Greensboro Science Center

What Greensboro Science Center does

The Greensboro Science Center (GSC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (Tax ID #56-0885727) operating a 22-acre integrated aquarium, museum, and zoo at 4301 Lawndale Dr., Greensboro, North Carolina. Founded in 1957 as the Greensboro Junior Museum through a community effort by the Junior League of Greensboro, it holds dual accreditation from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA, since 2008) and the American Alliance of Museums (AAM, since 1985) — a distinction shared by only 15 facilities nationwide. GSC serves families, K–12 school groups, corporate clients, wedding/event hosts, and community-access audiences across the Piedmont Triad region.

GSC's product surface is anchored by wildlife exhibits including the Wiseman Aquarium and the 22-acre zoo, and augmented by adventure attractions: SKYWILD treetop adventure (seven courses, 60+ animal-inspired challenges, $49.99 non-member / $29.99 member), FLYWAY Zipline over Lake Sloan ($20 / $15), and the Rotary Carousel featuring 56 hand-painted animals. Premium behind-the-scenes experiences (Aquarium Adventure at $54.99, Penguin Encounter at $79.99, Zoo Trek at $74.99, VIP Animal Experience starting at $125) layer onto general admission. Education and career programs include Classes & Camps, Brick Engineering & Robotics (FIRST LEGO League at $300/participant), Science Presentations for schools, college internships, and a 2-week veterinary externship. Conservation infrastructure includes an on-site freshwater mussel propagation lab, bioacoustics research, and the upcoming Cole Family Monarch Conservation Center & Butterfly House. GSC's largest in-development initiatives are Expedition Rainforest: The Greensboro Biodome — a five-story immersive rainforest with a Species Survival Plan breeding center for sloths, toucans, and clouded leopards — and the Aquatic Rehabilitation and Conservation Center (ARCC).

GSC's revenue model is multi-stream: transaction-based general admissions (with discounts for residents, military, students, and SNAP/EBT participants from $6–$7), annual individual/family and business memberships ($700 to $13,000 across five corporate tiers providing AZA reciprocal access to 150+ facilities), premium experience upsells, school-group admissions ($18 standard, $15 for Guilford County Public Schools), venue rentals for weddings and corporate events, seasonal events (Winter Wonderlights with 1M+ lights, presented by Cone Health, in its sixth season), the annual See to Believe Gala with tiered corporate sponsorships led by Truist Bank, and donations including a Coins for Conservation program allocating $0.25 per admission ticket. Distribution runs through walk-in visitation, an e-commerce storefront at shop.greensboroscience.org, dedicated group-sales and rentals departments, and AZA reciprocity.

Name

Greensboro Science Center

Legal name

Greensboro Science Center

Website

https://greensboroscience.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1957

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Greensboro Science Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Greensboro, NC operating a 22-acre aquarium, museum, and zoo, offering educational programs, adventure attractions, premium animal encounters, and conservation programs. It serves families, schools, and corporate clients and holds dual AZA/AAM accreditation.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Science Center with Aquarium and Zoo

NAICS

Zoos and Botanical Gardens (712130), Zoos and Botanical Gardens (71213), Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (7121), Amusement Parks and Arcades (7131)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Zoo & Aquarium Parks (Ticketed Wildlife Attractions) (THAJAEAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Zoos, Aquariums & Botanical Gardens (Educational Collections) (THAJADAL), Science & Technology Museums (THAJADAD), Wildlife Interpretation & Education Centers (Visitor Centers, Museums) (THAAAFAG)

Keywords

• Science education programs
• Aquarium and zoo exhibits
• Wildlife conservation programs
• Family educational attractions
• Museum hands-on exhibits

Headquarters

HQ city

Greensboro

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. General Admission Tickets: Visitors pay for admission to the aquarium, museum, and zoo. Flexible pricing structure with discounts for residents, military, students, and SNAP/EBT participants.
2. Memberships: Annual memberships providing unlimited general admission, free guest tickets, carousel rides, discounts on experiences and retail, and AZA reciprocal benefits at 150+ accredited facilities.
3. Premium Experiences (SKYWILD, FLYWAY): Separate ticketed attractions including SKYWILD treetop adventure course ($49.99 non-members, $29.99 members) and FLYWAY zipline ($20 non-members, $15 members), with combo tickets available.
4. Behind-the-Scenes Experiences: Premium experiences including Aquarium Adventure ($54.99 non-members), Penguin Encounter ($79.99 non-members), Zoo Trek ($74.99 non-members), and VIP Animal Experiences (starting at $125/person).
5. Rotary Carousel: Carousel rides at $2 per ride (members $1) or combo tickets of 7 rides for $10 (members $5).
6. Events and Entertainment: Laser shows in the OmniSphere Theater ($7/show), Winter Wonderlights holiday light event, and special programming including Shark Week and seasonal celebrations.
7. Classes and Camps: Year-round educational programming including summer camps for ages 5-12, FIRST LEGO League teams ($300/participant), and science presentations for schools ($125/program).
8. Venue Rentals: Wedding packages and event rentals for spaces including SAIL Center Great Hall, Wiseman Aquarium, and outdoor venues, with comprehensive packages including tables, chairs, linens, coordination, and security.
9. See to Believe Gala: Annual fundraising gala with tiered sponsorship opportunities (Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Pearl sponsors) and ticket sales, featuring entertainment, food, and silent auctions.
10. Business Memberships: Corporate membership tiers from Lemur Level ($700) to Maned Wolf Level ($13,000), providing employee benefits and community engagement opportunities.
11. Donations and Fundraising: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (Tax ID #56-0885727), the center accepts donations and operates Coins for Conservation, where 25 cents from each admission ticket supports conservation projects.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The Greensboro Science Center operates an integrated zoo, aquarium, and museum on a 22-acre campus, providing visitors access to animal exhibits (Wiseman Aquarium, 22-acre zoo), interactive science displays, and adventure attractions including the SKYWILD treetop course, FLYWAY Zipline, and Rotary Carousel. The center sells general admissions, annual memberships, premium behind-the-scenes animal encounters, educational programs (classes, camps, field trip presentations), seasonal events like Winter Wonderlights, and venue rentals for weddings and corporate functions.

Product overview

The Greensboro Science Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit institution (Tax ID #56-0885727) offering an integrated zoo, aquarium, and museum experience on a 22-acre campus. The Center provides diverse experiences ranging from core wildlife exhibits (Wiseman Aquarium, 22-acre zoo) to adventure attractions (SKYWILD treetop course, FLYWAY Zipline, Rotary Carousel), educational programs (Classes & Camps, Brick Engineering & Robotics, Science Presentations), premium behind-the-scenes animal encounters (Aquarium Adventure, Penguin Encounter, Zoo Trek, VIP Animal Experience), seasonal events (Winter Wonderlights, Rainforest Adventure Maze), and conservation initiatives. Additional offerings include veterinary externships, internship programs, volunteer opportunities, and venue rentals for weddings and corporate events. Membership programs provide unlimited access and AZA reciprocal benefits. The Center is dual-accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) and American Alliance of Museums (AAM), with only 15 facilities nationwide holding this distinction.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Zoo, Aquarium & Museum (Core Experience) A 22-acre zoo, aquarium, and museum featuring hands-on exhibits connecting guests to the natural world. Dual-accredited by AZA and AAM since 1985 and 2008 respectively.
• Rainforest Adventure Maze An interactive traveling maze exhibit where guests climb, crawl, and explore the layers of a tropical rainforest through hands-on challenges and discovery. Features four layers: emergent, canopy, understory, and forest floor.
• Cole Family Monarch Conservation Center & Butterfly House A seasonal exhibit dedicated to monarch butterfly conservation, education, and community action for protecting pollinators. Can accommodate 40 individuals at once.
• SKYWILD Treetop Adventure Course A treetop adventure course above the zoo with seven animal-inspired courses and over 60 challenges. Guests climb, swing, and explore from a treetop perspective. Individual tickets at $49.99, member rate $29.99, group rate $39.99.
• FLYWAY Zipline A one-of-a-kind zipline experience that glides guests high above Lake Sloan, operated by the Greensboro Science Center from the Battleground Parks District. Single ride $15 members / $20 non-members, with combo tickets available.
• Behind the Scenes Experiences Exclusive behind-the-scenes adventures including Aquarium Adventure ($54.99 non-members), Penguin Encounter ($79.99 non-members), Zoo Trek ($74.99 non-members), and VIP Animal Experiences (starting at $125/person). Each connects curiosity, conservation, and care.
• Rotary Club of Greensboro Carousel A carousel featuring 56 hand-painted animals celebrating imagination and fun. Daily operation from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. $2 per ride or $10 for 7 rides (members $1 / $5).
• Winter Wonderlights A holiday light show featuring over a million lights, glowing tunnels, and handcrafted lanterns across the campus. Presented by Cone Health, running during the winter season with six completed seasons.
• See to Believe Gala The GSC's annual black-tie gala featuring entertainment, celebration, and connection. Includes Black & Blue Experience band and fundraising activities with tiered sponsorship opportunities (Diamond through Pearl levels).
• Classes & Camps Year-round classes and camps for ages 5-14 including 2026 Summer Camp, 2026 Aquatic Ecosystems Camp, and science presentations for field trips.
• Brick Engineering & Robotics Classes and camps for ages 5-14 inspiring builders to think creatively through hands-on STEM exploration using LEGO bricks and robotics. Includes FIRST LEGO League teams at $300 per participant.
• Memberships Individual, family, and business memberships providing unlimited visits, exclusive perks, and discounts. Annual memberships provide unlimited general admission, free guest tickets, carousel rides, discounts on experiences and retail, and AZA reciprocal benefits at 150+ accredited facilities. Business tiers from $700 to $13,000.
• Weddings & Rentals Unique event spaces for weddings and special occasions including SAIL Center Great Hall, Think Tank, and Wiseman Aquarium for evening rentals. Comprehensive packages include tables, chairs, linens, coordination, and security.
• Science Presentations for Field Trips Live, interactive science presentations for field trips covering various science topics tailored to students' grade levels. Led by GSC educators. $125 per program, $100 for Guilford County Public Schools.
• Conservation Programs On-site and community conservation programs including freshwater mussel propagation, monarch butterfly conservation, pollinator pockets, and bioacoustics research. Coins for Conservation directs 25 cents from each admission ticket to conservation projects.
• Public Programs Daily talks, science demonstrations, animal encounters, laser shows in the OmniSphere Theater ($7 per show), stargazing events, and live theater performances for all ages.
• Veterinary Externship Program A 2-week externship program in exotic, zoological, aquarium, and conservation medicine for fourth-year veterinary students in good academic standing.
• Internship Program College and graduate student internship program providing hands-on experience in zoology, education, finance, marketing, and creative services. Offered in spring, summer, and fall semesters.

Quantifiable outcome

• 25 cents from each admission ticket supports conservation projects
• +1 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Piedmont Land ConservancycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to protect the region's natural lands, family farms, and waters for the benefit of all living things through land protection, stewardship of conserved spaces, and connecting people with nature.
• Island ConservationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnering with Island Conservation on island restoration projects including Mona Island and Virgin Islands to restore habitats for endangered iguanas and boas.
• DUCK LabcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation research partnership contributing to field conservation efforts and biodiversity studies.
• North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partnership for Community Composition & Mitigation Study tracking species response to land and water changes, in collaboration with UNC.
• UNC (University of North Carolina)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership for Community Composition & Mitigation Study tracking species response to land and water changes, in collaboration with NCWRC.
• Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) SAFE CoralcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) program focusing on coral species in the western tropical Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea, mobilizing AZA members and communities to save coral reefs.
• Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) SAFE North American MonarchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSAFE program working to promote conservation action and reduce threats to monarch butterflies through public education and engagement, supporting the Cole Family Monarch Conservation Center & Butterfly House.
• Davidson County Community College Zoo and Aquarium Science ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partnership providing information about Davidson County Community College's Zoo and Aquarium Science Program for career exploration in aquariums and zoos.
• Association of Minority Zoo & Aquarium Professionals (AMZAP)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCareer mentorship and professional development resources for BIPOC students seeking careers in aquariums or zoos.
• Cone HealthcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Winter Wonderlights, the center's major annual holiday event featuring over a million lights and seasonal celebrations.
• Pepper Moon CateringminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFood vendor for the See to Believe Gala providing hors d'oeuvres.
• GIA DistilleryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBeverage partner for the See to Believe Gala providing signature cocktails.
• RHB (Distillery)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerDistillery partner for the See to Believe Gala.
• Alloy PropertiesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner for the See to Believe Gala.
• Brewed & BottledminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMember Business Partner offering GSC members 10% off coffee or tea orders.
• Bricks & MinifigsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMember Business Partner offering 10% off bulk/used sets and 25% off birthday party bookings.
• Carolina TheatreminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMember Business Partner offering GSC members $1 off Carolina Theatre movie series tickets.
• FIT4MOM PiedmontminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMember Business Partner offering waived enrollment fee ($50) and $10 off 10-class pass.
• Mad SplatterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMember Business Partner offering 10% off pottery, canvas, and Splatter Zone.
• The Marshall Muse GalleryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMember Business Partner with seasonal discounts available for members.
• Molten MakerspaceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMember Business Partner offering 5% off store purchases and 30% off hourly gamerspace rentals.
• Ruckus Climbing GymminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMember Business Partner offering 50% off gear combo rentals.
• Scuppernong BooksminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMember Business Partner offering 10% off food and beverage purchases.
• Sky ZoneminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMember Business Partner offering $3 off admission to Open Jump.
• Journey NorthminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity science project for monarch butterfly tracking, connected to the Cole Family Monarch Conservation Center & Butterfly House.
• Monarch WatchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity science project for monarch butterfly conservation, connected to the Cole Family Monarch Conservation Center & Butterfly House.
• Butterfly HighwayminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity science project helping track and protect pollinators across North Carolina, connected to the Cole Family Monarch Conservation Center & Butterfly House.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• North Carolina Zoo: The North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro is a state-operated AZA-accredited zoo located within the same state. It competes for family visitation, school field trips, and tourism dollars in North Carolina and shares GSC's conservation mission and Species Survival Plan participation.
• Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden: One of the oldest zoos in the US, combining zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden experiences with strong conservation programs and AZA accreditation. Highly comparable to GSC's combined aquarium/zoo/museum model and educational mission.
• Discovery Place: Discovery Place is a science museum and aquarium in Charlotte, NC, combining hands-on science exhibits with aquarium experiences. It is the closest direct competitor in the Carolinas, targeting the same family and school field-trip segments that GSC serves, and overlaps in premium experiences, memberships, and educational programming.
• Columbus Zoo and Aquarium: An AZA-accredited zoo and aquarium complex with strong conservation programs (including a freshwater mussel research facility) and adventure attractions. Comparable in combined zoo/aquarium model, conservation mission, and breadth of premium experiences.
• North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences: Located in Raleigh, NC, this is the state's largest natural history museum with associated nature research center. It competes with GSC's museum component for school field trips, family visits, and educational programming in the same regional market.
• Tennessee Aquarium: A nonprofit AZA-accredited aquarium in Chattanooga with a similar mix of freshwater and saltwater exhibits, animal encounters, IMAX theater, and educational programming. Comparable in scale, business model, and visitor experience breadth to GSC's aquarium operations.
• Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center: An AZA-accredited aquarium and marine science center in Virginia Beach offering animal encounters, IMAX-style theater, and educational programs. It is directly comparable in operating model (admissions, memberships, behind-the-scenes experiences, school field trips) to GSC's aquarium component.
• Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium: A combined zoo and aquarium facility operated as a nonprofit with AZA accreditation. Comparable to GSC in integrating zoo and aquarium experiences on a single site, offering behind-the-scenes encounters, and emphasizing conservation programming.

Broad incumbents

• Monterey Bay Aquarium: A leading nonprofit aquarium with strong conservation, education, and member programs. While specialized in marine exhibits rather than GSC's combined model, it is comparable in nonprofit aquarium operations, premium experiences, and AZA reciprocity.
• Bronx Zoo (Wildlife Conservation Society): One of the largest and most established AZA-accredited zoos in the US, operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society. While much larger in scale and brand, it is comparable in core animal welfare and conservation mission and overlaps in family and education segments.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/GreensboroSC
• Facebookfacebook.com/GreensboroScienceCenter
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/natural-science-center-of-greensboro

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Greensboro Science Center