Feeding Curious Minds for 200 Years

       The oldest natural history museum in America, the Academy of Natural Sciences, is a great place to bring the youngest dinosaur, bug, and butterfly enthusiasts.  Located just steps away from the Franklin Institute, this museum is a great place to bring the kids to let them explore without the crowds. I was initially skeptical about what they had to offer a toddler, but there are a variety exhibits that keep my daughter engaged during our visits.  Like all natural history museums, there are giant dinosaur skeletons in the main room that are impressive to just about any age, but they also have an area where the kids can borrow tools and goggles to dig for fossils.  The large replicas of triceratops and T-Rex heads and a giant footprint that the little ones can climb into are also highlights of Dinosaur Hall.

      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.)

R. petting a hissing cockroach

     The Outside In room is a dream come true for my curious, nature loving daughter. This room is designed with kids aged 3-8 in mind, but has been a favorite of R since she could walk. There are tanks of fish, turtles, and insects along with other birds, reptiles and typically a rabbit and guinea pig on display at her level. Most days a museum worker has one of the inhabitants available for the kids to meet and greet which is always an exciting treat. The kids can also pan for shark teeth, sit in a wooden canoe, crawl though a hollow log, and examine shells, pelts and horns for more hands-on interaction. R also loves watching bees fly in and out of the live beehive and exploring the mini library of books and puzzles they have on display.

      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

  For more information visit The Academy of Natural Sciences webpage.