How much for a family?

About $65-100. Adults ~$17-20, kids 2-12 ~$13-16, under 2 free. IMAX ~$5 extra.

Is it good for toddlers?

Yes. Dedicated toddler area plus water play. Bring change of clothes.

3-5 hours. Four floors of exhibits plus IMAX.

Yes. Dome theater shows ~45 min films. ~$5/person on top of admission.

McWane Science Center

Name: McWane Science Center
Address: 200 19th St N, Gulf Shores, AL, 35203, US
Telephone: +1 205-714-8300
Rating: 4.7

Rating

4.7(5,137)

Family of 4

$65-$100: adults ~$17-20, kids (2-12) ~$13-16, IMAX extra ~$5/person.

Duration

3-5 hours

Best Ages

Best for ages 2-14

About

McWane Science Center in Birmingham is one of the best science museums in the Southeast. Four floors of hands-on exhibits, IMAX dome theater, and Alabama freshwater aquarium.

The water play area on the lower level is the most popular spot for kids under 8. Kids will get soaked — bring complete change of clothes. Upper floors cover physics, engineering, natural history. The dinosaur gallery has real Alabama fossils.

About $17-20/adults, $13-16/kids 2-12. IMAX extra ~$5. Birmingham is 3.5 hours from Gulf Shores. Plan 3-5 hours minimum.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Yes

Nursing / Changing

Available

Kid Meals

Limited

Setting

Indoor

Rainy Day

Great option!

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings. Wednesday and Thursday quietest.

Wait Times

Minimal for exhibits, 5-15 min for IMAX

Nearby Food

Cafe inside. Downtown Birmingham has excellent restaurants — Saw's BBQ, Yo Mama's.

Why Kids Love It

Four floors of hands-on science, IMAX theater, freshwater aquarium. The water play area is a huge draw for little kids — they splash and experiment with dams for 45+ minutes. Dinosaur gallery has real fossils.