If your family loves hands-on science and discovery, the Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville, Georgia, is a must-visit Atlanta museum. From dinosaurs and fossils to space exhibits and interactive labs, Tellus offers educational fun for kids of all ages. With indoor galleries, outdoor fossil and mineral gardens, and kid-friendly activities, it’s an ideal spot for homeschool field trips, weekend adventures, and family learning experiences.
Although Atlanta’s Tellus Science Museum is a focused science museum, it is a very hands-on museum and great for children. Set on a large museum campus, Tellus has indoor and outdoor exhibits in the wooded beauty north of Atlanta. This isn’t a busy, downtown museum; Tellus is peaceful with plenty of space for kids to explore outside.
Location and Basic Info
Tellus Science Museum is located in Cartersville, Georgia, about 45 minutes northwest of Atlanta. It’s easily combined with other attractions in North Georgia, making it perfect for a family day trip. Limited preparation is needed for a trip as you can simply get Tellus Science Museum tickets at the entrance.
- Address: 100 Tellus Dr, Cartersville, GA 30120
- Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10 AM – 5 PM; Sunday 1 PM – 5 PM; closed Mondays
- Tickets: Adults \$15, Children (3–12) \$12, Kids under 3 free; membership options available (cost includes gem panning and fossil dig)
- Parking: Free on-site parking
- Family-Friendly Features: Stroller access, family restrooms, café, and outdoor spaces
Indoor Fun at Tellus Museum
Inside the Tellus Museum, your kids will find exhibits on geology, space, dinosaurs, and natural science which are all designed to make learning exciting and engaging for children of all ages. Mini hands-on stations allow kids to touch fossils, experiment with science, and explore STEM concepts in a fun way.
- Dinosaurs and fossils – Be greeted with a giant dinosaur right when you enter the exhibits! Fossil displays and life-sized skeletons will take you even deeper into dino fun. (If you have a kid who loves dinosaurs, make sure you head to Atlanta’s Fernbank Museum as well!)
- Mineral gallery – This is gonna be a favorite of any rock-loving kids with walls of displays of gems both polished and raw. This is also great for Earth science study.
- Science in Motion – High overhead will soar full-sized historic airplanes, and you’ll walk through space history, antique cars, and everything that moves.
- Foucault Pendulum – Greeting you at the entrance to the museum, your kids will want to sit and watch the pendulum…. for a long time… as they wait for the dominos to fall. The pendulum is a great demonstration of how the earth rotates. This is science!
- Space exploration – Let the kids learn about the stars at the planetarium, and take the learning to history by touching a moon rock and seeing some space aircrafts from the Apollo program.
Outdoor Fun at Tellus: Mineral Garden and Sculptures
If the weather is nice, step outside to explore the Mineral and Fossil Gardens, where kids can walk among outdoor sculptures, touch large rocks, and discover real fossils. You will also walk outside to visit the solar panel house,
Paths wind through interactive art and natural displays, making outdoor exploration educational and active. This area is perfect for stretching little legs and combining nature with science learning.
~~~> If you’re looking for more dinosaurs, outdoor play spaces, and earth learning, make sure you head to downtown Atlanta to visit Fernbank!
What Makes Tellus Museum Different?
Tellus has lots of hands-on opportunities to offer elementary or younger kids. Your kids will love these separate gem mining in water and fossil digging in dirt areas, and they won’t get too messy! However, I wouldn’t blame you if you threw a dry shirt in your museum bag just in case!
The gem panning exhibit is a favorite that I’ve never seen included at any other museums. There’s even nearby signs to help you identify the gems you find. Right in the same area is a fossil dig area where they can look for real shark teeth or tiny fossil to identity or pretend sweep away the dirt from fossils buried in the sand.
Tellus Museum FAQ
Should I Buy Tellus Museum Tickets Online Ahead of Time?
Purchasing tickets online helps families skip the lines, especially on weekends or during special exhibits. Moms planning a homeschool trip can also check for group rates and discounts.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Tellus Museum to Avoid Crowds?
Arrive early in the morning for a quieter experience, especially if you’re visiting during the week to beat the school groups. There can be quite a few school buses during the week! Weekday mornings are usually less busy.
How Long Should Families Plan to Spend at Tellus Museum?
Plan for two to three hours to explore indoor Tellus exhibits, plus additional time if you want to enjoy the outdoor mineral garden. Full-day visits are possible with a picnic, planetarium show, and nearby stops like Etowah Mounds. If you have littles, prepare to have to pull them out of the gem mining and fossil areas. Although there are limitations to how many fossils and gems they get to take home, prepare to have to pull your kids away from uncovering fossils!
Does Tellus Museum Offer Daily Programs or Workshops?
Yes, the museum often hosts science workshops, planetarium shows, and hands-on demonstrations usually for extra cost. Check the Tellus schedule online before your visit to time programs with your children’s interests.
What Should Mom Pack in a Backpack for a Tellus Visit?
A family trip to any museum can require lots of stuff! If you need a small bag, make sure you bring water bottles and perhaps small snacks for breaks; don’t forget sunscreen if you plan to explore the outdoor spaces. A lightweight stroller or baby carrier is helpful for younger kids (and their stuff) while inside the museum as well as for walking on the sidewalk outside.
However, plan to leave bigger bags in the car. The large parking lot is close to the museum so it’s easy to get to your car if needed if you need a midday picnic break.
Can You Bring Outside Food to Tellus Museum or Use the Café?
Outside food isn’t allowed indoors, but the on-site café offers sandwiches, drinks, and kid-friendly snacks. Families can also enjoy a picnic in the nearby outdoor areas and easily return to the car for supplies.
Can I Bring a Stroller to Tellus?
Yes, Tellus is very little-kid friendly. With paved sidewalks and wide passageways trough the exhibits, Tellus is very stroller-friendly and has family restrooms for convenience.
What Should I Wear to Visit the Tellus Museum?
With some walking between outdoor and indoor exhibits, you might consider a light-weight jacket for your Tellus visit. However, there are also plenty of exhibits to see indoors on a cold or wet day if you want to only dress for the inside. Sneakers are ideal for kids and adults alike. If you bring coats and don’t want to carry them, there are lockers available for rent if needed.
Is the Planetarium Show Worth It for Kids?
At only $5 extra per ticket, the Bentley Planetarium is a highlight for many families. The shows are both educational and visually stunning, giving kids a memorable space experience. In addition to the traditional planetarium shows, there are different movies offered all throughout the day.
Is Tellus Museum Safe for Toddlers in Interactive Exhibits?
Yes, at Tellus, exhibits are designed with safety in mind and are very kid-friendly. Parents should supervise toddlers, especially in hands-on areas; they aren’t “play areas” but more hands-on areas. Unlike less family-friendly museums, however, there aren’t priceless artifacts or artworks to break!
Is Tellus Good for a Group Field Trip?
Yes, Tellus welcomes homeschool and school groups with special rates and multiple educational programs to choose from. Memberships provide access to multiple visits and discounts on workshops.
How Can I Save Money on a Tellus Visit?
Tellus Museum is part of the NARM (North American Reciprocal Museum) member network. This means that having this one science museum membership can get you free visits to other museums in the network for the year. Another way to save is to plan a field trip for your school group. Active military can get free Tellus Museum discount tickets with a discount for their dependents as well.
As we have used our membership cards to save hundreds of dollars around the US, it seems to me that usually a trip for a family and a return trip (or trip to another museum) is about the cost of a membership. This means that if you plan to make two or more museum trips within these twelve months, look into a membership! Or ask for one for a gift – perfect way to support a learning family.
~~~> For more information about how museum memberships are my best way to save money while traveling, head over to “Museum Memberships: How to Save Money on Family Travel.”
Is Parking Free and When Does the Lot Fill Up?
Parking is free at the Tellus parking lot, and it’s a short walk to the museum. However, arriving earlier ensures a spot near the entrance. The parking lot is very large, but weekends and special events tend to fill the lot quickly.
~~~> Don’t leave Cartersville, Georgia without visiting the nearby Etowah Indian Mounds. – all the Etowah Mounds tips here. It’s a great addition to complete a day of learning in Cartersville.
10 Learning Topics for Kids at Tellus Museum
- Dinosaurs & Paleontology – Explore life-sized skeletons and learn how scientists study prehistoric life.
- Fossils & Archaeology – Hands-on fossil displays teach kids about Earth’s history.
- Geology & Minerals – Learn about rocks, crystals, and the Earth’s formation.
- Astronomy & Space Science – Planetarium shows and space exhibits bring the universe to life.
- Ecology & Environmental Science – Discover ecosystems and animal adaptations.
- Physics & Engineering – Interactive STEM activities show real-world science concepts.
- Cultural History – Exhibits highlight ancient peoples and historical artifacts.
- Ocean Life & Marine Science – Explore marine ecosystems and ocean creatures.
- STEM Experiments – Kids can experiment with chemistry, physics, and engineering.
- Natural History of Georgia – Learn about local plants, animals, and geology.
Nearby Attractions to Tellus Museum
Located north of Atlanta, a day visit to Tellus could mean quite a drive for the day. If on a Georgia road trip, families can combine multiple stops for a full Atlanta area adventure.
- Red Top Mountain State Park – Hiking, playgrounds, and lake views for active families.
- Etowah Indian Mounds – Explore Native American history and archaeology. (link)
- Booth Western Art Museum – Western art, cowboy culture, and kid-friendly exhibits.
~~~> If you’re from Georgia or on a trip to Georgia, here’s a super-comprehensive blog post with all of our favorite Georgia history, science, and outdoor places.
Conclusion
Visiting Tellus Science Museum is a perfect combination of education, exploration, and family fun. With indoor exhibits, hands-on STEM activities, outdoor fossil gardens, and nearby attractions, it’s a top pick for moms planning a field trip, weekend adventure, or homeschool outing. Tellus brings science to life, making it a must-see destination in North Georgia for kids and families alike.
Thanks for stopping by my little corner! Here’s to your next adventure.
I’m Bobbie. As transplants from Texas, my family of six is on a mission to discover all of Georgia’s amazing places, experience amazing road trips across the United States, and create a homeschool life along the way.
Want to adventure like me? Reach out! I’d love to chat. Stop by my Instagram or Pinterest page to discover more of our adventures.
Want to work with me? I’d love to work with your destination and tourism board to help other family travelers see all you have to offer.
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