Title: National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca [National Center for Atmospheric Research Hotels](https://expedia.ca/National-Center-For-Atmospheric-Research-Hotels.0-l6071559-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to Boulder](https://expedia.ca/Cheap-Flights-To-Boulder.d6051762.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Boulder](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-Boulder.d6051762.Travel-Guide-Activities)[National Center for Atmospheric Research Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-National-Center-For-Atmospheric-Research.d6071559.Car-Rental-Guide)[Boulder Vacation Packages](https://expedia.ca/Boulder.d6051762.Destination-Travel-Guides) # National Center for Atmospheric Research Tours and Activities ## Visit National Center for Atmospheric Research Activities [Boulder travel guide](https://expedia.ca/Boulder.dx6051762) --- --- #### Play with clouds and discover how thunderstorms, tornadoes and other weather phenomena are formed with a free tour of a prestigious hilltop research laboratory. Inside the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), scientists study the behavior of the planet's atmosphere and how it affects life on Earth. Devote at least half a day to exploring the visitor center to learn how weather works and the importance of climate research. To reach the laboratory you will travel up a steep, scenic road. Before going inside, admire the views from the hill on which the research complex sits. You can see the city of Boulder below, and occasionally, deer grazing in meadows. Exhibits are spread over two floors and housed in themed areas such as Layers of the Atmosphere. Start your visit in the Weather Gallery near the main entrance on the first level. Go over to the cloud chamber to touch clouds and note how they feel. Stand beside the 8-foot (2.5-meter) tornado and pump the handle on the fog chamber to see how mists form. At Sun-Earth Connections on the second level, see inside the 3D model of the sun to learn about its different layers. Discover what happens when the sun blasts out billions of tons of fiery plasma. In Climate Discovery, study information panels and exhibits that explain the greenhouse effect and the impact of climate change. Admire climate-inspired artworks by regional artists at the Art-Science Galleries. Then, venture outside the building to see the Weather Trail. This is a 700-yard (650-meter) trail loop with signs that explain such weather phenomena as wind, drought and snow. You have numerous options to explore the center. They include guided, self-guided and cell phone audio tours. The tablet tours offer children and adult-friendly tablet computers that are loaded with graphics, audio material and videos. The National Center for Atmospheric Research is open 363 days of the year and admission is free. The complex is situated approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) south of downtown Boulder, and taxi or rental car are the most convenient travel options. There is ample free parking on-site. ## Plan a trip to see National Center for Atmospheric Research Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices. ![Hampton Inn Denver West Federal Center](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/30000/23700/23684/e9d4e151_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### Hampton Inn Denver West Federal Center Union Square CA $866 per person Apr 15 - Apr 21 found 6 hours ago Roundtrip non-stop flight included Toronto (YTO) to Denver (DEN) 8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews) Friendly and helpful staff Reviewed on Feb 9, 2026 ![Urban Cowboy Denver](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/110000000/109870000/109860200/109860149/3a4db2d6_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### Urban Cowboy Denver Uptown CA $1,150 per person Apr 15 - Apr 21 found 6 hours ago Roundtrip non-stop flight included Toronto (YTO) to Denver (DEN) 9.6/10 Exceptional! (118 reviews) Copper tub is amazing. Beautiful Victorian home to admire. 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[](https://expedia.ca/Chautauqua-Park-Central-Boulder.d6071561.Vacation-Attraction) ![University of Colorado Boulder, Buffaloes Campus, College in Boulder Campus](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6089673/f854ff95-8771-4260-bb8b-1d964719aa67.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Folsom Field Catch an event at Folsom Field, and enjoy other activities in Boulder such as biking. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area. [](https://expedia.ca/Folsom-Field-Boulder.d6089673.Vacation-Attraction) ![Boulder Colorado panorama as viewed from above](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6071553/8bb19a76-a629-49b9-9bca-f80e565e7655.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### University of Colorado Boulder Explore the campus of University of Colorado Boulder, during your trip to Boulder. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area. [](https://expedia.ca/University-Of-Colorado-Boulder-Boulder.d6071553.Vacation-Attraction) #### NOAA's Earth System Research Laboratory NOAA's Earth System Research Laboratory is just one of the places to see in Boulder, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area. [](https://expedia.ca/NOAAs-Earth-System-Research-Laboratory-Boulder.d6290148.Vacation-Attraction) #### NIST Headquarters NIST Headquarters is just one of the places to see in Boulder, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area. [](https://expedia.ca/NIST-Headquarters-Boulder.d6290128.Vacation-Attraction) #### National Institute for Standards and Technologies After visiting National Institute for Standards and Technologies, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Boulder. 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