If you are in the mood for staying close to the Triangle but have a hankering to view a little wildlife, try making a stop at Durham’s Museum of Life and Science. While this is incredibly popular for those of us dealing with hyperactive toddlers, don’t let the conspicuous absence of a diaper bag stop you from enjoying all this place has to offer.

With engaging indoor and outdoor exhibits, the museum makes the admission fee worth the while. Inside the main building, you’ll find interactive exhibits on geology, weather, and aerospace, as well as a whole section with owls, turtles, alligators, snakes, and birds. Outside, you get plenty of exposure to cows, goats, sheep, and other farm animals as you walk to the butterfly house.

And be aware: the butterfly house has a lot more to check out than just a sunlit room filled with butterflies flitting about the greenery. You’ll find plenty of other creepy-crawlies to examine—complete with microphones and microscopes hooked up to aid you in your entomological endeavors.

If you are interested in making a donation to the enhancement of the wildlife habitat or if you have a train-gaga child in tow, then you could try the train ride (tickets are only free for children under 2): otherwise, you might want to spend you time on the longer trail featuring bears, lemurs, and wolves.

Let me mention one more thing: the café includes some vegetarian options…a nice change of pace from the hotdog/hamburger options found at most food stands. While it won’t take you all day to explore the museum’s breadth of offerings, it will take you away to a place where you can enjoy a variety of critters and environments.