PHILADELPHIA, March 9, 2016

Dinosaurs are coming to life this summer in a special exhibit at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, which will also thrill insect lovers with its popular annual Bug Fest.

Dinosaurs Unearthed opens June 25 with life-size roaring, moving dinosaurs and hands-on experiences for all ages. Bug Fest, Aug. 13 and 14, is the Academy’s most popular festival and features hundreds of amazing live insects, fun family activities, displays of insect specimens from the Academy’s world-renowned collection, and the chance to taste some creepy crawlies, which are actually nutritious.

With the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia in July, the Academy dug deep into its collections to showcase highlights of the museum’s connections to past presidents.

And what would summer be without Academy Explorers Camp? For the first time, the camp for youngsters has expanded to include two weeklong sessions for teenagers who want to pursue their passion for science.

For more details on the following programs and to purchase tickets, visit ansp.org.

Dinosaurs Unearthed

Special Exhibits Gallery

June 25, 2016–January 16, 2017

Roaring, moving, life-size dinosaurs invade the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University for a multi-sensory experience for the whole family. State-of-the-art and scientifically accurate—down to the feathers on T. rex—Dinosaurs Unearthed features more than a dozen realistic, life-size animatronic dinosaurs, as well as skeletons, skulls, claws and horns, real mosasaur and Spinosaurus teeth, an Oviraptor egg, and the ever-popular coprolite (dino poop). A dig site for young paleontologists, a Dino Detective touch-screen quiz, chances to control dinosaur movements, and other activities encourage exciting hands-on exploration.

Academy Explorers Camp

Monday–Friday, July 5 through September 2, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Academy Explorers Camp at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University offers children ages 5–12 a unique, fun and engaging experience. Each week of camp explores an exciting new theme and features an off-site field trip, plus all the museum has to offer—from dinosaurs to live animals. Optional before- and after-care available. For details, visit ansp.org or call 215-299-1060.

Camp Dates and Topics

Ooey Gooey Science, July 5–8

Get your hands dirty, slimy and even ooey gooey! Create your own slime, hold touchable bubbles, squish sudsy goop, and design your very own lava lamp.

Bizarre Animals, July 11–15

Discover what yellow spikes, gigantic eyes and purple skin have in common. Uncover how jaw-dropping features and exaggerated adaptations help animal oddballs survive in the wild.

Planet Dinosaur, July 18–22

Travel back in time to explore the world of dinosaurs during our hands-on activities. Have the opportunity to touch, work with and uncover real fossils.

The Art of Science, July 25–29

Learn that the greatest scientists were artists too. See items in the Academy’s collection from contemporary to up-and-coming artists. Create your very own scientific work of art to display inside the museum too!

Behind the Scenes, August 1–5

Unlock the secrets of the museum as you explore some rarely seen specimens in our collections and create your very own extraordinary museum exhibit.

Animal Kingdom, August 8–12

Investigate animals from all over the world and discover how they survive in the wild. Share in animal wonders, gaze at the beauty, delight at the excitement, and show off your skills in animal-inspired games.

Dino-lympics, August 15–19

Challenge yourself and discover how well you’d match up to a T. rex, Triceratops, or even the giant Dreadnoughtus.

Animal Myths and Legends, August 22–26

Explore cryptozoology and uncover the truth about the real animals that inspire mythical beasts from all over the world.

Backyard Adventures, August 29–Sept. 2

Get a bee’s eye view, walk through all four seasons, visit the food web pond, play a game of plant versus insect, and create your own garden. Learn that there is more in a backyard than you could have ever imagined!

Tiny Tot Explorers

Wednesdays, July 6, 13, 20, 27 and August 3, 10, 17, 24, 11 a.m.–noon

Tiny Tot Explorers is for 3- to 5-year-olds and their favorite adults, where the littlest explorers have the biggest fun. Each week participants discover an exciting new theme through games, crafts, songs and museum adventures. Register for a single session or the entire series. For details, visit ansp.org or call 215-299-1060.

Academy Explorers Teen Camp
July 11–15 and August 8–12, 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Academy Explorers Teen Camp is a new camp for where teens ages 13–16 can explore their passion for science. In each week, teens will learn how to handle certain live animals, take a field trip and more. Optional before- and after-care available. For details, visit ansp.org or call 215-299-1060.

Camp Dates and Topics

Invertebrate Husbandry July 11–15
Tap into your inner entomologist. Meet live insects and learn about basic handling and care, get an up-close look at the animals from our invertebrate collection, and venture into invertebrate-rich local parks in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. *Campers who attended last season will work with higher level invertebrates for 2016.

Animal Husbandry August 8–12
Discover the world of the Academy’s Live Animal Center. Meet live animals, learn about basic handling and care, and get up close and personal with mammals, birds, and reptiles. Be ready to venture out to Wildlife Rehab Centers and work with Academy staff to prepare a naturalist presentation for Academy guests.

Presidential Archives: Letters, Hair, and Fossils

July 1–29

With the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, the Academy dug deep into its collections to showcase some highlights of the museum’s connections to presidents—of all political parties—in its 204-year history. This intimate exhibition features unexpected personal items, including albums containing locks of hair from early commanders in chief, Thomas Jefferson’s mastodon fossils, revealing correspondence, and other fascinating items that span science and politics.

Voting With the Ballot Box Turtle
Thursday, July 28, 3 p.m.

With the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, the Academy’s Ballot Box Turtle wants it “voice” be heard! At this special story time event, visitors can celebrate their role in the political process by watching the Ballot Box Turtle “vote” for its favorite fruits and vegetables. During an interactive presentation, help bring the box turtle out of its shell by learning about issues important to turtles.

Bug Fest

Saturday and Sunday, August 13 and 14, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Celebrate insects of all kinds—and taste a few—at the annual Bug Fest at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. Cheer on a favorite cockroach in the Roach Race 500, talk with Academy entomologists, examine hundreds of live bugs up close, get your face painted, and enjoy other fun activities.

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