Group Lunch Storage

New Storage Rules Effective 10/7/2024

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences 

  • Group lunches may be stored either at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, located at 11 West Jones Street.
  • The NC Museum of Natural Sciences opens at 10:00 AM on Tuesdays through Fridays, and is closed to the public on Mondays except from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2025.
  • If you choose to store lunches at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences then their front-line staff will provide directions upon arrival.
  • If your group arrives prior to 10:00 AM on Tuesday – Friday, please note you will not be able to stow lunches at this site until they open.
  • Clearly label lunches (coolers, bags, and crates) with your class and school name.
  • For general assistance concerning storing lunches at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences call (919)707-9805. 

Your Transportation

  • If your group plans to visit on a Monday, lunches must remain on your mode of transportation; if this is not possible please contact us at capitalarea.visitorservices@dncr.nc.gov.
  • If your bus parked at the Museum of Art, you must have a way to contact your bus driver to get your lunches. 

Dining areas

  • Lunch may be eaten at the outdoor picnic tables on the plaza between the NC History Museum and NC Museum of Natural Sciences
  • You are responsible for clean-up; please bring extra trash bags.
  • Several tables with seating are available in Bicentennial Plaza, between the Museum of History and the Museum of Natural Sciences.
  • Fire regulations prohibit groups from sitting inside the facilities while eating and do not allow waiting inside to escape the weather.
  • Tables may not be reserved

Daily Planet Cafe 

  • The Daily Planet Cafe is only for visitors who plan to purchase a meal within the Cafe.
  • The Cafe is located in the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Nature Research Center Wing, you may contact at 919-707-8060

Raleigh Restaurants

  • Raleigh's downtown sites do not have indoor dining facilities for groups
  • You may purchase brown-bag or box lunches to eat outside. Many restaurants can provide these lunches with two-week advance notice. Contact them directly for menu options, prices, and arrangements. 

Inclement Weather

  • On days with inclement weather, you will need to eat lunch on your buses or other mode of transportation. 
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