Dioramas featuring a variety of animals from around the world line the halls of the museum. While I have to admit that they are a bit creepy to me, my 2 year old does not seem to mind. She actually enjoys pointing out all of the animals and the sounds they would have made. It makes for an educational journey as we make our way to the elevator up to the Outside In room. (Tip: If you can, avoid bringing a stroller, it is much easier to navigate the mueum using the stairs.There are elevators, but since it is such an old building they are slow and out of the way.)
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| R. petting a hissing cockroach |
We typically end our visit to the museum with a trip through the Butterflies! exhibit. It is so nice on a cold winter day to step into a tropical garden and watch the beautiful butterflies as they fly and eat all around you. They also have tropical frogs and cocoons in various stages of development on display that bring to life one of our favorite books, The Very Hungry Catepillar.
The museum also has a live animal center, an auditorium for presentations and a changing exhibit room that has featured miniature golf, photography, and oversized bugs during some of our recent trips. After only one visit, we decided to buy a yearly membership and now spend 4 or 5 mornings a year at the Academy. We typically find street parking on 20th street or one of the side streets off of the Ben Franklin Parkway. The stroller entrance to the building is on the side of the building off of 19th street, and while the cafe has delicious food another option is walking a few blocks to the awesome (though crowded) food court at the Comcast building.
The Academy of Natural Sciences is hosting some great special events during the month of February:
- Safari Overnights
Saturday, February 4
Experience the Academy After Dark
Enjoy interactive activities and meet some of our live animals—all with the guidance of the Academy's experienced naturalists! Break to socialize and enjoy refreshments and snacks. Sleep next to lions, tigers, or Tyrannosaurus rex. Awake to a light breakfast and more exploration
6:30 pm to 9 am; Check-in is 6:30-7 pm.
Safari Overnights are appropriate for children ages 7-14. One adult is required per 3 children. No outside food or drink is permitted and extra large sleeping mattresses are discouraged.
Call 215-299-1060.
- Tiny Tot Explorers
Young children and their favorite adults can join us in exploring nature through games, crafts, songs, and museum explorations. Tiny Tots Explorers (ages 3–4) meet from 11 am–noon on Wednesday mornings. An appropriate snack is provided.
- Paleopalooza
Saturday and Sunday, February 18 and 19, 2012, 10 am – 5 pm
Free with general admission
A paleontological extravaganza is held at the Academy on every President's Day weekend.
The festivities vary each year, but popular and recurring attractions include:
- Fossil Hunt: Kids can search for—and keep—real fossils.
- Paleontology Lectures: Listen to famous paleontologists.
- Meet Real Paleontologist: Talk with scientists from the Academy's Paleontology Department and learn about their work.
- Academy Fossils: Check out some fossils from our scientific collection
