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National Center for Atmospheric Research

1850 Table Mesa Dr, P.O. Box 3000, Boulder, CO 80305
303 497 1000
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Ranked #8 of 56 attractions in Boulder
Type: Science Museums
Owner description: Free exhibits: new Weather Gallery conveys the power of blizzards, hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning, wind and more. Explore the beauty of rainbows,... more » Owner description: Free exhibits: new Weather Gallery conveys the power of blizzards, hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning, wind and more. Explore the beauty of rainbows, the power and complexity of the Sun, and the history of Earth's climate. Famous I.M. Pei-designed building. Wheelchair-accessible outdoor weather trail. Guided noon-time tours on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, except holidays. Guide-By-Cell tours any time, so bring your mobile phone. Open 363 days a year. Hours: M-F 8am to 5pm; Weekends & holidays 9am to 4pm See our website for organized group tours and NCAR's 2 annual closure dates. « less
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52 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    30
    16
    4
    1
    1
Date Rating
Los Angeles, CA USA
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 June 2013 NEW

Our out-of-town group consisting of four adults and a teenager thoroughly enjoyed NCAR and found it a great way to spend a couple hours. The center is a short drive from anywhere in Boulder and the location provides outstanding views of the area. All of the interactive exhibits were well thought out, interesting and in good working order (no 'Sorry,... More

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Orange, California
Top Contributor
50 reviews 50 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 June 2013

I've visited NCAR several times with family and friends. The science exhibits are fun and interesting for kids of all ages. They are very informative. It is also interesting to be on-site where important national science research takes place. It is also a great spot to see and hike to Chautauqua. The views of both the Flatirons and out towards... More

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See 6 more reviews by Michele L for Boulder
LONGMONT
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 May 2013

Fascinating exhibits for children explaining tornadoes and how clouds work Many other hands on science experiments. To top it off there is a lovely nature trail behind the center with stunning views .

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See 2 more reviews by drumgirl50 for Boulder
Boulder, Colorado, United States
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2013

I went with my son's second grade class. They did a great job with the kids. They had half of the kids doing an easy science experiment and the others on a tour. They switched groups so they all got a chance to see everything. The property around the building is also worth a visit. Very beautiful and hike-able:)

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See 2 more reviews by Buffy A for Boulder
Broomfield
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2013

I have visited NCAR several times. The exhibits are interactive and informative. This is a great starting point for a hike to Chataqua and back.

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Denver
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2013

We visited with our young children. The .4 mile loop was a perfect distance for them. They felt like they were on a mountain hike. We have skipped the visitor center years ago, but came in this trip to escape the rain. So glad we got to experience it this time.

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New York City, New York
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 May 2013

Great for kids! Go see the exhibits, take the tour, eat lunch then go on a hike! It's a great space and surrounded by beautiful trails. There are shorter and longer trails surrounding the property. The tour guides are amazing with kids and incredibly nice! If you're new to Boulder ask them things to do in town and they will... More

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Indianapolis, Indiana
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
19 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 April 2013

Lots of cool weather exhibits and some nice trails outdoors, both in the back of the building and the front of the parking lot. Unfortunately you can't re-enter the building from the back door after you go out to the weather trail.

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See 5 more reviews by Indy500Fans for Boulder
Pennsylvania, USA
Top Contributor
144 reviews 144 reviews
88 attraction reviews
Reviews in 41 cities Reviews in 41 cities
90 helpful votes 90 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 April 2013

We had no idea what we were getting into. We had a short but nice drive, wondered where the building was, and all of a sudden it appeared behind the trees...and what a building it is! Nice views and a terrific, interactive museum good for all ages.

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See 6 more reviews by LoveToTravelWhenICan for Boulder
Gibsonia, Pennsylvania
Senior Contributor
46 reviews 46 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 April 2013

We liked the NCAR. Their exhibits are good and not too overwhelming. My kids liked checking out the demos and my husband read all of the details. I liked the history of the building... An IM Pei design. There wasn't a place I could see to get a drink. Also, some brief tours would've been nice to teach the highlights.

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See 7 more reviews by Noel G for Boulder

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