We've all been to the state natural sciences museum (and if you haven't, you should), but not too far away is another little hidden gem on N.C. State's Centennial Campus.

The Centennial Campus Center for Wildlife Education is tucked away in the first floor of an office building that houses the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. It's an unlikely location for a place geared toward kids. But it's a great place to spend an hour or more learning about the ecosystem and creatures of the North Carolina Piedmont.

I can't remember exactly how I learned about the center. But when I did, I filed it away as a place to check out. My daughter and I finally did that Wednesday. The center is geared toward middle schoolers and up, but my three-year-old had a great time pressing buttons and listening to the sounds of birds and other animals that live all around us.

If you don't homeschool or have kids really interested in environmental education, it's likely you've never heard of the place. The center, one of three in the state, started running programs in 2006. The exhibit hall opened in spring 2007, director Marti Kane said.

"I think there are a lot of people who don't know about us," she told me.

There are no dioramas here. The exhibits use technology to teach. Giant touch screen computers, video cameras and state-of-the-art sounds systems help tell the story of the wildlife in the area. Outside, there are lessons about the center's rain garden and man-made wetland.

My favorite were the giant murals of a Piedmont stream, mountain and woodland, featuring the pictures and sounds of the birds and other creatures that live there.

The center is a popular place for school field trips, but it also offers free programs for kids starting at age 3. Those classes can fill up so pre-registration is a must. Check the Web site for the schedule.

Or you can do what I did and just drop in anytime between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to check out the exhibits. A gift shop is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and is packed full of some great gift ideas. I'll be going back for a butterfly net.

Parking is free in the parking garage next to the building at 1751 Varsity Dr. (You don't need to wait for a parking permit at the visitors booth like I did).

If you're looking for a full day out, the State Farmers Market is just down Centennial Parkway.

Look for new ways and places to play with your kids every Thursday on TriangleMom2Mom. And check out our other daily themes:

MONDAY: Meet!
TUESDAY: Ask!
WEDNESDAY: Eat!
THURSDAY: Play!
FRIDAY: Out!

WEEKEND: Relax!