The Academy of Natural Sciences554

The Academy of Natural Sciences was founded in 1812 "for the encouragement and cultivation of the sciences, and the advancement of useful learning," and opened its doors to the public in 1828.

The museum's dioramas are reminiscent of those at the Museum of Natural History in New York and kids really get a kick out of them. One popular component of the fascinating Dinosaur Hall is The Big Dig, where kids can don goggles and use chisels and brushes to dig for buried fossils just like a paleontologist does. The Academy of Natural Sciences was the first museum in the world to mount a full cast of Giganotosaurus, the largest meat-eating dinosaur ever to walk the earth! The Time Machine transports visitors to the Mesozoic Era through the wonders of computer animation and film.

The Butterflies! exhibit (an additional $2 fee) is a magical place; the habitat, housing between 50-80 of the tropical jewels, reflects a rainforest setting, complete with vibrant plants. The temperature is rainforest hot and humid - so wear a short sleeved shirt under your coat if your visit to the museum coincides with cool weather.

The Academy of Natural Sciences also features Outside-In, a special children's musuem geared toward kids ages three to eight. In this hands-on discovery center, young guests can visit a forest, a mountain pond, or an ocean shore; touch a real meteorite; view a stream from underneath, crawl through a fallen log, look for fossil footprints, pan for shark teeth, watch a working beehive, or build a sandcastle. Outside-In is also a great place for kids to meet live animals, including a legless lizard, hissing cockroaches, a tortoise, a cowbird, or a rabbit.

Food is available at the Ecology Cafe, which offers fresh breakfast, lunch, and snack foods and is extremely kid-friendly.

Birthday parties at the museum are designed to coincide with a child's particular interests such as dinosaurs, butterflies, or live animals. The basic package, for children ages three and up, comes with a private party room, crafts and activities, and a museum guide to lead the way. Parties last two hours and are scheduled on weekends only. To plan a party or get more information, call 215.299.1060.

Safari Overnights, for kids ages seven to 14, offer the chance to investigate the museum, enjoy interactive lessons, and meet live animals under the guidance of the Academy's experienced naturalists. Participants can sleep next to lions, tigers, or Tyrannosaurus Rex, and then wake to breakfast and more exploration. To obtain more information about Safari Overnights, call 215.299.1060.

Children ages six to 12 can celebrate nature and experience real science during sessions of Summer Explorers Camp, a weeklong, hands-on, themed camp program. Participants learn from museum scientists, meet live bugs and animals, take weekly field trips, and more. Details about the program are available online.

Membership to The Academy of Natural Sciences is available at various price levels - for individuals and families - and benefits include free admission, newsletters, discounts, and more. For further information, visit the website's membership page.