Our Outside In exhibit will be closed until further notice. Click here for information about safety protocols, ticketing and other FAQs.

Designed for children ages 3–8 and their parents, Outside In is a warm, welcoming place where inquisitive youngsters can investigate a forest, visit the seashore, see and touch live animals, and much more. Comfy seats allow parents to relax and help your child explore science—up close and hands-on.

Visitors to Outside In can:

Touch Live Animals

Explore a sandy beach

Meet our animal ambassadors

Climb into an eagle’s nest and dress up as a majestic bird

View specimens under a microscope

Read nature books and relax on comfy critter pillows

Find animals hidden in a life-size tree

Reserve Outside In for your class or group field trip.

Volunteering in Outside In.

Inspired by the curiosity and enthusiasm of Outside In’s regular visitors, the Academy has created the Adopt-A-Critter program, which offers an opportunity to help us care for the center and its animals. To learn more about how you can support the Adopt-A-Critter program, visit Adopt-A-Critter or call the Office of Institutional Advancement at 215-299-1182.