Inside Tracks gives guests an exclusive look at the daily work that brings the Greensboro Science Center to life. Join our experts for an Aquarium Adventure to explore how we care for sharks, stingrays, and jellies; a Penguin Encounter to meet our African penguins and their care team; or a Zoo Trek to visit animal care areas and see enrichment and training in action.
Looking for something even more personal? Design your own VIP Animal Experience for a behind-the-scenes adventure tailored to you. Every Inside Tracks program connects curiosity, conservation, and care, showing the science that happens beyond the exhibits.
Dive Deeper
Inside Tracks: Aquarium Adventure
Go behind the scenes of the Wiseman Aquarium and see what it takes to run a world-class aquatic facility in the heart of North Carolina. Watch our team care for marine life, view the Shark Reef exhibit from a new perspective, feed our cownose stingrays, and even touch a jellyfish!
Experience Info:
- Cost: $34.99 members / $54.99 non-members (includes general admission)
- Availability: Thu–Sun, 1:15–2:00 pm
- Capacity: 8 participants
- Minimum Age: 6 (under 16 must be with a paying adult; under 18 need a waiver)
- Reservations: Advanced booking recommended; day-of tickets may be available until 11:15 AM at the Information Desk.
Guidelines:
- Closed-toe shoes required (no high heels or flip flops).
- Experiences subject to change due to animal care needs.
- Not fully accessible for wheelchairs or mobility aids due to narrow walkways and stairs.
Meet Our Penguins
Inside Tracks: Penguin Encounter
Come face-to-face with our African penguins during a private 45-minute encounter. Learn how our animal care staff care for the colony, help feed the birds, and meet an ambassador penguin for a special photo opportunity!
Encounter Info:
- Cost: $59.99 members / $79.99 non-members (includes admission)
- Availability: Sat & Sun, 3:15–4:00 pm
- Capacity: 6 participants
- Minimum Age: 8 (under 16 must be with an adult; 2 children per adult max)
- Reservations: Recommended; ticket sales close four hours before start time.
Guidelines:
- Closed-toe shoes required (booties provided).
- Long pants suggested — our penguins are curious!
- Photography allowed (no tripods or selfie sticks).
- Subject to change due to animal care needs.
Explore Animal Care in Action
Inside Tracks: Zoo Trek
Take a guided walk through the zoo with our animal care team for a behind-the-scenes look at how we care for wildlife every day. You might meet meerkats, cassowaries, lemurs, Aldabra tortoises, or hornbills while learning about their enrichment, training, and conservation programs.
Encounter Info:
- Cost: $54.99 members / $74.99 non-members (includes admission)
- Availability: Sat & Sun, 11:00 am (through Nov 2, 2025)
- Capacity: 6 participants
- Minimum Age: 8 (under 16 must be with an adult; 2 children per adult max)
- Reservations: Recommended; ticket sales close four hours before start time.
Guidelines:
- Closed-toe shoes required.
- Dress for the weather.
- Cameras welcome (no selfie sticks or tripods).
- Subject to change due to animal care needs.
Your Adventure, Your Way
VIP Animal Experience
Looking for something truly unique? Our VIP Animal Experiences are private, customizable encounters designed around your interests. Join our animal care team for exclusive moments, such as training sessions, enrichment activities, or up-close educational experiences tailored to your group.
Experience Info:
- Cost: Starting at $125 per person (+ admission for non-members)
- Availability: 11:00 am or 1:30 pm (varies by species)
- Duration: 45–90 minutes
- Capacity: 4 guests
- Minimum Age: 8 (under 16 must be with a paying adult)
- Reservations: Must be booked at least two weeks in advance.
Contact: Jessica Gouge at
jgouge@greensboroscience.org
for scheduling and species options.
Guidelines:
- Closed-toe shoes required.
- Dress appropriately for weather and active movement.
- Animal contact not guaranteed.
- Photos welcome (no tripods or selfie sticks).
- Subject to change based on animal needs.
Give the Gift of Adventure
Share an unforgettable experience with family or friends! Behind-the-scenes adventures make the perfect gift for any animal lover.
You can email a digital certificate directly to the recipient or download one to print and give in person.