We discovered the wonders of the Tellus Science Museum on our very first house hunting trip to the area. And we’ve been going back ever since, maintaining our Grandparents-Plus annual membership for free admission for our most-frequent visitors, free show tickets, discounted admission for others and endless fun — especially on rainy or cold winter days.
Located just north of Cartersville directly off I-75, the Tellus Science Museum often may be overlooked by families considering their indoor outing options. That’s understandable with Atlanta’s Georgia Aquarium, the Fernbank Museum, College Football Hall of Fame, World of Coca-Cola and others as more-popular and well-known destinations. While we enjoy those places, we much prefer bypassing the big crowds and higher prices for the friendly confines and peaceful exhibits at Tellus.
Beyond price and peace, here are the top five reasons we love visiting the Tellus Science Museum rather than other area attractions:
Dinosaurs. What kid or adult doesn’t love dinosaurs, especially those fully reconstructed to life-size? The Tellus Fossil Gallery features nearly 20 full replicas of dinosaurs, including a collection of fossilized fish native to the Georgia area. Even before you reach the fossil gallery, a massive apatosaurus skeleton welcomes you in the main hall. Inside the gallery, Stan the T-Rex towers over the other creatures, demonstrating top-of-the-food-chain dominance of the pre-historic world. Beyond the looking, the fossil gallery features multiple interactive stations where kids of all ages can learn more about the lives, habits and extinction of the ancient mammoth beasts. And speaking of mammoths, Tellus has a replica skeleton of a mammoth, too.
Gemstones. Many of us know about Georgia’s gold rush, marble and granite deposits, and the plentiful quartz forms that yield crystals, gold dust and even the rock formations at Stone Mountain. The Weinman Mineral Gallery at Tellus displays these and lots of other minerals, in their native rock form and also in all their polished glory. Tellus helps to recreate the spirit of gem discovery with a downloadable gemstone treasure map that turns the gallery into an interactive game. Our family usually spends several cycles in the darkened fluorescent mineral tunnel, fascinated as different light types create a brilliant, ever-changing color display.
Spaceships. Inside the Millar Science in Motion gallery, you’ll find lots of space devoted to space, filled with rocket engines, replicas of spaceships from Sputnik to Apollo, and even a real moon rock. Displays of early motorcycles, automobiles, outboard boat motors and aircraft also are arranged throughout this gallery, offering lots of curiosity-creating corners for accidentally learning history. One of our favorites — and a Tellus treasure — is a full-scale replica of the Ford Quadricycle, Henry Ford’s first motorized vehicle. Ford built only one of these, now on display at the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan. The Tellus replica is one of two known replicas.
Mega-Machines. Arranged outdoors adjacent to the parking area and free for exploration without admission charges, this collection of huge mining equipment always draws the immediate attention of our traveling group. Plus, each October, Tellus brings in other mega-machines for their annual Heavy Metal in Motion Saturday. This fun, family event requires admission, and also includes bounce-houses, children’s activities and lots of big, loud engines. (COVID-19 Note: Check with the museum for information about the 2020 event.)
Cool Science Shows. An ever-changing schedule of science shows fills the planetarium theater at Tellus. Whether you explore volcanoes and experience the beauty and fright of liquid lava flows, or prefer a more tame and quiet experience for a younger crowd, the Tellus schedule has something to accommodate all. Most days, there are five or six different features on the schedule. And I’ll admit that this grandfather had to be nudged by one of his grandkids more than once after reclining in the cool, dark theater.
While we maintain a Grandparents-Plus membership to entertain our local and visiting family, we’re still hoping to participate in special events at the Tellus observatory, too. Evening events — like International Observe the Moon Night on Sept. 26, 2020, and regular SCIence FRIday Nights — excite our inner science geek, but our schedules and priorities have (so far!) prevented us from attending.
Covid-19 Precautions
Because of contamination risks, the interactive, touch-everything, kid-designed Big Back Yard area currently is closed. The fossil dig also is closed. The gem-panning activity is open, with social-distancing, handwashing and other precautions required. Pre-purchased, timed-admission tickets are required, and can be purchased on the website. And while not required, face masks are strongly suggested and always appreciated by those who breathe the same air as you indoors.
Plan Your Visit
Want a quick peak at the exhibits before making a decision? Of course, the website is helpful, with information on all the admission prices and more. You can also take this video tour for an overview.
Our Post-Museum Special Treat
For the adults, visiting Tellus — inside, air-conditioned, seating available, and lots of kids activities to occupy the littles — is a treat in and of itself. But sometimes, those kids just need to have some extra sugar added before we return them to their parents. That’s when we head to our favorite Cartersville treat stop, Coconuts Ice Cream, to end a special day. Whether hand-scooped cones, shakes and malts, sno-cones or other treats, the car ride home is unusually quiet while mouths are full, at least until all that sugar kicks in.
