Join us at the Academy during your winter break! Visit our newest exhibit Ice Dinosaurs, where you can marvel at lifelike animatronic creatures who lived in ancient, icy terrains. Dream of warmer weather and flowering plants in our Spotlight Gallery exhibit, Heirloom Plants.

Step into The Ecology of Fashion exhibit with some bundled-up style to learn how our soft, glittering or shiny garments are inspired by the natural world yet impact the environment.

Plus learn about turtles and bugs in activities throughout the museum!

Activities

Turtle Talks
Thursday, December 26, 2024 & Sunday, December 29, 2024
2:30 PM-3:00 PM

Come out of your shell at the Academy of Natural Sciences and discover everything there is to know about the live turtles, tortoises and terrapins that call the museum home. We’ll talk the talk while they (slowly) walk the walk! Find out how these highly adapted reptiles evolved to survive in habitats as diverse as the driest deserts or the watery depths of the ocean. Learn which species you can find in your own backyard or local park and what you can do to keep their habitats healthy. These animals might be hard-shelled, but they still need you to make life easy.

Invert Academy! Bugs Back to School
Saturday, December 28, 2024 & Sunday, December 29, 2024
10:00 AM-1:00 PM

Find yourself fascinated by a few of our favorite live insects and arachnids. Touch lively hissing cockroaches and meet chilled-out tarantulas. Show off your invertebrate knowledge to our science-loving staff or learn something brand new to love about arthropods. Discover what a real bug’s life is like, why invertebrates are critical to habitat health and how you can make their world safer and ensure their survival.

Heirloom Plants

Seed Dissection
Friday, Saturday and Sunday
2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Plants represent over 80% of the Earth's biomass. Nearly two-thirds of plants derive from seeds we rely on to feed ourselves. Human cultures have developed many ways to cultivate and preserve seeds, from food to clothing. But what makes a seed useful or important? Join us to learn about the fantastic world of seeds and why they are essential to communities worldwide.

Botanical Plant Tour
Daily, 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Since the mid-1930s, the Academy's dioramas have captured guests' imagination, showcasing animals from around the world in their habitats. However, plants, which are the basis of all ecosystems, are often overlooked. From trees to cacti, learn the secret benefits these plants provide for their environments and those living in their areas. Join us on this diorama plant walk and gain a newfound appreciation for the rich histories of plants and how they support the survival of life on Earth.

Member Mornings

Sunday, December 29, 2024: 9:00 AM-10:00 AM

Members can explore the Academy before the crowds! Guests of members are welcome and receive discounted admission.

Not a member? Join now.

Winter Break Hours

• Thursday, December 26: 10AM to 4:30PM
• Friday, December 27: 10AM to 4:30PM
• Saturday, December 28: 10AM to 5:00PM
• Member Morning, Sunday, December 29: 9AM to 10AM
• Sunday, December 29: 10AM to 5:00PM
• Monday, December 30: Closed
• $10 Tuesday, December 31: 10AM to 4:30PM

Winter Break Tickets

December 31 Tickets