Adventure Science Center
Adventure Science Center
Adventure Science Center
4
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Explore 44,000 square feet of over 175 exciting hands-on science exhibits and activities revealing the wonders of biology, physics, chemistry, medicine, space, earth science, technology, and more. Experience a state-of-the-art planetarium offering spectacular journeys to the stars, laser shows, and amazing full-dome films for children and adults. Enjoy award-winning daily live science demos, labs, and science cafes presented by a talented staff of scientist educators. Adventure Science Center is dedicated to creating learning experiences that open minds to the wonders of science and technology, fostering a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Adventure Science Center is an independent, not-for-profit center of science, learning, and exploration.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingFull view
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
1,125 within 3 miles
Attractions
280 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- AppleTechHendersonville, Tennessee29 contributionsNeeds a RefreshWe are local and have been coming here for years. We used to be members. It has been a few years since we came and we took some family in town with Kindergarten and upper elementary kids. Unfortunately it feels like it has dropped in quality quite a bit. Many exhibits were non-functioning or closed completely. The 2nd floor in particular is really aging and should be planned for replacement as many of the exhibits were broken. The central climbing tower also has many closed off sections and broken exhibits that really detract from the experience. Unfortunately we were left a bit let down at the experience we had for the money. We are really hoping they make some improvements to keep this as a good attraction for our city.Visited April 2023Written 6 April 2023
- Dreamer242440471242 contributionsAdventure Science Center is for AdultsAs a kid who grew up in the MNPS system, we would always take trips to the adventure science center. They would be short trips, so I was unable to do everything. As a full adult, the Adventure Science Center is much more fun. They changed some of the exhibits, which is as expected, yet I just truly had the time of my life. This is fun for all ages and all sizes. There are lots of picture-esque/Instagram-able moments. I did not have many issues. I would highly suggest catching a show at the Sudekum Planetarium. The only thing I had an issue with was timing. We thought we could finish the museum in under an hour; it took us about 2.5 hours, but it was still so much fun!Visited May 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 10 June 2023
- john cNashville, Tennessee67 contributionsGreat place for kids who like hands-on exhibitsMy wife and I took our grandkids (8-1/2 and 6) on a Friday when their school had a holiday. Lots of hands-on exhibits and huge climbing playground in the center. The exhibits are divided into sections such as that cover different sciences. Perfect for under junior high kids. Helpful if your child can read. Lots of things to try out. There’s an area where you can build things (materials and tools provided) and whatever you made you can rake home. There’s a big section devoted to the human body. There are a couple of sections that charge extra so we skipped those (rock climbing, flight simulator are the main ones). We did do the Sudekum Planetarium which costs extra. We were not very impressed with the show. The presenter talked too fast and without enthusiasm. The show lacked the pizzazz and digital excitement that it could have (still uses a laser pointer!). Too much talk about the different constellations. My grandson did perk up when he talked about where the planets were in the night sky. There are other shows that the Planetarium puts on later at night that may be better. The Adventure Science Center is a big stop for school groups. We were there when the Center opened but it became very crowded within the hour. Going in the afternoons may be less crowded when the school groups have left. But be aware that the Center closes at 3:00. I do agree that 2-3 hours is enough time.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 20 October 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
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 waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.0
669 reviews
Excellent
326
Very good
205
Average
90
Poor
31
Terrible
17
Di J
Pittsburg, CA188 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
We took our sons (5 yo and 1yo) here on Friday. The 1yo is still too little to play but 5 yo had a blast and played until it’s closed.
Almost all exhibitions are interactive which makes them super fun for kids. The Live Science demonstration is a must-do.
When we travel we always try to hit children’s museum and this is one of the best.
Almost all exhibitions are interactive which makes them super fun for kids. The Live Science demonstration is a must-do.
When we travel we always try to hit children’s museum and this is one of the best.
Written 9 March 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.
john c
Nashville, TN67 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
My wife and I took our grandkids (8-1/2 and 6) on a Friday when their school had a holiday. Lots of hands-on exhibits and huge climbing playground in the center. The exhibits are divided into sections such as that cover different sciences. Perfect for under junior high kids. Helpful if your child can read. Lots of things to try out. There’s an area where you can build things (materials and tools provided) and whatever you made you can rake home. There’s a big section devoted to the human body.
There are a couple of sections that charge extra so we skipped those (rock climbing, flight simulator are the main ones). We did do the Sudekum Planetarium which costs extra. We were not very impressed with the show. The presenter talked too fast and without enthusiasm. The show lacked the pizzazz and digital excitement that it could have (still uses a laser pointer!). Too much talk about the different constellations. My grandson did perk up when he talked about where the planets were in the night sky. There are other shows that the Planetarium puts on later at night that may be better.
The Adventure Science Center is a big stop for school groups. We were there when the Center opened but it became very crowded within the hour. Going in the afternoons may be less crowded when the school groups have left. But be aware that the Center closes at 3:00. I do agree that 2-3 hours is enough time.
There are a couple of sections that charge extra so we skipped those (rock climbing, flight simulator are the main ones). We did do the Sudekum Planetarium which costs extra. We were not very impressed with the show. The presenter talked too fast and without enthusiasm. The show lacked the pizzazz and digital excitement that it could have (still uses a laser pointer!). Too much talk about the different constellations. My grandson did perk up when he talked about where the planets were in the night sky. There are other shows that the Planetarium puts on later at night that may be better.
The Adventure Science Center is a big stop for school groups. We were there when the Center opened but it became very crowded within the hour. Going in the afternoons may be less crowded when the school groups have left. But be aware that the Center closes at 3:00. I do agree that 2-3 hours is enough time.
Written 20 October 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.
Carley N
1 contribution
Sept 2023 • Family
A million stars. The staff was so helpful and engaging. There is a lot to do AND a subway/fro yo if you get hangry.
Written 27 September 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.
Dreamer24244047124
2 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
As a kid who grew up in the MNPS system, we would always take trips to the adventure science center. They would be short trips, so I was unable to do everything. As a full adult, the Adventure Science Center is much more fun. They changed some of the exhibits, which is as expected, yet I just truly had the time of my life. This is fun for all ages and all sizes. There are lots of picture-esque/Instagram-able moments. I did not have many issues. I would highly suggest catching a show at the Sudekum Planetarium. The only thing I had an issue with was timing. We thought we could finish the museum in under an hour; it took us about 2.5 hours, but it was still so much fun!
Written 10 June 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.
Kenneth A
Grasonville, MD62 contributions
Apr 2023
We were visiting Nashville with the family and decided to take the grandkids here for the day. First, they let WAY too many people in this place at one time. There was zero control on admission. Other public places time entrances to control the crowd. The place was loaded with school buses of kids and you couldn't see many exhibits.
A number of the exhibits were non-functioning and need attention. We spent close to $200 for the family to enter and you have to pay extra for the planetarium, extra for the space simulator, extra for the climbing... you get the point. I've been to other science centers in other cities and this one is not good and a waste of time and money. Also the extra attractions were full and we couldn't get tickets if we wanted them.
They also advertised free parking. There was no parking available anywhere. Ended up jumping the curb and parking on the grass on the main street. Not sure if that was legal but I had no choice.
I would not go again and do not recommend this place to anyone. Go to the Nashville Zoo instead with kids. That was fantastic!
A number of the exhibits were non-functioning and need attention. We spent close to $200 for the family to enter and you have to pay extra for the planetarium, extra for the space simulator, extra for the climbing... you get the point. I've been to other science centers in other cities and this one is not good and a waste of time and money. Also the extra attractions were full and we couldn't get tickets if we wanted them.
They also advertised free parking. There was no parking available anywhere. Ended up jumping the curb and parking on the grass on the main street. Not sure if that was legal but I had no choice.
I would not go again and do not recommend this place to anyone. Go to the Nashville Zoo instead with kids. That was fantastic!
Written 7 April 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.
AppleTech
Hendersonville, TN29 contributions
Apr 2023
We are local and have been coming here for years. We used to be members. It has been a few years since we came and we took some family in town with Kindergarten and upper elementary kids. Unfortunately it feels like it has dropped in quality quite a bit. Many exhibits were non-functioning or closed completely. The 2nd floor in particular is really aging and should be planned for replacement as many of the exhibits were broken. The central climbing tower also has many closed off sections and broken exhibits that really detract from the experience.
Unfortunately we were left a bit let down at the experience we had for the money. We are really hoping they make some improvements to keep this as a good attraction for our city.
Unfortunately we were left a bit let down at the experience we had for the money. We are really hoping they make some improvements to keep this as a good attraction for our city.
Written 6 April 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.
ChristiAW
Knoxville, TN59 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
We drove in from Knoxville because we wanted a great planetarium experience for our sons. We were not disappointed. We were blown away by the various interactive exhibits and the extensive play area. Highly recommend!
Written 10 October 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.
Chris F
Memphis, TN6 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
We have been here several times during past vacations and have always enjoyed it. Unfortunately, it has gone down hill. The interactive exhibits were not being maintained and it seemed that half of them were not in working order. My daughter was so disappointed. Luckily, we had a membership for our local science museum and got free admission. I would have been upset if we paid full priced admission.
Written 30 July 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.
Adrienne M
Huntsville, AL65 contributions
Jul 2022
There isn't a ton of stuff to do in Nashville that's really kid-centered with the exception of the zoo, which is kind of surprising. We made this visit with our 9 & 11 year-old grandchildren. We were all quite disappointed compared to other science centers we have been to in other cities. I don't know if we went on a particularly bad day, but we estimated that 50% of the interactive exhibits were broken. The exhibits were not terribly exciting. Adults in charge not very good about letting others take their turn at the things that were actually working. We were going to end the visit by eating in the Subway within the building, but it was incredibly crowded with dirty tables so we opted to eat elsewhere. The Adventure Science Center has a somewhat dated feel and a lot of non-working exhibits, I would expect better from a huge tourist draw city like Nashville.
Written 10 July 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.
Patrick Threatt
Meridian, MS28 contributions
Jun 2022
Awesome Children's Museum! Between exploring the Human Body, Space, and Music, this Children's Museum was very engaging and had a lot to see and do. Also, the Planetarium is a wonderful attraction there.
Written 3 July 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.
Jrbacon
Nashville, TN214 contributions
Do we have to buy admission to the science center just to see the planetarium show, which is also an additional cost? Wanting to see a music laser show but no interest in going around the science center. $26 seems high just to see a 30 minute laser show.
Marcygoebel
Cedar Rapids, IA5 contributions
We had to buy both. In my opinion it is not worth it at all.
Can you bring in your own lunch and eat inside?
lcmarlowe
Nashville, TN76 contributions
We do this all the time!
andrea m
Nashville, TN2 contributions
What is the typical amount of time families spend here
adventuresci
Nashville, TN1 contribution
On average, guests spend about 2 to 3 hours at the science center. Those who see a planetarium show generally stay closer to 3 hours.
MReed1
Chicago, IL6 contributions
Hello. Does anyone thinks that many science museums in the South need updating and exhibits for all ages, like many institutions in the North?
Mickeyma-oy
Nashville, TN92 contributions
Yes. If only more people will support this place like sign up to be members or come more frequently I believe they will have more funding to be comparable to other science centers in the north.
Alisyn Blank
Hanover, PA247 contributions
Is it a good place for adults without any kids to visit?
1TravelingTrio
Kilmarnock, VA244 contributions
it depends on your idea of fun. do u like science experiments or anything grade school science related? my son had a blast and I think i would too, without him but it is mainly targeted towards kids. there are many many kids on any give n day. look up the website and see if they have an exhibit that you would be interested in
Kapil L
Pune District, India1 contribution
Hello, i am planning a visit to the science center, how much time should i reserve?
adventuresci
Nashville, TN1 contribution
Hello, and thank you for including us in your plans. Generally, we advise guests to allow between 3 to 4 hours for a visit to the Science Center. This gives you time to explore the exhibits and engage in the hands-on activities, enjoy a ride in the flight simulator, and see a fulldome show in state-of-the-art Sudekum Planetarium. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Is there food service or a cafeteria? Can general admission customers bring food?
adventuresci
Nashville, TN1 contribution
We have a full-service Subway restaurant on our second floor. Visitors may also choose to bring a packed lunch to enjoy in the outdoor picnic area located off the lower parking area or leave the Center to visit a nearby restaurant (be sure to show your wristband for re-entry to the Center).
frogleggs2020
Fordsville, KY
Is it wheelchair friendly and are there any senior discounts
adventuresci
Nashville, TN1 contribution
Good morning, the answer to both your questions is yes! In designing and fabricating the permanent exhibits within the Adventure Science Center, we worked closely with the Nashville ADA office to make our exhibits as accessible as possible.
Our building is fully accessible and the majority of exhibits are accessible. However, there are some exhibits (Moonwalk, EVA Experience, Mission: Possible) and add-on exhibits (Blue Max Flight Simulator) that require full leg range of motion to experience. Three of the seven levels of the Adventure Tower are accessible by ramp. We also have wheelchair accessible seating space in the Sudekum Planetarium.
We offer a discounted ticket price of $13.95 for Seniors (ages 65+). Please let us know if there is anything else we can help you with. We hope to see you at the Science Center soon!
frogleggs2020
Fordsville, KY
Is it wheelchair friendly and is there any senior discounts
Francois A
Franklin, TN464 contributions
It is Wheelchair friendly, as for the iscounts their website state that there is a senior discount available General admission -$1.00
It is a very nice place to visit
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingADVENTURE SCIENCE CENTER: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Adventure Science Center
- Adventure Science Center is open:
- Mon - Mon 09:00 - 15:00
- Thu - Fri 09:00 - 15:00
- Sat - Sun 09:00 - 17:00
- Hotels near Adventure Science Center:
- (0.42 mi) Fairfield Inn & Suites Nashville Downtown/The Gulch
- (0.66 mi) The Westin Nashville
- (0.65 mi) Holiday Inn & Suites Nashville Downtown - Broadway, an IHG Hotel
- (0.60 mi) Margaritaville Hotel Nashville
- (0.70 mi) The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nashville
- Restaurants near Adventure Science Center:
- (0.02 mi) Subway
- (0.31 mi) Party Fowl Nashville
- (0.40 mi) Gabby's Burgers and Fries
- (0.40 mi) City Winery Nashville
- (0.48 mi) 3rd and Lindsley Bar and Grill