PHILADELPHIA, April 10, 2019

This summer the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University will be filled with amazing new adventures to explore, including the new Dinosaurs Around the World exhibit, sciences camps for kids of all ages, and a festival all about insects that will win over even the biggest bug skeptic. 

Dinosaurs Around the World opens Sunday, June 30, and features a dozen, moving roaring animatronic dinosaurs on a globetrotting expedition around a world that looked much different than it does today. The museum’s most popular festival, Bug Fest, takes place the weekend of August 10-11, and the monthly Dinos After Dark features beer, pay-as-you-wish admission and late hours for people of all ages.

Here is the schedule of exhibits and events for July, August and September. For updates, details and discounted tickets, visit ansp.org.

Dinos After Dark

Friday, June 28, 4 p.m.–8 p.m.

Philadelphia’s dinosaur museum is open late tonight with pay-as you-wish admission, a pop-up Dino Drafts beer garden with food, live animal presentations, and fun hands-on activities. The Academy welcomes adults and also families with kids to enjoy the museum after dark. Suggested donation: $10. Partial proceeds from Dino Drafts benefit the Academy.

Special Exhibit

Dinosaurs Around the World

Sunday, June 30–Monday, January 20, 2020

Embark on a globetrotting expedition around Pangea, where dinosaurs reign throughout the land. Dinosaurs Around the World introduces visitors to more than a dozen animatronic dinosaurs on a voyage from the ferocious plains of Africa and the tropical beaches of Antarctica, to the inland seas of North America and the polar darkness of Australia. Find out how continental drift, sea level fluctuations and volcanic activity allowed dinosaurs to disperse to all corners of the globe. 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.

Dino-mite Summer

July 1-August 31

During Dino-mite Summer at the Academy of Natural sciences, meet living dinosaurs (you call them birds), uncover your inner paleontologist with fossil-themed make-and-takes, take a closer look at incredible specimens, and share a belly laugh with Marty the Moose during story time. All activities are free with admission. No reservation needed. For times and dates of activities all summer, visit ansp.org.

Academy Science Camp

Monday, July 8–Friday, August 30, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Academy Science Camp invites kids, ages 5-12, to learn about natural science in a safe, fun and engaging way. Each week of camp explores an exciting new theme and features an off-site field trip. From fossils to the myths and legends of animals to dino-mite discoveries, check out our 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

Tiny Tot Explorers

Select Wednesdays July 10–August 28, 11 a.m.–Noon

Tiny Tot Explorers is a unique program for 2- to 5-year-olds and their favorite adults. Each week we discover science and literacy through games, songs, museum adventures, and hands-on activities. Session size is limited to 10 adult/child pairs. For details and to register, visit ansp.org 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.

Visitors on the autism spectrum and their families are invited to experience the museum before the crowds. Visit with the dinosaurs, explore Outside In, the hands-on children’s discovery center, see the special exhibit Dinosaurs Around the World, and wander through the dioramas at your own pace. Preregistration required. Visit ansp.org.

Academy Animal Husbandry Program for Teens

Select weeks July–August, Monday–Friday, 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Kids ages 12–16 will get hands-on animal care experience during this unique summer program for animal lovers. Participants will learn about the care of the Academy’s live animals and assist keepers and educators in the general husbandry, feeding and training of mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates. Each week is geared to advancing skills. 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.

Philadelphia’s dinosaur museum is open late tonight with pay-as you-wish admission, a pop-up Dino Drafts beer garden with food, live animal presentations, and fun hands-on activities. The Academy welcomes adults and also families with kids to enjoy the museum after dark. Suggested donation: $10. 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.

Summer is the time to dream big, live large, and discover the world around you! Take a field trip with the Academy every day. Whether you’re hiking through the wilderness to test your survival skills, unearthing cretaceous fossils, or using your muscles to scale a rock wall, the Academy Expedition Program is your passport for a week of exploration and unbelievable fun. Each teen receives an Academy backpack and water bottle with registration. For details and to register, visit ansp.org or call 215-299-1060.

Bug Fest

Saturday and Sunday, August 10–11, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Bug Fest is the Academy’s most popular festival. Hundreds of live insects of all sizes, shapes and colors will be on display. Visitors can talk with Academy scientists, learn about bugs from around the world, and see specimens from the Academy’s research collection. Taste bugs, get your face painted and enjoy insect presentations.

Dinos After Dark

Friday, August 23, 4 p.m.–8 p.m.

Philadelphia’s dinosaur museum is open late tonight with pay-as you-wish admission, a pop-up Dino Drafts beer garden with food, live animal presentations, and a Street Art takeover with Christian Rodriguez. The Academy welcomes adults and also families with kids to enjoy the museum after dark. Suggested donation: $10. Partial proceeds from Dino Drafts benefit the Academy.

Access to Science: Opening Doors to Autism

August 25, 9–11 a.m.

Visitors on the autism spectrum and their families are invited to experience the museum before the crowds. Visit with the dinosaurs, explore Outside In, the hands-on children’s discovery center, see the special exhibit Dinosaurs Around the World, and wander through the dioramas at your own pace. Preregistration required. Visit ansp.org.

Grandparents Day Special

Sunday, September 8

Bring your favorite adult to the Academy for free and explore the museum together. Enjoy the towering dinosaurs, live animal shows, live tropical butterflies and all your favorite exhibits.

Dinos After Dark

Friday, September 27, 4 p.m.–8 p.m.

Philadelphia’s dinosaur museum is open late tonight with pay-as you-wish admission, a pop-up Dino Drafts beer garden with food, live animal presentations, and fun hands-on activities. The Academy welcomes adults and also families with kids to enjoy the museum after dark. Suggested donation: $10. Partial proceeds from Dino Drafts benefit the Academy.