Science For All, Sensory Friendly Night, Returns to the Greensboro Science Center

On Thursday, September 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the Greensboro Science Center (GSC) will host 2021’s first Sensory Friendly Night, part of the organization’s Science for All initiative, which is dedicated to developing inclusive GSC experiences for all guests. This after-hours event is designed specifically for guests with sensory-related challenges, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder or PTSD, and their families.

Martha Regester, VP of Education, said, “We know that our zoo, aquarium and museum can be a little overwhelming on a busy day. Sensory Friendly Nights are opportunities to relax and enjoy the fall after hours, when the galleries are quieter and the zoo is cooler. It’s our chance to support different learning strategies, and we hope families will take advantage of this unique opportunity to experience the Greensboro Science Center in a whole new way.”

Sensory Friendly Night tickets are $5 per person for guests ages 3 and older. Children 2 and younger are free. Tickets can be purchased on site at the GSC’s admission window the evening of the event. Tickets include admission to the GSC’s museum and aquarium, with special quiet and activity zones, games, and sensory backpacks available for loan. Parts of the zoo will be open until 7:00 p.m., though many animals may already be in their after-hours holding areas and not available for viewing.

Guests are encouraged to visit the GSC’s website at greensboroscience.org and click on “Know Before You Go” on the “Visit” page for a link to our Accessibility web page that contains materials that will help guests prepare for the evening’s activities. Downloadable resources include a map that highlights locations of exhibits and activities as well as locations with sensory extremes, such as loud noises, unusual smells, and bright or dark lighting conditions. A printable photo board denoting the activities available through the evening is also available so guests can build their own schedule prior to arrival. A social narrative is available to prepare guests about what they can expect during their visit.

Additional Sensory Friendly Nights will take place on Thursday, September 23 and Tuesday, October 12, 2021. These events are made possible by the Lincoln Financial Foundation. Special thanks goes to the Autism Society of North Carolina and Autism Unbound for their support of this program.

Revolution Ridge Opens May 21; GSC Member Preview Scheduled for May 20

The Greensboro Science Center (GSC) is pleased to announce that Revolution Ridge, a $15.5M zoo expansion project, is scheduled to open to GSC members on May 20 at 9:00 a.m. and to all GSC guests on May 21 at 9:00 a.m. The opening of Revolution Ridge will be the culmination of the GSC’s Science City, USA master plan, unveiled in 2006. 

Included in Revolution Ridge are habitats for animals such as the cassowary, kookaburra, okapi, pygmy hippo, Caribbean flamingo, fishing cat, sand cat, serval, black-footed cat and red pandas. In addition, the expansion features state-of-the-art Shearer Animal Hospital that allows guests to watch animal care in action, along with the Dr. Sigmund and Ellen Tannenbaum Conservation Center, where guests can learn more about the GSC’s research and conservation work – both of which are functions that, until now, have taken place behind the scenes. Two hundred and fifty yards of elevated boardwalk offers guests an up-close and unencumbered view of Revolution Ridge’s largest species, as well as overlooks for the Country Park lakefront, which will soon be enhanced as a part of phase one of the Battleground Parks District project. 

Revolution Ridge opens May 21, 2021

Along with the opening of Revolution Ridge, the GSC is launching a mobile app featuring Keeper On Call. Through the free app, which is available for both Apple and Android devices, guests can use an augmented reality viewer to delve deeper into exhibits simply by pointing their smart devices at the Keeper On Call signs located at select exhibits.

The project was funded utilizing $4.7M remaining from the 2009 GSC city bond, private donations from the GSC’s Think BIG! campaign and through generous loan terms and support from Triad Business Bank. Due to the imminent financial impacts and losses created by the COVID-19 pandemic, in March of 2020, the GSC had to decide whether to keep building Revolution Ridge or halt construction. The GSC team unanimously agreed to move forward, thus avoiding even deeper construction debt associated with exponential cost increases of key materials, wood and steel. 

Glenn Dobrogosz, CEO of the GSC, says, “Back in March of 2020 when we were all forced to shut our doors, everything was a guessing game as to what strategy would best position the GSC and the city of Greensboro for the future. Our team unified around one core concept – build for the future. We now know it was the absolute right move. The GSC is now perfectly positioned to help bring outside visitors back to the streets, shops, restaurants, hotels and cultural attractions of Greensboro and Guilford County. Following COVID-19, economic revitalization has never been more important for our city and citizens.” 

Kiwanisaurus Treehouse Adventure Opens April 22

The Kiwanisaurus Treehouse Adventure will open at the Greensboro Science Center (GSC) on April, 22, 2021. A GSC member-only preview will take place from 9:00 a.m. – noon, after which the area will be open to all GSC guests. Admission to this new outdoor play space is included with general admission and/or membership.

Kiwanisaurus Treehouse Adventure

The Kiwanisaurus Treehouse Adventure is made up of 4 treehouses and 4 crow’s nests, interconnected by a series of bridges, net climbing structures, hoops, logs, and steps. Guests are encouraged to explore the ecosystem around them and discover local wildlife as they climb. The largest treehouses and a deck are ADA accessible.

Life-size dinosaur replicas located on the hillside beneath the walkways invite guests to come to eye to eye with some of the biggest stars of the prehistoric past, including Triceratops, T. rex, Spinosaurus and Apatosaurus.

Martha Regester, the GSC’s VP of Education, says, “The pandemic has given us a year of leaning via laptops and social distancing. We are so happy to add nature play back into the mix and turn kids’ imaginations loose!”

The Kiwanisaurus Treehouse Adventure, built by Beanstalk Builders, is made possible by the Kiwanis Club of Greensboro and Nat Greene Kiwanis Club. Additional support comes from the Cummings Family and the Hagan Family. In addition, the Wheelihan Family, the White Family, and the Priddy Family have provided support for the dinosaurs.