PHILADELPHIA, January 9, 2017

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University invites visitors to celebrate spring at Philadelphia’s dinosaur museum with a host of special exhibits and events.

Feb. 4 through May 14, visitors can observe a wide variety of colorful, live frogs up close in the new exhibit, Frogs: A Chorus of Colors. There is also the opportunity to cozy up to T. rex and his pals with a special overnight on April 1. In addition, visitors can learn how their favorite superheroes are fashioned after animals as part of Animal Superhero Weekend on April 1 and 2.

Later in the spring, toddlers and their parents are invited to join in some exploratory fun, sign up older children for a five-day spring break camp, or send spring off, and usher in summer with outdoor scientific activities as part of the Backyard Adventures exhibit, opening June 9.

For more information on the following programs and to purchase tickets online at a discount, please visit ansp.org. Here’s what’s on tap:

Frogs: A Chorus of Colors
Special Exhibits Gallery
Saturday, February 4–Sunday, May 14

Take a giant leap into the enchanting world of live frogs from around the world. From radiant blue to fiery red, frogs are among the most visually stunning, vocally pleasing and adaptively remarkable animals on earth. In this exhibit, recreated habitats with live plants, waterfalls and rock ledges bring frogs’ natural environment to life. Visitors will see live frogs in action, create a nighttime frog chorus, test their field of vision against that of a frog, and even perform a virtual frog dissection.

 Night in the Museum

Saturday April 1, 6:30 p.m.–Sunday, April 2, 9 a.m.

Experience the Academy’s towering dinosaurs—including T. rex—after dark! This action-packed night at the museum barely leaves room for shut-eye. Go on a scavenger hunt, do a hands-on experiment, and inspect some not-so-creepy crawlies. Explore the Academy’s famous exhibits, then sit back and relax at a fascinating live animal show. When it’s finally time for bed, pick a spot next to lions, tigers or dinosaurs. Fee: $50 Members, $55 nonmembers, $80 VIP (Very Important Paleontologist). For more information and to register, visit ansp.org.

Animal Superhero Weekend
Saturday and Sunday, April 1 and 2, All day

How much do the superheroes of the animal kingdom inspire the superheroes (and supervillains) of comic books and movies? Find out at the Academy’s Animal Superhero Weekend and learn how animals influence Spider-Man, Catwoman and other notable characters. Explore the real-life super abilities of animals from around the world with specially themed live animal shows, activity stations, and crafts. Dress in your favorite superhero costume and receive $2 off general admission.

Tiny Tot Explorers

Select Mondays, April 3–May 15, 11 a.m.–Noon

At Tiny Tot Explorers, kids 3–5 years old, and their favorite adult, can explore nature through songs, games, hands-on fun, and museum adventures. Fee: $20 Members per adult/child pair per session, $25 Nonmembers per adult/child pair per session. For more information and to register, visit ansp.org.

Spring Break Camp

Monday, April 10–Friday, April 14, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Kids ages 5-12 can spend spring break at the Academy with Spring Break Camp. Each day includes a live presentation by one of the Academy’s teacher-naturalists, an exploration of Academy exhibits (including Outside In, Butterflies!, and the Big Dig) and campers-only games, crafts and activities. Fee: $55 Members per day, $60 Nonmembers per day. For more information and to register, visit ansp.org.

Access to Science: Opening the Doors to Autism
Saturday, May 13, 9–11 a.m.

Children on the autism spectrum and their families are invited to experience the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University before the museum opens to the general public. Visit with the dinosaurs, meet live animals at Outside In, and wander through the dioramas without the extra visitors. This event is pay-what-you-wish. Pre-registration is recommended; contact 215-299-1060 or reservations@ansp.org.

 Frog Jump Day

Saturday, May 13, All day

Hop on over to the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University and celebrate frogs before the last day of the exhibit Frogs: A Chorus of Colors, which closes Sunday, May 14. Learn all about awesome amphibians at interactive education stations; see specimens from the Academy’s research collection; join Marty the Moose and friends for special story times; and take home a fun froggy craft.

Backyard Adventures
Friday, June 9–Sunday, September 10

Step into a garden of wonders and experience the fascinating science that’s literally in your own backyard. Discover the amazing interactions between insects and plants and solve simple physics challenges by playing mini-golf. Ride a bee bike, collect nectar, copy critter calls, investigate a food web pond, dress up as your favorite creature, and stroll through a digital garden to witness plants growing in super time. Through active outdoor play you’ll discover there’s so much more going on in your backyard than you ever imagined.

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