Roper Mountain Science Center

We had such a great time here. So many activities for the entire family. This kept everyone engaged in hands-on activities. The gardens were amazing to get ideas of what grows well locally. We will definitely be back.

My boys loved the science center and asked when we were going back as soon as we got in the car. They touched sea creatures, learned about butterflies and the environment, went gem mining, ran and played pirates, and even got to pet a snake! Everywhere they looked they were fascinated, and we will definitely be coming back. All of the staff were friendly, kind, and engaging. This is quickly becoming the most asked for outing in our house!

Loved coming here as a child. Place is updated and beautiful! All ages welcome and wonderful for families with small kids. Cafe only takes cash. Kids 18 and under eat free. You can buy tickets on the website or on site.

We love Roper! It’s consistently the one place my 7 and 4 year old want to go again and again. It’s a great place to pass summer days! We love the nature exchange, butterflies, Harrison hall animals you can touch, and this summer they have an adorable exhibit with a sloth JJ! We have been many times to Roper and always have had positive encounters with anyone working/volunteering on the Mountain. We are lucky to have an educational and FUN place here in Greenville that opens it doors to the public in the midst of its educational programs for students.

We had an amazing time at the observatory on Friday. The starry night was beautiful, and the kids loved seeing Jupiter through the huge telescope.🔭

Roper Mountain was a wonderful adventure for our family. I have two young kids (under age 6) and they both thoroughly enjoyed the variety of things to explore. The cockroach races and bug eating were definitely a highlight so I recommend checking the schedule on those events so as not to miss them. The process to get lunch at the cafeteria was not super straightforward. I would love to have seen more signage about pricing and food options before getting to the front of the line.

We love this place! Its exhibits change base on season and there is a ton to do, explore and they even have a aquatic touch tank. There are multiple playgrounds, a dino walking trail, multiple buildings to explore and so much more. Definitely worth every penny.

We LOVE Roper Mountain! Not only is it a wonderful place to explore, learn, and connect with nature, but they've also made tremendous efforts to support accessibility and kids with disabilities, like our little girl! One of the things we're most excited about is that they just paved the Dino Trail! The trail connects all the way to the pond and butterfly encounter! SO MUCH EASIER!!!! They also offer sensory-friendly hours, sensory spaces, and other accommodations that help make the experience enjoyable for more families. Be sure to check in at the front for more details or ways they can help support your family! The animal encounters throughout the park are always a hit, and the butterfly encounters are absolutely magical. Our kids also love the Nature Exchange program—it's such a fun and creative way to get them excited about learning. They can trade in things like a pinecone, or rock and earn points to "buy" geodes, seashells, even horseshoe crab shells! This summer's exhibit is great! What's not to love about having a sloth for the summer! JJ is SO cute. He can be a little shy sometimes, so if you really want to see him, try to go during one of the keeper talks. He usually comes out when it's feeding time, and it's definitely worth it! Amazing staff, always happy to help and educate! Plus kids eat free in the summer! Roper has so many different things you can do while you're there... you could spend 30 min or half the day, depending on what you have time for! We've been going for years now so here are some tips if you're going for the first time: Dino Trail - super easy to walk for littles but now accessible take the stroller just in case! They have a great little playground with Dino bones to climb on. Be sure to peak under the tower at the playground for a dig sight - great for littles. Nature Exchange - Be sure to bring 5 items each visit/child... things like pinecones, seashells, rocks, anything nature! (no bird stuff allowed) they also give you extra points if you have an animal on your shirt! Butterfly Encounter - Accessible entrance is on the opposite side from the actual line. The line moves fast but try going during lunchtime if it's packed! Farm - Go early, closes at 2:30... and can get hot. Not fully accessible - But we don't have any problems with our wheelchair on the main dirt path. They have a cute little gem mining place. Kids get one free gem to take with them! Science Building - Terrapins, sharks, horseshoe craps, lizards, snakes, axolotls, so many animals!!!! They will have a few animals out to touch! The shark movie area is a great place for those with sensory needs - plus there is a restroom with a full size changing station in this building! Pirate Ship Playground - not sure what else I could say about this. it's just fun. Just outside the science building! Lunch - Free for kids, Chicken Sandwich for adults is $2 something... not chick fil A but great if you forgot to pack something! Water stations are literally everywhere but the farm! Bring a water bottle! Bathrooms are always clean! Great outside areas to eat, picnic tables that sort of thing! Main Building - we love the big fish tanks and reptiles! The building blocks upstairs, the led light up wall is so fun as well! Be sure to check the website - they will have fun events throughout the year!