Fernbank Science Center

156 Heaton Park Dr, Atlanta, GA 30307, USA

Address:	156 Heaton Park Dr, Atlanta, GA 30307, USA
Phone:	+1 678-874-7102
Site:	fernbank.edu
Rating:	4.1
Working:	Closed 12–5PM 12–5PM 12–9PM 12–9PM Closed Closed

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 8

eloia johnson

I came with my daughters 1st grade class today and while the students enjoyed themselves I was disappointed with the care and attentiveness of the staff. Upon arrival there was a bit of confusion as to what enterance we were suppose to use. So the coordinating teacher asked one of the staff for direction and her response was "You dont know where the planetarium is? You didnt see the signs? Just go down the ramp someone will be down there." I felt this was very insensitive and unprofessional. I did not feel welcomed at all. Once we arrived in the planetarium and the attendant went over the "house keeping rules" it concerned me that one of the rules was should need to be excused you are not allowed back in. As I stated I was with my daughters 1st grade class and felt this was a bit extreme as some of the students still may be learning how control their bathroom breaks. Lastly after the show, all of the student were exiting the planetarium it became a little congested in the hallway as different schools and student were using the restrooms and exploring the exhibits. This made a few of my daughters school students come to a stand still inside the planetarium. It was at this time the host approached myself and another parent asking us to leave the planetarium as she needs to prepare for the next show. I replied to her "well maam theres nowhere for us to go, the line is at a stand still." She rushed past us and into the hallway to observe. Seemingly irritated she came back in walked past us without a word and began to turn the lights off. This was by far the worst experience I have had at fernbank. Im sure this is not the kind of exsposure that your facility wants to be known by as you have so much to offer our childrens learning potential and growth. Please correct these actions so that my daughters school and others can continue to enjoy coming to what is intended to be an exciting place to experience and see the wonders of the world!!

Robert Kenimer

Someone needs to teach.... The paid employees are obviously not respected by their employer because from the front counter, the science stations (manned by teenagers) to the cafe personnel not a single smile, thank you or courtesy comment. The employees are responding to either the lack of guidance by management or the fact that management does not appreciate their efforts: in either case it is not the face that Fernbank should be offering. The ONLY smiles and Happy comments came from the ticket taking volunteers: they were exceptionally friendly, offering suggestions and directions without having to inquiry. One final point, ordering tickets on line does not benefit the customer. Tickets purchased on line state they can be picked up at Will Call: there is no Will Call. Ticket-holders that purchased on line must stand in the same line as the people that have not yet purchased tickets. This does not save any time at the counter. My grandsons and I truly enjoyed the exhibits. The layout is very friendly: a second elevator would be nice for all the people pushing strollers. We will return: it is hoped that management does take a serious step to show appreciation for their paid employees then maybe they will :)

X OLivia

I am so disappointed. Today was my first time ever going here and I brought my 2 year old daughter because she wanted to see Sid the Science Kid their flyer said that he would be there from 10 to 12 I paid a $26 taxi ride and got there at exactly 1030 8 a.m. the Sid the Science Kid show was already over he was already gone and all and all the science experiments were already put up it wasnt even 11 oclock yet what happened to 10 to 12 so then I go down to the planetarium and they dont let me in because I need a ticket so I go buy a ticket and when I go back downstairs the doors are wide open and nobody is even there taking tickets nobody else in there even had a ticket so I went and spent $7 on a ticket to watch the worst movie I have ever seen the movie wHich made no sense it was not very informational! Earth wild ride. ...terrible movie! So another $26 later Im home and Im highly upset. They shouldnt say 10 - 12 if they were gonna be packed and done by 10:45. Nearly $60 wasted! The museum itself is nice. A bunch of stuffed dead animals.and maybe 10 Live reptiles.

A Private User

We had a blast at the Fernbank Science Center! Admission is 100% free, but they do have a box for donations at the entrance (funding for the museum is on the rocks and it is at risk for closure so please donate!). A lot of older kids may find the museum boring, but it is great for those 18months-4 years old! My son loved all the terrariums and different wildlife displays. They also have a planetarium which I have not been to, but I hear they put on a great show that older kids would enjoy. Every Thursday and Friday night they open the observatory to the public for free. My wife and I went here for a date night and saw Mars, Saturn and its moons, Venus and a nebula that is more than 1,400 light years away! If you have young kids (museum), are looking for something fun for older kids (planetarium) or are looking for a fun date night or something different to do with your kids (observatory) the Fernbank Science Center is great!

A Private User

It was a good place to go free of charge. The forest is beautiful. I wasnt too happy with the Planetarium show. We went to the childrens show, and it was more about a the cartoon characters than outer space. It is tailored to about a 3-5 year olds interests. Soon into the program I was asked to leave because my two year old kept getting excited and saying "WOW!" She wasnt being out of hand nor constantly chattering and the program was way louder than her. They didnt like her enthusiasm. If they dont like childrens comments they shouldnt have a childrens show.

John Hayes

Fernbank Science Center has been the crown jewel of the DeKalb County Public School System for decades. A combination of museum, urban forest, local species zoo, science education, planetarium, telescope and interactive exhibits the Center not only educates DeKalb County students yet adults as well. Hiking the forest trails is a must as is the planetarium exhibit and telescope. Everyone in Atlanta should visit here at least once, the staff is knowledgeable and will make you feel welcome, everyone will wish to return.

LaRainey Rainey

Drove all the way from Macon, GA. Arrived at 8:13pm for the observation at 9pm. Only to be told they will be no showing due to weather. There was no rain and little clouds. Ask of we can watch the show that just started and was told we couldnt, cause they didnt wont to disturb the astronomers. Im very upset, and will not refer my family n friends. We drove an 1hr and 40 mins to do nothing. Staff not willing to assist, with the showing.

Tim Haney

A very respectable place! Lots of scientific displays including the Apollo 6 Command Module. The museum is free and the planetarium is extremely cheap! Only $7 for adults and $3 for children, although they didnt even charge me for my son. The show is well worth viewing and the staff is very polite and informational. Id recommend it to anyone.