Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No—it’s Animal Superhero Weekend! 

How much do the superheroes of the animal kingdom inspire the superheroes (and supervillains) of comic books and movies? More than you think! From Spider-Man to Catwoman, animals influence some of our favorite characters. Explore the real-life super abilities of animals from around the world with specially themed live animal shows, activity stations, and training camp!

Animal Superhero Weekends Activities:

Auditorium Show: Animals With Bad Reputations
11 a.m.

There would be no good guys without the bad guys! But are some animal “villains” really so bad? Get to know the misunderstood creatures of the Academy in this live animal presentation, and discover how they might not be the bad guys, after all.

Auditorium Show: Super Animals, Super Skills
3 p.m.

What makes our animals real-life superheroes? Their super skills! Learn about amazing adaptations such as super-sight, super-strength and super-intelligence as you meet some furry, feathery and scaly Academy ambassadors.

Animal Inspirations

Frog-Man! Batman! Catwoman! Black Widow! Dr. Octopus! The list goes on. Learn about the real-life animals that inspire your favorite superhero (and supervillain) characters. Check out animal biofacts and touch real pelts, skulls and teeth at this interactive education station.

Super Strength Station

Test your own strength, sight and speed against the abilities of nature’s own superheroes. Can you jump as far as a frog or see as far as an eagle? Could you compete against the world’s fastest, smartest or strongest animals?

“Marvel”-ous Make and Take

In the world of superheroes, it’s all keeping your identity secret from the villains. Design your Superhero cape and mask to take home. Fun for kids and adults!

Superhero Training Camp
1 p.m.

Join the superhero animals of the Academy as they hone their strength and agility as well as practice their foraging, climbing and problem-solving skills. Meet a live mammal or reptile during this interactive presentation with an Academy animal keeper.

Special Exhibit: Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns, & Mermaids

Discover how real animals such as dinosaurs, mammoths and narwhals may have stirred tales of griffins, giants and unicorns. Learn why so many legendary water spirits look like mermaids. Touch fossils, explore winged mythological creatures, build your own dragon and come face to face with a giant legendary sea monster.