City: Atlanta, GA

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (678) 874-7102

Address: 156 Heaton Park Dr. NE

Description: Fernbank Science Center is an intriguing attraction about a mile from the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Home to one of the nation’s largest planetariums, the Science Center also boasts an exhibit hall featuring an authentic moon rock, an original Apollo space capsule, and much more. If you’re into stargazing, you’ve come to the right place. On clear Thursday and Friday nights, the Science Center’s observatory lets you step up to its big telescope and view whatever celestial body—Venus, Mercury, the moon—is looking good that night. Questions about the heavens? Ask the astronomer on duty. Nature lovers can explore the 1.5 miles of trails through the 65-acre Fernbank Forest. A relaxing respite from the hubbub of city life, this virgin forest is one of the largest remaining in any metropolitan area in the Southeast. Staffers and visiting scientists conduct active research projects at the Science Center. Currently scientists are using a 132-foot-high meteorological tower to study low-level ozone and the effects of vegetation on mediating weather. The center is open Monday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. The Science Center is owned and funded by the DeKalb County school system. That means it’s closed on school system administrative holidays. Call to make sure you haven’t hit one. General admission is free. Planetarium shows cost $4 for adults, $3 for seniors, students, and children. Children under 5 are admitted but only at the parent’s discretion; this is not a museum very young children would enjoy! Special children’s programs cost $2 per person. To reach the Science Center from Ponce de Leon Avenue, turn on Artwood Road then follow the signs directing you to the Center on Heaton Park Drive.