Come out of your shell to celebrate all things turtle, tortoise, and terrapin! Discover how this amazing order of hard-shelled survivors lived in the past and thrives in the present. From pizza-loving cartoon ninjas to real-life turtles that call the Academy home, learn all about these “heroes in a half shell” with special crafts, demonstrations, and touchable specimens. Turtle power!

Free for members or with general museum admission. Not a member? Buy your tickets today.

2019 details coming soon! 2018 Highlights: 

Auditorium Show: Turtle Thunderdome
11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.

Turtles may have a reputation for moving slowly, but not when snacks are on the line. Our turtles will enjoy time in a run pen and compete for a fast moving treat: fresh crickets! (Don’t worry; there will be plenty of crickets to go around.)

Master Splinter’s Education Station

More than just a rodent, Master Splinter was an excellent sensei, too! Real rats are generous, social, and eager to please. Meet a few of the most intelligent animals that call the Academy home. Learn about their fascinating habits and charming behaviors.

Turtles Through Time

On land and in the sea, turtles are some of the most ancient animals on the planet. Explore real turtle biofacts and real old turtle fossils to learn more about these fascinating reptiles.    

Ninja Turtle Face Painting

“Go green,” and then choose your favorite mask color to complete the look. Will you be Mikey, Raph, Leo, or Donny today?

Live Reptile Macroscope Cart
10 a.m.–12:30 p.m., 1:30–4:30 p.m.

At this interactive tech cart showcasing our weird and wonderful live animal collection, check out some of our smaller live reptiles and examine some of their finer details.

Turtle Shell Plate Craft

Put on your new turtle shell and wonder if a mutation might be to blame for your transformation! Make and take a special themed craft.

Special Exhibit: Xtreme Bugs

Come face-to-feet with nearly 20 massive, colorful, moving bugs! From a fluttering oversized monarch butterfly to a gigantic Madagascar hissing cockroach, these towering animatronics tell a rarely seen story of the behaviors and intricacies of extreme bugs. Get a bug’s-eye view of the world, explore critter calls, dig for ancient arthropods, play an Xtreme bug facts game, and meet a live critter during bug encounters!