, hands-on museum and IMAX(R) Dome Theater. Four floors of interactive exhibits celebrate science and wonder - from an amazing collection of dinosaurs to innovative environmental showcases, imaginative early childhood playgrounds, and an awe-inspiring aquarium. The energy and excitement of discovery spring to life through an extensive lineup of science demonstrations performed daily by talented educators. The adventure intensifies in the IMAX(R) Dome Theater, where wide-eyed visitors experience the sights and sounds of breathtaking films on a 5-story-tall screen surrounded by 3 tons of high-intensity speakers.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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See what travelers are saying
- CUTiger81Marietta, Georgia406 contributionsFun for the kid in all of usWe went to McWane Science Center on a Sunday afternoon since it was right around the corner from our hotel. I have to say that I had so much fun. I am a math/science guy so this was right up my alley. There are four floors (including the basement) with many interactive exhibits. They touch on various science fields (biology, chemistry, astronomy, physics, etc.). So there is something for everyone. My only complaint is the parents who let their children run wild throughout the place. I don't fault the science center for that; they cannot say much if the parents don't care. And they probably will not just throw someone out unless they are being completely unruly and disrespectful. Make sure you wash your hands before you leave since everyone is touching everything.Visited May 2023Written July 5, 2023
- madmanmike1980Independence, Louisiana71 contributionsFun For All AgesVery interesting museum about science and nature. Even though most of it is aimed at children, adults can enjoy it as well. And another interesting thing about this museum is it's in a building that dates back to 1935 that originally housed a local department store that went out of business in 1980.Visited August 2023Traveled soloWritten September 6, 2023
- Elizabeth KSan Jose, California173 contributionsFun for kids and adultsMy kids, ages 9 and 10, and I all enjoyed this museum. Pretty much everything is hands-on, and my kids were just the right age to figure things out on their own. I also enjoyed doing some of the activities. Lots of school kids there on field trips, so some areas were really crowded, but the crowds thinned out on the upper levels. We still had to wait our turn for some exhibits. Might be better to visit later in the day after the field trips have left. But still a really fun time with lots to do.Visited February 2024Traveled with familyWritten February 25, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
963 reviews
Excellent
687
Very good
202
Average
59
Poor
8
Terrible
7
Keion G
6 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Love the time and effort it took to make the murals !!!! Must see down to the details would definitely go see the area again
Written March 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth K
San Jose, CA173 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
My kids, ages 9 and 10, and I all enjoyed this museum. Pretty much everything is hands-on, and my kids were just the right age to figure things out on their own. I also enjoyed doing some of the activities. Lots of school kids there on field trips, so some areas were really crowded, but the crowds thinned out on the upper levels. We still had to wait our turn for some exhibits. Might be better to visit later in the day after the field trips have left. But still a really fun time with lots to do.
Written February 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SeeAmerica
Pueblo West, CO28 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
Hands on learning displays that teach scientific concepts. Geared for children, not so great for adults. Imax is great.
Written November 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
madmanmike1980
Independence, LA71 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
Very interesting museum about science and nature. Even though most of it is aimed at children, adults can enjoy it as well. And another interesting thing about this museum is it's in a building that dates back to 1935 that originally housed a local department store that went out of business in 1980.
Written September 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CUTiger81
Marietta, GA406 contributions
May 2023
We went to McWane Science Center on a Sunday afternoon since it was right around the corner from our hotel. I have to say that I had so much fun. I am a math/science guy so this was right up my alley. There are four floors (including the basement) with many interactive exhibits. They touch on various science fields (biology, chemistry, astronomy, physics, etc.). So there is something for everyone.
My only complaint is the parents who let their children run wild throughout the place. I don't fault the science center for that; they cannot say much if the parents don't care. And they probably will not just throw someone out unless they are being completely unruly and disrespectful.
Make sure you wash your hands before you leave since everyone is touching everything.
My only complaint is the parents who let their children run wild throughout the place. I don't fault the science center for that; they cannot say much if the parents don't care. And they probably will not just throw someone out unless they are being completely unruly and disrespectful.
Make sure you wash your hands before you leave since everyone is touching everything.
Written July 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
psherum
Dadeville, AL54 contributions
Mar 2023
We took a 5 year old and found that so many of the activities were for older kids. The IMAX movie was awesome. We found the older kids running wild a hazard---maybe the workers need to wear whistles and call the wild kids down. Oh, and parking was almost $5!!
Written March 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristina
Greenville, SC19 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
This is the best attraction for all ages, every interest- in this area!! It’s a Children’s Museum meets Discovery Place! All five of us learned something new & had fun :)
Written March 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AHW
Atlanta, GA44 contributions
Feb 2023
This museum has everything. Even the cafe was good! We spent several hours here and could've stayed longer. The staff was friendly and everything was clean and well organized. We have been to several museums in the South and this was as good as any I've been to. I would visit again.
Written March 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GuyEWood
Fairhope, AL331 contributions
Dec 2022
The McWane Science Center is a great place for kids and those who are young-at-heart, especially on days that are too hot, too cold, too windy, or too wet to play outside.
Parking is a little dicey sometimes, but I truly appreciate both the facility and the staff.
Parking is a little dicey sometimes, but I truly appreciate both the facility and the staff.
Written January 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
usha b
Los Angeles, CA5 contributions
Jun 2022
The family had a great time. Lots of fun and educational exhibits. My most memorable activity was playing a "guess who" game in the space center. The kids loved the Aquarium and IMAX theater was amazing
Written August 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can you leave for lunch and come back during your visit?
Garnet
Milton, FL112 contributions
Yes. If I remember correctly, you have the pass for the whole day and can come and go for the whole day.
Is it free for retired military?
TRTuscaloosa
Birmingham, AL30 contributions
Don’t think it’s free but probably a discount
Is it free for retired military?
James B
Port Saint Joe, FL66 contributions
Not sure.
Jen B
Chicago, IL
How much are tickets?
My daughters are ages 15 & 16. Will they be too older for this adventure?? I have two younger nephews that are at perfect age for this.
Can I flight mi drone in hoover, Birmingham, Alabama .
KiminGranCouva
San Fernando, Trinidad426 contributions
dunno. call and ask the police. if its any help, i didnt see any private drones over Birmingham at anytime in the week in August 2018 that i was there. Not even in the parks
btwarden
Athens, AL
Is the parking garage open 7 days a week?
Anjelica A
Birmingham, AL30 contributions
Yes it's open 7/week
Pam M
48 contributions
Would there be lots of activities for teenagers?
6016-1824
Birmingham, AL41 contributions
Great question. It probably depends on the teenager. I promise you most of the adults are fascinated by the exhibits and hands-on activities, but a teenager is a different animal. I probably wouldn't take just teenagers there, but if they were part of a mixed age group it would be fine.
runnercwalex
Jefferson City, MO6 contributions
What is parking like? Do you pay? Do you have to park far away?
MRSJRollins
Waco, GA42 contributions
There is a parking deck right beside the center that connects to it. You pay about $6 to park. You don't walk far at all.
Lindsey K
2 contributions
Is there an area on site or close by we could have a picnic lunch for our church group?
imapharmer
Birmingham, AL42 contributions
Actually, no...they have a food court (personal pan pizzas, etc.), but no area for picnics...on a city block downtown, so no grass or tree areas. We arrive on week days at opening (9am) and leave by 11:30...hope this helps.
Hello!
Do you offer a military discount?
Katie B
Birmingham, AL
Hi, Tracia! We do offer a military discount of 10% off your total. Thank you so much for asking!
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Claim your listingMCWANE SCIENCE CENTER: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about McWane Science Center
- Hotels near McWane Science Center:
- (0.26 km) Elyton Hotel, Autograph Collection
- (0.23 km) Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Birmingham Downtown
- (0.43 km) Redmont Hotel Birmingham, Curio Collection by Hilton
- (0.53 km) Hampton Inn & Suites Birmingham-Downtown-Tutwiler
- (0.36 km) John Hand Club
- Restaurants near McWane Science Center:
- (0.04 km) Revelator Coffee
- (0.18 km) Bistro Two Eighteen
- (0.12 km) Pizitz Food Hall
- (0.20 km) Paramount
- (0.18 km) Brick & Tin