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, adult sleepovers, an annual fundraiser and festivals. For details and updates about the following programs, please visit ansp.org. 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
Fall and Winter Calendar at Academy of Natural Sciences
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. You can read our review here!
Access to Science: Opening the Doors to Autism
November 2, 9-11 AM
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. To pre-register, contact 215-299-1060 or ANS_reservations@drexel.edu
Dinos After Dark
October 25, 2019 5 pm – 8 pm
If hanging out with dinosaurs at night doesn’t grab your attention, then maybe a pop up beer garden makes the invitation better! The Academy offers Dinos After Dark where you can learn about these prehistoric creatures! Live animal shows at 5 pm and 7:30 pm will increase your knowledge about animals and science. Suggested donation: $10. Save time at check-in and preregister online: https://bit.ly/2JBlz6c
Wild Wizarding Weekend
November 29-December 1 All Day
Check out the fantastical and phenomenal beasts during this weekend with mesmerizing hands on activities. Children can meet the museum’s live animals as well as learn about the animals that inspired magical stories and myths. Play a Bunny and Broomsticks game, make a magic wand, and take home a dragon’s egg during this wild weekend where all wizards are welcome. Wear a costume and get a $2 discount at the door or save when you purchase online. Read about it here!
Dinos After Dark
November 29, 2019 4 pm – 8 pm
If hanging out with dinosaurs at night doesn’t grab your attention, then maybe a pop up beer garden makes the invitation better! The Academy offers Dinos After Dark where you can learn about these prehistoric creatures! Live animal shows at 5 pm and 7:30 pm will increase your knowledge about animals and science. Suggested donation: $10. Save time at check-in and preregister online: https://bit.ly/2JBlz6c
Access to Science: Opening the Doors to Autism
December 27, 9-11 AM
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. To pre-register, contact 215-299-1060 or ANS_reservations@drexel.edu
Access to Science: Opening the Doors to Autism
January 26, 9-11 AM
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. To pre-register, contact 215-299-1060 or ANS_reservations@drexel.edu
Access to Science: Opening the Doors to Autism
February 23, 9-11 AM
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. To pre-register, contact 215-299-1060 or ANS_reservations@drexel.edu
Door 19 : Sippin’ with Sloths
February 27, 2020, 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. ]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
Dinos After Dark
February 28, 2020 5 pm – 8 pm
If hanging out with dinosaurs at night doesn’t grab your attention, then maybe a pop up beer garden makes the invitation better! Live animal shows at 5 pm and 7:30 pm will increase your knowledge about animals and science. Suggested donation: $10. Save time at check-in and preregister online: https://bit.ly/2JBlz6c
The Real James Bond: Philly, Spies, and the Academy of Natural Sciences
March 3, 2020 6:30 pm
Academy of Natural Sciences’ ornithologist James Bond and 007 namesake, is the subject of a new book called “The Real James Bond” by New Jersey author and birder Jim Wright. Hear about the fascinating life of the acclaimed scientist who was an Academy curator in the 1920s and have your book signed by the author. To purchase tickets, visit ansp.org.
Paleopalooza
March 7-8 (All Day)
Dinosaurs encourage children’s imagination as much as their interest in science and the annual celebration of Paleopalooza is perfect for the budding paleontologist in your life! Talk with Academy paleontologists, meet live birds, take guided tours of Dinosaur Hall, and enjoy games, crafts and other activities that are guaranteed to enlighten even the wisest (and youngest) dinosaur experts in the family.
Founders Day
March 21, 2020
In celebration of the establishment of the Academy of Natural Science, pay what you wish to be inspired by the science of our past and future! The Academy officially was founded March 21, 1812 for “the encouragement and cultivation of the sciences and the advancement of useful learning.” Today the Academy is a leading natural history museum and the place to discover towering dinosaurs, experience a working fossil preparation lab, stroll among live butterflies, see live animal shows, participate in hands-on activities, see special exhibits, and more. An $8 Supersaver ticket gains admission to the Butterflies and the special exhibit, Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns and Mermaids.
Night in the Museum
March 21, 2020
Ever want to spend the night at a museum? Well now is your chance! Guests will enjoy hands-on activities such as a scavenger hunt, experiments, live animal shows and more. This experience is $65/nonmembers, $60/members and $89/VIP.
Dinos After Dark
March 27, 2020 5 pm – 8 pm
If hanging out with dinosaurs at night doesn’t grab your attention, then maybe a pop up beer garden makes the invitation better! Live animal shows at 5 pm and 7:30 pm will increase your knowledge about animals and science. Suggested donation: $10. Save time at check-in and preregister online: https://bit.ly/2JBlz6c