Our Origins
This little science and nature store tucked into the unique Saltbox Village shopping center in Cary is truly special. From front to back, it is filled with unusual toys, science supplies and loads of family time games. Our store has been here for more than 25 years, meeting the needs of our smart local shoppers who keep learning and keep having fun. Becky and Jon Blair started the store in 1990, and eventually sold it to Sean, who had been managing it for them since they opened. Sean and his wife, Siobhan, have brought the store into it's next phase - one where science, nature, fun and discovery have truly evolved a partnership.
Play time, learning time, outdoor time or discovery time...what do I pick?
We know how tough it is to give our children a balance between playing and learning, nature and science in today's world. But as today's children grow up, they will need to be able to navigate the physical and natural world around us as well as the digital, science and technology worlds. The Science Safari offers you a unique place where the worlds meet. Our goal: to guide you in finding inspiration while staying connected to the world around you.
We've lived it
Here at the Science Safari, we've found the things that help you really live, laugh and love each other. Because we are a family, we know what families are looking for. We've struggled with trying to fit in everyone's school activities, cook dinner, feed the dog (and the cat and the tortoise and the ducks and chickens), and still find time for us to enjoy being together. We actually mark out "Family Night" on the calendar specifically for an evening of home made pizza, root beer floats and a family game together.
|
Here's what one Chapel Hill Mom has to say about us: "Tucked away in a small shopping center in Cary is a fabulous science store filled with wonderful surprises. Just 4 doors down from Pattywacks, Science Safari is anything but just a science store. Yes, you will find a few items you might think define science such as microscopes and test tubes, but there is a lot more and it’s worth exploring!" ==> READ MORE 
|
Sean is really a Santa Elf, just a human size one. He makes you feel instantly comfortable. He has 25+ years of toy store experience and a thorough understanding of the process of child development through play and discovery. So you may come in wanting one thing, but be assured that what you leave with is what you actually need.
|
Siobhan teaches the classes at Science Safari. She has an interdisciplinary naturalist background that includes Entomology, tropical conservatory experience, and many years of science education for museum and state parks. She is also a graphics artist and encourages creativity and creative problem solving in her students. She is not afraid of wolves! |