Discovery Place Science on the Rocks Review
Interactive science exhibits and alcohol combine in the monthly adult-only Science on the Rocks event at Discovery Place Science in Charlotte, North Carolina. See what all the fun is about in my Discovery Place Science on the Rocks review.
I love a good adults-only night at a museum! So when we were in Charlotte, we couldn’t pass up the chance to do Science on the Rocks at Discovery Place Science.
We had such a fun time of science experiments and exploring the museum after hours! I’ll tell you all about it in this Science on the Rocks review.
Science on the Rocks Review
About Science on the Rocks
I love the idea of all the science museums turning into an adult playground after hours so that we can learn and have fun too. If you’ve been to or read my review of the Fernbank After Dark events in Atlanta, Discovery Place’s Science on the Rocks is just like that, only it’s in Charlotte, obviously.
On a Friday night each month, Discovery Place Science opens up its doors after 6 p.m. for a special event for those aged 21+ to explore the exhibits, play games, watch demonstrations, drink, and dance all without having to worry about kids.
Science on the Rocks took a short hiatus starting in 2020 but it returned in 2023 better than ever!
During the Science on the Rocks events, the whole museum is open for you to explore — but you will have to pay more to see the special exhibitions (when we visited, it was Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO® Bricks) and for the IMAX.
This means you can explore the museum’s Cool Stuff interactive exhibit where you get to lay on a bed of nails and play with gravity.
You also get to check out their labs where you can conduct your own experiments. And the museum has an aquarium and an indoor rainforest.
They’ve recently added musical entertainment as well as new live science shows and adult-appropriate experiences in the learning labs.
The museum’s own Curio Kitchen is open serving wine, beer, simple cocktails, and snacks.
Science on the Rocks Admission
Admission for Science on the Rocks costs $22 for non-members and $18 for members.
You can watch an IMAX showing for an extra $6. There are also additional workshops that you can purchase for an extra $10 per person.
Tickets must be purchased online in advance. And tickets sell out fast because this is a much-loved event!
About Discovery Place
Discovery Place is a network of four different science museums in three different cities: Discovery Place Science, Discovery Place Nature, Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville, and Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham.
The Science on the Rocks events take place at Discovery Place Science in Uptown Charlotte, so make sure that’s the museum you show up at!
Our Experience at Science on the Rocks: Space Camp CLT
Since we were there the day before the 50th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing, the theme was Space Camp CLT.
Everything was moon- and space-themed, so you could test your moon knowledge in a trivia game, try out some moon shoes, and check out some of the gear that is used by astronauts.
They also had laser tag, bottle rocket building, and an inflatable bungee-cord race where you pull against the force of the cord to see how far you can place your beanbag before being snapped back; it wasn’t really moon-themed, but it was definitely fun.
Another highlight was a fire and ice demonstration. It seems like they do this regularly, but they themed it to fire and ice moons for the occasion, and it’s still really cool. You get to see a demonstration of different combustible elements and liquid nitrogen, the perfect thing to mix with drunk people!
And to top it all off, you could make your own intergalactic treat with donut holes, icing, and edible glitter. The edible glitter could be used in your drinks too, and it turned your cocktail into a galaxy of sparkles and swirls.
Overall, Discovery Place’s Science on the Rocks event had a ton to do and was a great way to explore the museum, celebrate the Apollo moon landing, and have a little adult fun.
My Science on the Rocks review is that this is an event you won’t want to miss!
Where to Stay in Charlotte, North Carolina
- Where We Stayed: Hilton Garden Inn Uptown
- Top Hotel: The Ivey’s Hotel
- Great Value: Hampton Inn Charlotte-Uptown
- Unique Stay: Luxury Home near Uptown
More North Carolina Itineraries
- How to Spend 2 Days in Uptown Charlotte, NC
- A Weekend in Hickory, NC for History Lovers
- 4 Days in Asheville Itinerary: Asheville, NC Guide
- 4 Scenic Drive Photo Ops Along the Blue Ridge Parkway
- One Day at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC
Ready to visit Charlotte, North Carolina? Plan your trip with these tips.
- Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
- Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in Charlotte using Hotels.com.
- Start Packing: Check out my packing list resources so you’re prepared for your trip.
- Explore Charlotte in a New Way: Enjoy a Mystery Picnic in Charlotte to discover more of the city.
Cheers!
Paige
Was this Discovery Place Science on the Rocks review helpful? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
