Sponsored Content

#TryThis: Summer Adventure at Roper Mountain Science Center

Sponsored by
lifelike dinosaurs on Roper Mountain trail

Brand new Dinosaur Trail, a part of the Summer Adventure at Roper Mountain Science Center | Photo provided

Table of Contents

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):

Whewwhat 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

child petting a stingray in a touch tank

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.

little girl playing game be the dino

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.

natureexchange

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

Things to know if you go:

More from GVLtoday
The sweet informal holiday has been celebrated for 55+ years.
This summer, Stone Cottage will open on Main Street with Reedy River Falls views, but we want your help tracking down a mystery artist.
As snow fell Friday, Jan. 30 and stayed through the weekend, you shared your snow day photos with us.
To help make your entire process at the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport as smooth as possible, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from parking to details on the airport’s nonstop flights.
Nominate a student, educator, or school staff member that we should highlight as our Fantastic Scholastic.
Bravo’s ‘Top Chef’ is bringing its kitchen showdown to the Carolinas, with Season 23 filming in Charlotte and spotlighting Greenville’s rising food scene in several episodes.
SCDOT’s rehabilitation on the Church Street Bridge began in spring 2025 and just hit the halfway point in early 2026.
Leave it to Greenvillians to find the fun, even when it’s not quite a “snow day.”
We’re following headlines from officials as the ice storm hits Greenville.