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What: Fernbank Science Center (NOT Fernbank Museum of Natural History)
Where: 156 Heaton Park Dr. NE
When: Hours vary, see website
Cost: Admission is FREE, Planetarium Shows are $4 Adults, $3 Students and Seniors
If you are looking for a fun, free outing with kids, try the other Fernbank, the Fernbank Science Center. (not the Fernbank Museum of Natural History) If you haven’t been, or haven’t been in a long time, take a ride over, it’s a fun free afternoon.
Among the permanent exhibits in the exhibit hall are portrayals of the natural environment and vanishing habitats of Georgia, featuring mounted taxidermy specimens. Astronomy displays include Fernbank’s meteorite collection and an authentic Apollo spacecraft.
Outside guests can walk through the Fernbank Forest, a 65-acre old-growth forest representing one of the last remaining enclaves of the original Piedmont forest in the Southeast. The protected forest is home to many animal and plant species, including some species that cannot be found anywhere else in the metro Atlanta area.
In addition, there is a rose garden, a home composting demonstration site, rock and mineral walk and live chickens. The planetarium shows vary with the seasons.
This attraction definitely isn’t as flashy as the better known Fernbank Museum of Natural History, but there’s a lot to learn, the price is right, parking is free and it’s a relaxing afternoon adventure away from the crowds.
The first time I went it was a rainy day and the friends who invited us either didn’t know or didn’t explain about the whole forest/garden out back. The somewhat dusty exhibits inside are fine for the price (FREE) but when I found the nondescript sign “to the forest” on a subsequent visit I was very happily surprised! Forest! Chickens! My almost 2 year old was thrilled!
I agree. The best deal is outside. LOVED the chickens. Even the inside has lots of interesting things to see and do – especially for some cheap rainy day fun.
My grandson & I were looking for activities to find your site outdated with 2009 & 2010 material.
Do you need someone to post your latest activities to your site?
I would gladly post your info for you, bringing it up to date & following up weekly as a volunteer effort.
Thanks John, but we post new content each week. Past posts give links so you can go to the attraction directly to see the latest information.