Updated for 2019!
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University was founded in 1812. Its focus intertwines research, education and engaging the public to promote science. You can’t get much better than that when looking for an amazing learning experience!
There are several permanent exhibits that are impressive as it is designed to appeal to various types of learners. To learn more about the permanent exhibits, visit the Mommy University review here. As well, Academy of Natural Sciences offers many temporary exhibits, overnight adventures, camps and festivals. For details and updates about the following programs, please visit ansp.org. Museum admission can be purchased in advance at here. Museum Memberships include unlimited visits as well as the opportunity to free entrance to special exhibitions as well as some of the programs.
Mommy University Presents the
Spring/Summer Calendar at Academy of Natural Sciences
Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns and Mermaids
Special Exhibits Gallery
February 16–Sunday, June 9, 2019
For thousands of years, myths have been used to help explain circumstances beyond their understanding. However, the Academy of Natural Sciences looks beyond the patterns and explores how scientific discoveries have linked myth and reality. This exhibit will demonstrate through hands on fun how dinosaurs and other actual creatures inspired the mythic icons we know and love.
Animal Superhero Weekend
April 13-14, 2019
Calling all superhero fans! During Animal Superhero Weekend guests will learn how animals inspired and influenced some of their favorite superheroes like Catwoman, Batman and Spiderman. Learn about the real-life super abilities of animals from around the world while engaging in fun hands-on learning activities. Guests who arrive dressed as their favorite superhero will receive $2 off general admission.
Academy Science Camp
April 18, 19, 22, 23
Keep the learning going this spring break by enrolling your kids in camp at The Academy of Natural Sciences. Children ages 5-12 years old can enjoy brain boosting activities from 9am-4pm including live presentations, games, crafts, exhibit exploration and more. The cost is $65/day for nonmembers and $60/day for members. For more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/2FVjpMQ
Celebrate Earth Day
April 22, 2019
The Academy promotes a greater understanding of the science that surrounds us including how we can make the world a better place with tips and suggestions. On Earth Day, learn how you can make a difference!
Dinos After Dark
Friday, April 26, 4 p.m.–8 p.m.
If hanging out with dinosaurs at night doesn’t grab your attention, then maybe a pop up beer garden with Dino Drafts makes the invitation better! The Academy offers Dinos After Dark where you can learn about these prehistoric creatures! Live animal shows will increase your knowledge about animals and science. Suggested donation: $10, where partial proceeds from Dino Drafts benefit the Academy.
Mother’s Day Special
May 12, 2019
Bring your favorite adult to the Academy for free and celebrate Mother’s Day together. Enjoy the towering dinosaurs, live animal shows, live tropical butterflies, and all your favorite exhibits. Discover some you’ve never seen before.
Dinos After Dark
Friday, May 17, 4 p.m.–8 p.m.
If hanging out with dinosaurs at night doesn’t grab your attention, then maybe a pop up beer garden with Dino Drafts makes the invitation better! The Academy offers Dinos After Dark where you can learn about these prehistoric creatures! Live animal shows will increase your knowledge about animals and science. Suggested donation: $10, where partial proceeds from Dino Drafts benefit the Academy.
Video Game Weekend
May 18-19, 2019, 6:30 pm – 9 am
Join the Academy to explore the connections between technology and natural history! Through hands on activities and talks learn how digital modeling helps us understand watersheds, climate change, and animal behavior. Meet the REAL angry birds, and check out the plants, animals, and insects of Minecraft, Fortnite, Pokémon, and other popular games.
Door 19 : Traditional Medicinals
June 13, 2019, 6:00 – 9 PM
Curated for the curious, Door 19 is quirky science meets themed soiree, set against a backdrop of live performances, music and potent libations. You will have the chance to go beyond the Academy’s galleries and into the Botany collection and the Mineral Vault, alongside experts who will bring the coolest specimens out to play. The Academy’s rogue scientists will go a little bit off script to share their most incredible knowledge. You’ll be reminded that no, in fact, you haven’t seen it all—far from it. To purchase tickets, visit www.ansp.org
Father’s Day Special
June 17, 20189
Bring your favorite adult to the Academy for free and celebrate Father’s Day together. Enjoy the towering dinosaurs, live animal shows, live tropical butterflies, and all your favorite exhibits. Discover some you’ve never seen before.
Totally Turtles Weekend
June 22-23, 2019
Come out of your shell to celebrate all things turtle, tortoise, and terrapin! Discover how this amazing order of hard-shelled survivors lived in the past and thrives in the present. From pizza-loving cartoon ninjas to real-life turtles that live at the Academy, come learn all about these “heroes in a half shell” with special crafts, demonstrations, and touchable specimens.
Dinos After Dark
June 28, 2019 4 p.m.–8 p.m.
If hanging out with dinosaurs at night doesn’t grab your attention, then maybe a pop up beer garden with Dino Drafts makes the invitation better! The Academy offers Dinos After Dark where you can learn about these prehistoric creatures! Live animal shows will increase your knowledge about animals and science. Suggested donation: $10, where partial proceeds from Dino Drafts benefit the Academy.
Dinosaurs Around the World
Sunday, June 30–Monday, January 20, 2020
It will be a Dino-Mite experience this summer at The Academy! You can now go back in time and trek across Pangea where dinosaurs ruled the land. In this exhibit, visitors will be able to interact with more than a dozen animatronic dinosaurs from the plains of Africa to the what was the tropical beaches of Antactica, to the inland seas of North America. You can learn about continental drift, sea level fluctuations and the volcanic activity that allowed dinosaurs to expand to all the corners of the world. Learn about paleontological research, touch fossil casts, discover and name your own dinosaur, investigate what dinosaurs may have looked like in life and find modern-day dinosaurs right in your own backyard.
Tiny Tot Explorers
Select Wednesdays July 10–August 28, 11 a.m.–Noon
The Academy of Natural Science understands that science is a passion that is best when introduced at a young age which is why Tiny Tot Explorers is a wonderful program for 3 to 5 year olds and their caregivers. Each week Tiny Tots focuses on a specific theme and explore it through games, crafts, songs and museum adventures. Register for a single session or the entire series. For details, visit the website or call 215-299-1060.
Choose from these themes:
- July 10: Playful Pollinators
- July 17: Dynamic Dinosaurs
- July 24: Mushy Gushy Science
- July 31: Paleontologists Party
- August 7: Paws and Claws
- August 14: Bugs to Butterflies
- August 21: Prehistoric Playtime
- August 28: Habitat Harmony
Access to Science: Opening Doors to Autism
Sunday, July 14, 9–11 a.m.
Children with autism and their families are invited to explore The Academy prior to opening allowing for a sensory friendly experience. The museum will be open from 9am-11am and families will get to meet live animals, wander through exhibits and visit with dinosaurs. The event is pay-what-you-wish but registration is recommended. Pre-registration is required, contact 215-299-1060 or ANS_reservations@drexel.edu.
Academy Science Camp
Monday, July 8–Friday, August 30, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Children, ages 5-12, can learn about natural science in a fun and safe environment that encourages hands on experiences. The Academy Science Camp has a different theme each week with an off-site field trip. Check out the camp themes to find the best fit for your child’s interests. For details and to register, visit ansp.org or call 215-299-1060.
Choose from:
- July 15–19: Fantastic Fossils
- July 22–26: Dino-lympics
- July 29–Aug. 2: Things with Wings
- August 5–9: Mysteries of the Museum
- August 12–16: Incredible Insects
- August 19–23: Dinosaur Detectives
- August 26–30: Into the Wild
Access to Science: Opening Doors to Autism
Sunday, July 14, 9–11 a.m.
Children with autism and their families are invited to explore The Academy prior to opening allowing for a sensory friendly experience. The museum will be open from 9am-11am and families will get to meet live animals, wander through exhibits and visit with dinosaurs. The event is pay-what-you-wish but registration is recommended. Pre-registration is required, contact 215-299-1060 or ANS_reservations@drexel.edu.
Academy Animal Husbandry Program for Teens
Select weeks July–August, Monday–Friday, 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Children, ages 12-16, can gain hands on experience with animal care in this unique scientific summer program for animal enthusiasts. Kids can learn about the care of the Academy’s live animals and help staff in the general husbandry, feeding and training mammals, birds, and more. Each week is designed that children are advancing their skills and knowledge. For details and to register, visit ansp.org or call 215-299-1060.
Choose from:
- July 15–19: Animal Training and Husbandry: Beginner
- July 22–26: Animal Training and Husbandry: Advanced
- August 12–16: Invertebrate Husbandry
Dinos After Dark
Wednesday, July 24, 4 p.m.–8 p.m.
If hanging out with dinosaurs at night doesn’t grab your attention, then maybe a pop up beer garden with Dino Drafts makes the invitation better! The Academy offers Dinos After Dark where you can learn about these prehistoric creatures! Live animal shows will increase your knowledge about animals and science. Suggested donation: $10, where partial proceeds from Dino Drafts benefit the Academy.
Academy Expedition Program
July 29–August 2 and August 5–9, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Take a field trip with the Academy every day as the summer is a wonderful time to discover the world around them. The Academy will offer hands on experiences and explore the learning opportunities. Whether it is hiking through the wilderness to test survival skills, unearthing fossils, or using muscles to scale a rock wall, the Academy Expedition Program is access to investigating the world. Each teen receives an Academy backpack and water bottle with registration. For details and to register, visit ansp.org or call 215-299-1060.
Access to Science: Opening Doors to Autism
August 25, 9–11 a.m.
Children with autism and their families are invited to explore The Academy prior to opening allowing for a sensory friendly experience. The museum will be open from 9am-11am and families will get to meet live animals, wander through exhibits and visit with dinosaurs. The event is pay-what-you-wish but registration is recommended. Pre-registration is required, contact 215-299-1060 or ANS_reservations@drexel.edu.
Dinos After Dark
Friday, August 23, 4 p.m.–8 p.m.
If hanging out with dinosaurs at night doesn’t grab your attention, then maybe a pop up beer garden with Dino Drafts makes the invitation better! The Academy offers Dinos After Dark where you can learn about these prehistoric creatures! Live animal shows will increase your knowledge about animals and science. Christian Rodriguez will be leading a Street Art takeover. Suggested donation: $10. Save time at check-in and preregister online
Bug Fest
Saturday and Sunday, August 10–11, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Come celebrate bugs at the Academy’s most popular festival Bug Fest on it’s 11 Anniversary! Hands on family activities, talks by Academy entomologists, and taste testing where the main ingredient is a bug, are some of the features of annual event. From face painting to cockroach races, there is something for everyone in the family. Free with museum admission. Read about our experience at Bug Fest here!
Dinos After Dark
Friday, August 23, 4 p.m.–8 p.m.
If hanging out with dinosaurs at night doesn’t grab your attention, then maybe a pop up beer garden with Dino Drafts makes the invitation better! The Academy offers Dinos After Dark where you can learn about these prehistoric creatures! Live animal shows will increase your knowledge about animals and science. Christian Rodriguez will be leading a Street Art takeover. Suggested donation: $10. Save time at check-in and preregister online
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