Fernbank Science Center: A Local Guide to Atlanta’s Classic Science Destination

The Fernbank Science Center in Atlanta is a long-standing favorite for families, students, and anyone curious about space, nature, and technology. Operated by DeKalb County School District, it combines a public science museum, a planetarium, and active educational programs—all within city reach.

If you live in Atlanta or are visiting and want a science-focused outing, Fernbank Science Center offers a very different experience from the larger Fernbank Museum of Natural History nearby. This guide breaks down what to expect, how to visit, and how Atlanta families and educators often use this local gem.

Where Fernbank Science Center Is and How It Fits Into Atlanta

Address:
Fernbank Science Center
156 Heaton Park Drive NE
Atlanta, GA 30307

Located just east of downtown and close to the Druid Hills neighborhood, Fernbank Science Center sits in a leafy, residential part of Atlanta near Emory University and the Fernbank Forest area.

Key local context:

• It’s part of the DeKalb County School District, not a private museum.
• Many Atlanta students visit on school field trips, so weekday mornings can be busy with classes.
• It’s separate from Fernbank Museum of Natural History on Clifton Road, though visitors often confuse the two. The Science Center focuses more on hands-on education, astronomy, and local science education programs.

What You’ll Find Inside Fernbank Science Center

Main Exhibit Areas

The exhibits are more compact and school-centered than a large commercial museum, but they’re designed to be interactive and approachable.

You can typically expect:

• Space and Astronomy Displays
  Models of rockets and spacecraft, astronomical instruments, and information on planets, stars, and space exploration—especially useful before or after a planetarium show.

• Earth and Environmental Science
  Exhibits on rocks, minerals, fossils, and Earth processes. This is interesting for kids studying Georgia’s geology or learning about the local environment.

• Biology and Life Science
  Displays that may include preserved specimens, animal models, and information about ecosystems, including those relevant to the Atlanta and North Georgia region.

• Technology and Engineering
  Hands-on elements that tie into STEM learning—robotics, physics demonstrations, and simple machines may appear in rotating or special exhibits.

Most exhibits are designed to be short, focused, and educational, which works well for younger kids and school-aged visitors.

The Planetarium: A Big Draw for Atlanta Families

The Jim Cherry Memorial Planetarium at Fernbank Science Center is one of the standout features. For many locals, this is the first place they think of for a classic planetarium show in Atlanta.

What the Planetarium Offers

• Star shows that simulate the night sky, including how it looks over Atlanta.
• Seasonal programs explaining constellations, planets, and current astronomical events.
• Shows geared to different ages—some more basic for younger kids, others more in-depth for older students and adults.

Because the Center is tied to the school system, shows often align with Georgia science curriculum topics, making them very relevant for Atlanta students.

Tips for Attending a Planetarium Show

• 🎫 Check the current schedule: Public show times can vary by day and season. Weekends and some evenings are common times for general-audience shows.
• ⏰ Arrive early: Give yourself time for parking and to get seated before the show starts—planetarium doors usually close once the show begins.
• 👶 Consider age and sensitivity: The dark environment and loud sounds may be intense for very young children; choose a family-friendly show when available.

Programs for Atlanta Students, Teachers, and Families

Because Fernbank Science Center is run by DeKalb County School District, it has a strong education mission that goes beyond casual visits.

School Field Trips and In-School Support

Many Atlanta-area schools—especially in DeKalb County—use Fernbank Science Center for:

• Curriculum-based field trips in astronomy, environmental science, biology, chemistry, and physics.
• Access to specialized equipment and labs that schools may not have in-house.
• Support for science teachers, including instructional resources and demonstrations.

If you’re a teacher in metro Atlanta, Fernbank can sometimes serve as a partner in delivering hands-on STEM experiences, especially for middle and high school classes.

STEM Enrichment for Local Students

Over the years, Fernbank Science Center has been associated with:

• STEM-focused programs and clubs
• Science competitions and fairs
• Summer or after-school enrichment (offerings can change year to year)

Parents in Atlanta often look to Fernbank for affordable, education-focused activities compared with larger commercial attractions. It’s worth checking current programming if you have a student who loves science or is considering a STEM path.

Visiting Fernbank Science Center: Practical Details for Atlanta Visitors

Typical Hours and Admission

Specific details can change, so it’s wise to verify before you go, but visitors often find that:

• The museum exhibit area is generally open on weekdays, with more limited public hours on some evenings or weekends.
• Public planetarium shows are typically scheduled at certain times rather than continuously.
• General admission to the building and exhibits is often low-cost or free, with separate fees for certain planetarium shows or special programs.

For Atlanta residents, the relatively low cost makes Fernbank Science Center a repeat-visit kind of place, especially if you live nearby.

Getting There and Parking

Driving:

• The Center is near Ponce de Leon Avenue and not far from Downtown Decatur.
• From central Atlanta, expect about a 15–25 minute drive depending on traffic.

Parking:

• There is usually an on-site parking lot.
• Parking may be free or low-cost, making it easier for families compared with some intown attractions.

Transit:

• Using MARTA, visitors often travel to the Decatur or East Lake stations and then use a bus or rideshare to reach the Center.
• It’s not directly on a rail line, so plan for that last-mile connection.

What to Bring (and Expect)

• Comfortable clothing: You’ll be walking and possibly sitting in cool, dark planetarium spaces.
• Curiosity and questions: Staff and educators are often used to working with students and are generally open to explaining exhibits.
• Time buffer: If you’re attending a show, build in extra time to see the permanent exhibits either before or after.

Fernbank Science Center vs. Fernbank Museum: Local Clarifications

Atlanta visitors are often confused by the two institutions with similar names:

If you’re planning a deep-dive science day in Atlanta, some families choose to visit both on the same or consecutive days, but each offers a different type of experience.

How Atlanta Residents Often Use Fernbank Science Center

For people who live in or near Atlanta, Fernbank Science Center can be:

• A go-to spot for children learning about space or Earth science.
• A school partner for teachers and administrators seeking stronger STEM experiences.
• A relatively low-cost weekend or evening outing to a planetarium.
• A resource hub for DeKalb County families involved in district programs, gifted education, or science clubs.

Because it’s embedded in the local school system, Fernbank Science Center plays a quiet but important role in building science literacy across Atlanta’s student population.

Contacting Fernbank Science Center

For the most up-to-date information about hours, programs, and planetarium shows, you can contact:

Fernbank Science Center
156 Heaton Park Drive NE
Atlanta, GA 30307
Phone: 678-874-7102 (main line, commonly listed for public inquiries)

Staff can typically help with:

• Current public hours and planetarium schedules
• Field trip and group visit arrangements
• Questions about student programs and teacher resources

If you’re in Atlanta and looking for a science-focused activity that connects directly to what local students are learning in school, Fernbank Science Center is one of the most accessible and education-centered attractions in the city.