Get creative at I CAN Create which celebrates creativity through art. The large open art studio provides plenty of unstructured opportunities for kids of all ages to engage their imaginations and cut, glue, fold, paint, sculpt and sparkle.
1 / 10

Discovery Place Kids Huntersville

4.6
·2k reviews·Huntersville, United States

A wonderland of interactive exhibits designed for young children to learn, play, and explore through hands-on experiences.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to play

CrowdLow
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Get creative at I CAN Create which celebrates creativity through art. The large open art studio provides plenty of unstructured opportunities for kids of all ages to engage their imaginations and cut, glue, fold, paint, sculpt and sparkle.

Discovery Place Kids Huntersville

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to play

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A wonderland of interactive exhibits designed for young children to learn, play, and explore through hands-on experiences.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"This place was fabulous for my little ones. We spent multiple hours here."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Bring a Change of Clothes

Water play and messy crafts are a must! Pack extra clothes for your little ones. :shirt:

🎟️ Consider Annual Membership

If you have multiple kids or plan frequent visits, a membership offers great value.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mini Town

Mini Town

First Floor

A child-sized world where kids can be community helpers in a grocery store, firehouse, and more!

Water Play Station

Water Play Station

Various Locations

Engage in hands-on water experiments and play, with smocks provided to keep kids dry.

InstagramReddit
Creative Arts & Crafts

Creative Arts & Crafts

Arts & Crafts Room

Unleash creativity with a wide range of art supplies and engaging craft activities.

Instagram
Outdoor Exploration

Outdoor Exploration

Outdoor Area

Discover new play spaces including gardens, sand areas, and chalkboards.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds

Visit on weekdays, especially mornings, to avoid peak crowds. Weekends and holidays can get very busy, so consider arriving right at opening or later in the afternoon. TikTokInstagram

Dress for Messy Fun

Many exhibits involve water, paint, or sand. Bring a change of clothes for your little ones, and wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of exploring! InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon on weekdays
Why
Crowds thin out after lunch
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends (early)
Why
Experience the magic before it peaks
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This is the most magical indoor playground you’ve ever seen. It's a wonderland where kids’ dreams come true! Follow us for more exciting days out ideas #kidstiktok #thingstodowithkids #FamilyFun
@exploring_withthekids
37K likes • 2.6M views

🎯 Bring a Change of Clothes

Water play and messy crafts are a must! Pack extra clothes for your little ones. Reddit :shirt:

🎟️ Consider Annual Membership

If you have multiple kids or plan frequent visits, a membership offers great value. InstagramReddit

Come and visit the greatest indoor play facility in all of Huntsville!! #LetsPlay #huntsville #huntsvillealabama #remodel #done #indoorplayground #play #tiktok #post #fyp
@letsplayhuntsville
18.4K likes • 645.4K views
DISCOVERY PLACE KIDS 👧🏽 /// 📍Huntersville location 📍105 Gilead Rd Huntersville, NC 28078 (North of Charlotte - 1.5 hours from Columbia) @discoveryplace_kids was AMAZING! Several floors of fun! The theme of this children’s museum was “I CAN”. 💪🏼 Everything had a “I can” theme, which I loved! Throughout the museum they had a “mini town” that included a doctors office, @publix grocery store, am...
sodacitytots
108 likes • 4.8K views

stroller Parking

Strollers are not recommended inside; park them at the entrance. Reddit

⏰ Arrive Early

To maximize your visit and beat the biggest crowds, aim to arrive at opening. TikTok

Discovery place kids (Huntersville) has a new outdoor space!! The new outdoor space includes flower gardens, reading areas, a play sand area and chalk board! We loved the new area, it’s such a great addition!
lesliemcampbell
21 likes • 706 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Bring a Change of Clothes

Water play and messy crafts are a must! Pack extra clothes for your little ones. Reddit :shirt:

🎟️ Consider Annual Membership

If you have multiple kids or plan frequent visits, a membership offers great value. InstagramReddit

stroller Parking

Strollers are not recommended inside; park them at the entrance. Reddit

⏰ Arrive Early

To maximize your visit and beat the biggest crowds, aim to arrive at opening. TikTok

💧 Water Play Smocks

Smocks are available for water play, but a change of clothes is still a good idea. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Discovery Place Kids Huntersville for its engaging and educational exhibits, particularly the 'Mini Town' and water play areas. It's a fantastic spot for toddlers and young children to explore and learn through hands-on activities. While some areas can get messy and it can get busy, the overall experience is highly recommended for family fun.

"Fun for little kids, though for me far too open with a really high ceiling making it echoey, loud, and overstimulating. I’d prefer more walls and peaceful nooks. The play structures are fun, and if I lived nearby I would be a member, but I probably could get better fun value for my 10, 8, and 6 year old: paying $16 per person (including adults who are mostly just following kids around supervising them) is pricey.

I have more fun at the high point children’s museum (the Nido and Mariana Qubien Children’s Museum) it has more outside areas and a greater variety of play opportunities for different ages and a double decker carousel!"

Bethany

"We love coming to discovery place for our toddler to get some playtime in and it’s especially great for rainy days or when it’s very hot outside. They constantly sanitize different areas throughout the day and have little shows in the stage area to entertain the kids. Plenty of areas for different interests in play styles. Some areas can get messy but it’s up to the parents to help children learn to clean up after they are done playing. So it’s to be expected that it’s a tad messy in some cases. Also some of the displays didn’t have the pieces like the apples in the farm area or the foam blocks in the construction area. That could be due to cleaning those pieces, maybe missing, or maybe those displays weren’t working correctly anymore. Appreciated the area for snack time and having a variety of options for kids and parents. Regardless overall they have plenty of spaces for kids to explore and play."

Marissa Woods

"Fun for all ages!! My 2 and 9 year olds had a blast! Staff was friendly and constantly walking around interacting with kids and cleaning up."

Danielle

What People Like

Interactive and educational exhibits
Engaging for young children
Clean and well-maintained

What People Dislike

Can get crowded
Some areas get messy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Discovery Place Kids Huntersville is located at 105 Gilead Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078. It's situated north of Charlotte. Instagram+1 Parking is available on-site. TikTok

Yes, there is a parking lot available at the museum. TikTok

Hours typically vary slightly, but generally, they are open Tuesday through Sunday. On weekdays (Mon-Thurs), hours are often 9:30 am - 3:30 pm, and on weekends (Fri-Sun), they are usually 9:30 am - 4:30 pm. It's always best to check their official website for the most current hours. Instagram

Yes, there is a dedicated area for children aged 3 and under, making it suitable for infants. However, it can get crowded, especially on busy days. Reddit

It is not recommended to bring a stroller inside as it can be difficult to navigate. You'll need to park your stroller at the entrance. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

General admission is typically $14 per person (adult or child aged 1-13). Seniors (60+) also pay $14. Children under 1 are usually free. Instagram+1

Yes, discounts are often available for EBT & WIC cardholders ($2 per person), military personnel, and seniors ($2 off admission). Memberships offer free entry. Instagram

Yes, it is highly recommended to purchase tickets online in advance, especially for busy periods, to secure your entry. You can usually find the ticket link in their bio on social media. Instagram

While not explicitly stated in all sources, typically children's museums allow re-entry on the same day if needed, especially if you need to step out for a break. It's best to confirm with staff upon arrival. Reddit

While not always mandatory, booking a time slot online can help guarantee entry, especially during peak times or special events. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Key attractions include a 'Mini Town' with community helper roles, a water play station, a large arts and crafts area, and various pretend play zones like a car shop and underwater sea. Instagram+1

Absolutely! It's designed for young children, with many interactive exhibits perfect for toddlers to explore and learn through play. InstagramReddit

Yes, the museum often features live shows, science experiments, and magic demonstrations on a stage area to entertain and educate children. InstagramReddit

The museum staff actively sanitizes areas throughout the day. While some areas can get messy due to the nature of play, overall cleanliness is a priority. Reddit

The 'I CAN' theme is central to the museum's philosophy, encouraging children to explore their capabilities and try new things in each exhibit. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a designated snack area and a cafe with vending machines offering a variety of options for kids and parents. Reddit+1

Outside food and drinks are generally allowed in designated snack areas, but it's always good to confirm their specific policy upon arrival. Reddit

The cafe and vending machines typically offer a range of snacks and drinks, with some healthier choices available for children. Reddit

Yes, a nursing room is available for mothers who need a private space for feeding their babies. Reddit

Expect typical kid-friendly snacks like chips, crackers, juice boxes, and some more substantial options. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography and videography for personal use are generally allowed. However, always be mindful of other visitors' privacy. TikTokInstagram

While personal photos are fine, professional photography or filming for commercial purposes usually requires prior permission. TikTok

The 'Mini Town' area, the water play stations, and the vibrant arts and crafts room offer great photo opportunities. The outdoor area also provides scenic backdrops. Instagram+1

It's best to avoid using flash photography, especially in areas with sensitive exhibits or if it might disturb other visitors or children. TikTok

Keep an eye out for themed areas like the 'Mini Town' or seasonal decorations, which can make for memorable photos. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Toddlers & Young Children

Discovery Place Kids Huntersville is a paradise for toddlers and young children. The 'Mini Town' allows them to role-play as community helpers, while the water play stations offer sensory fun. Instagram+1 The dedicated '3 and under' area ensures a safe and engaging space for the littlest explorers. Reddit Remember to pack a change of clothes and wear comfortable shoes, as the interactive nature of the exhibits encourages active play. Reddit+1

💰 Budget-Conscious Families

While admission can add up, consider the annual membership if you plan to visit multiple times, as it offers excellent value. InstagramReddit Look out for discount programs like EBT, WIC, military, and senior discounts, which can significantly reduce the cost of entry. Instagram Visiting on weekday mornings or afternoons can also help avoid peak weekend crowds, potentially making the experience feel more spacious. Reddit

🌧️ Rainy Day Fun Seekers

This indoor haven is the perfect antidote to a rainy day! With multiple floors of interactive exhibits, from water play to pretend town and creative arts, kids can stay engaged and entertained for hours. Reddit The constant sanitization efforts also provide peace of mind for parents. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the 'I CAN' Philosophy

Discovery Place Kids Huntersville is built around an empowering 'I CAN' philosophy, encouraging children to explore their potential and build confidence through play. Instagram Each exhibit is designed to foster a sense of accomplishment, whether it's building a tower, creating art, or pretending to be a community helper. This approach makes learning feel natural and fun, allowing kids to discover what they are capable of. The museum aims to spark curiosity and a lifelong love for learning by providing a safe and stimulating environment for exploration. Instagram

This philosophy is evident in the hands-on nature of every exhibit. From the water tables where kids can experiment with cause and effect, to the pretend play areas like the grocery store or car shop, children are encouraged to take the lead. The goal is not just entertainment, but also to develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and social interaction. Instagram The staff are often seen engaging with children, guiding them and reinforcing the 'I CAN' message, making the experience even more impactful. Reddit

Navigating the Exhibits with Young Children

Discovery Place Kids Huntersville is specifically designed for young children, with a strong emphasis on interactive and sensory experiences. The 'Mini Town' is a highlight, allowing kids to step into various roles like firefighters, doctors, or shoppers, fostering imaginative play and social skills. Instagram The water play areas are a huge hit, offering opportunities for sensory exploration and learning about physics, with smocks provided to manage the inevitable splashes. InstagramReddit

Beyond these popular spots, the museum offers a creative arts and crafts room with a wide array of materials for open-ended artistic expression. Instagram There are also themed zones like an underwater sea exploration area and a construction zone with building blocks. For the youngest visitors, a dedicated '3 and under' area ensures a safe and engaging space. Reddit The outdoor exploration area adds another dimension, featuring gardens, a sand play zone, and chalkboards, providing a breath of fresh air and different play opportunities. Instagram

Making the Most of Your Visit: Tips from Parents

Parents consistently rave about the value of an annual membership, especially for families with multiple children, as it offers significant savings for frequent visits. InstagramReddit They also advise packing a change of clothes, as water play and art activities can lead to getting wet or messy. Reddit Comfortable shoes are a must, as you'll be on your feet exploring for hours. Reddit Arriving early, particularly on weekends, is a common tip to avoid the largest crowds and allow children ample time to enjoy the exhibits. TikTok

When it comes to navigating the space, leave the stroller at the entrance, as it's difficult to maneuver inside. Reddit The museum has a designated snack area and vending machines, and while outside food is often permitted in these areas, it's wise to confirm the policy. Reddit+1 Many visitors appreciate the staff's efforts in sanitizing exhibits throughout the day, contributing to a clean and safe environment. Reddit

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