Ever have one of those moments when you wish you could be a kid again? Well, our team recently got to check the new Summer Adventure exhibit at Roper Mountain Science Center, open now through Aug. 7 (Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.) — and we’re still trying to figure out how we can turn back the clock for good.

So buckle up + get your kiddo’s favorite dinosaur shirt ready, because we’re here to tell you how you can #TryThis.

What we tried (with pricing):

Whew — what didn’t we try? Here’s a shortlist of some of the awesome things you can check out with you tickets:

🦋 Take a stroll in the butterfly garden

🍃 Bring an object from your yard or garden to participate in a Nature Exchange (more on that later)

🌊 Pet a stingray

🐍 Hold a Ball Python

💎 Mine for gems on the Living History Farm

DYK? Sting rays’ stingers can be clipped like fingernails — so no need to worry when you pet them at Roper Mountain Science Center | Photo provided

Timed + ticketed entry is required to ensure proper social distancing protocols are followed, and you can either buy your tickets online or in person. Admission ranges from free to $12 based on your age; however, there’s so much to see, we’d recommend getting a membership to Roper Mountain, so you can come back as many times as you want to for free.

Child playing the “Be the Dinosaur” simulator game at Roper Mountain Science Center | Photo provided

What not to miss:

The Dino Trail is something straight out of Jurassic Park. Between the music playing on speakers throughout the area and the lifesize T-Rex + Triceratops, your littles are sure to love it.

What we’re still talking about:

One of the coolest features of the new 30,000 sqft Environmental Science and Sustainability Center, is The Nature Exchange — 1 of only 12 in the country. Your fam can bring in objects from your yard (leaves, flowers, rocks, those pesky gumballs) and exchange them for points. Those points can then be used to “buy” fossils, seashells, crystals, exotic (dead) bugs, and more.

The Nature Exchange in the new Environmental Science and Sustainability Center at Roper Mountain Science Center | Photo provided

Things to know if you go:

Experience: Summer Adventure at Roper Mountain Science Center
Price: free-$12 depending on age
Website: https://www.ropermountain.org/public.asp?titleid=summeradventure
Address: 402 Roper Mountain Rd., Greenville, SC 29615
Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
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