The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences has recreated a series of natural environments, complete with living animals and a 20-foot-high (6m) waterfall, through which visitors can walk and discover North Carolina's diverse geography, geology, plants and animals. The museum is also home to Willo, a 66-million-year-old dinosaur skeleton, the only one in the world with a fossilized heart. Other dinosaurs are also on display, as is one of the world's finest great whale skeletons. The Afro Café serves tasty breakfasts and lunches.

Address: 11 W. Jones Street

Website: www.naturalsciences.org

Telephone: (919) 733 7450

Opening times: Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm; Sunday 12pm-5pm.

Admission: Free, although some special exhibits may require fees.