Fernbank Science Center & Planetarium in Atlanta, Georgia

 

Fernbank Science Center & Planetarium in Atlanta, Georgia

*There is another museum located nearby. It is The Fernbank Museum of Natural History. It is a completely different museum and they are not affiliated with one another.

 

 

 

Above: Entrance to the Science Center. This museum is located in a neighborhood across the street from an elementary school. Parking is located on the side of the building.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Above photo: Animals (taxidermy) from the Okefenokee Swamp. The science center has both stuffed and live animal displays.

 

Some of the exhibits were a little outdated but there were also some new ones. My kids just wanted to explore and they enjoyed the entire visit. They didn’t give much thought to whether things looked modern or like they were from the ’80’s.

I think The Fernbank Science Center is perfect for younger ones and elementary aged kids, especially if they love science and nature.

 

 

 

Above: Learning all about Honey Bees. You can watch their activity in a hive. There are buttons you can push to hear the bees buzzing or clicking. The buzzing sound is from the bees wings and the clicking sounds are from the bees building and cleaning the hive. There is even a button you can push that lets you smell the bees.

 

 

 

 

Above: Building and balancing a city

 

 

Above: How do magnets work? Do they work through glass? Do they work with one magnet in water? Yes. Yes, they do. Apparently, water, like all matter, can exhibit magnetic properties if they are immersed in a large enough magnetic field.

 

 

 

 

Some of our Favorite Exhibits:

Apollo 6

 

 

 

This permanent exhibit is actually on loan from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. This is the actual Apollo 6 Command Module and it is being displayed in the exhibit hall. The kids were able to touch the module and look inside of it.

 

 

 

Moon Rock & Meteorites

My kiddos were fascinated to see an actual moon rock that is on display at FSC. The museum also showcases some meteorites that were found locally.

 

 

 

 

Live Animals

Above photo: This cute little guy was taking a little nap while we were there.

 

 

 

 

 

Above: Snakes, spiders, turtles, and dart frogs…

 

 

 

Dr. Ralph Buice Jr. Observatory

The Fernbank Science Center Observatory hosts the largest telescope in the southeastern US. It is the largest telescope for public and educational use.

Using the observatory/telescope is FREE on Thursday and Friday nights from 9:00 – 10:30 p.m. if the weather is cooperative.

 

 

 

 

Planetarium

Sit back and relax in one of the comfy planetarium seats and get ready for a very fascinating show. Movies are played on the dome ceiling.  These include videos about black holes and robotic explorers on Mars.

There are also films for younger ones (like Sesame Street characters learning about stars and constellations). See the full Planetarium schedule HERE.

 

 

 

 Highlights from The Fernbank Science Center:

• Live Animals – Bees, Snakes, Frogs, Turtles, Spiders
• Apollo 6 Command Module
• Moon Rocks and Local Meteorites
• A Working Zeiss Mark V Planetarium Projector
• Observatory with the largest telescope in Southeastern US

 

 

 

More Information

There are some nice little garden areas outside surrounding the science center. The gardens are a nice place to take a little walk and explore with the kids.

Admission and Parking are FREE.

Planetarium admission is $5-$7. Planetarium Shows are FREE for ASTC Passport Member.  Read more about Visitor Info and the ASTC Members info HERE.

Fernbank Science Center & Planetarium  //  156 Heaton Park Drive – Atlanta, Georgia 30307 //  678.874.7102

WEBSITE

 

 

Have you been to Fernbank Science Center in Atlanta? What did you think?

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