If you have a science-loving child in your household like we do, or you're just looking for some quality family fun, we just found your new favorite day trip destination.
Updated July 3, 2024
January can seem like it lasts forever without the jam-packed calendar we all got used to during the holiday season. If you’re ready to venture out again after a much-needed break, we found the perfect day trip within an hour of the Myrtle Beach area.
Across the state line you’ll find the Museum of Coastal Carolina and Ingram Planetarium, which are located just 10 minutes down the road from each other in Ocean Isle Beach, NC, and Sunset Beach, NC, respectively. Both host family friendly programming throughout the year including hands-on exhibits and seasonal offerings.
Here’s everything you need to know as you plan your visit.
HOURS
The Museum of Coastal Carolina is open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. From May 27-Sept. 2, it's open until 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. From March 31-Sept. 2, it's also open on Sunday from 12-4 p.m.
Ingram Planetarium's dome shows start at 11 a.m. Monday-Saturday and laser shows are at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday from May 27-Sept. 2 as well as Fridays and Saturdays from Sept. 5-Dec. 31 and Jan. 16-March 29.
pricing
Admission to the museum or planetarium separately are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (62+), $8 for children (ages 3-12), and free for kids 2 and under. The two locations feature a combination ticket that’s perfect for families, with admission to one planetarium show and one all-day admission ticket to the museum.
The Museums for All program also offers those participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) discounted admission. Each member of the family (up to 6 people) can receive admission to the museum or planetarium for $2 with the presentation of a SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.
ANNUAL PASSES
Both locations offer a variety of annual pass options, which we highly recommend if you plan on visiting even just twice throughout the year.
The museum’s Sea Star Household Pass is $95 and includes free admission to Sand Bar lectures, 20% off planetarium tickets or packs, 4 planetarium passes, and half-price admission for up to 2 guests each visit. The Turtle Nest Club is $135 and includes all these benefits along with 6 planetarium passes and half-price admission for up to 4 guests each visit.
All Planetarium Packs include 20% off museum tickets. The Star Pack for $65 includes 12 planetarium passes, the Galaxy Pack for $120 includes 24 passes, and the Universe Pack for $175 includes unlimited access for 2 adults and 2 guests. The Astro Kids Pack, which is $50 per child and 10% off 2 or more, includes 12 passes, a T-shirt, and a space exploration booklet.
what to expect at the museum
The Museum of Coastal Carolina has themed galleries—Changing Tides, Waterways, Sea Shore, Ocean Reef, Coastal Plain, and Barrier Island—with dioramas and exhibits about the natural history, environment, and culture of the Coastal Carolinas. We were pleasantly surprised by the size and scope of the museum—especially the variety of interactive displays. We spent around 2 hours exploring, but the kids didn’t want to leave!
Our favorite spot was the touch tank in the Sea Shore Gallery. The friendly staff took the time to connect with us and share their knowledge about the creatures we encountered including crabs, starfish, and anemones. The most impressive room is the Ocean Reef Gallery, which features a massive diorama with life-size models of sharks, whales, stingrays, and more.
Other favorite spots included the interactive sandbox, wave machine, SeaScope where we examined shells and seahorses under a microscope, and “Draw Alive!” activity where you can design a sea creature to add to the virtual aquarium.
what to expect at the planetarium
Ingram Planetarium’s full-dome theater offers a variety of family friendly shows that cater to all age groups, along with laser music shows. All shows, which last approximately 20-30 minutes, are followed by a live space science and star presentation. You’ll learn about which planets and constellations you can see in the night sky that evening. This part of the experience lasted around 20 minutes and, while our science-loving Skyela thought it was super cool, Holden needed to pack his patience.
The best seats—and the seats are super-duper comfy, by the way!—are in the back of the planetarium. If you suffer from motion sickness, there may be certain points where you need to close your eyes for a moment or two.
The Paul Dennis Science Hall, which is free and open to the public whenever the planetarium is open, features some science and STEM-based activities, experiments, and displays. The kids loved building and testing their “spaceships.” There’s also a hurricane simulator for a $2 charge.
The Bottom Line
It’s doubly worth it to make the trip to North Carolina to experience both the Museum of Coastal Carolina and Ingram Planetarium. Both locations cater to all age groups and truly make learning fun. When your kiddos need a break from Ripley’s Aquarium but still want somewhere they can play and explore, this is the perfect spot.
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