Things to do in Philadelphia for Dinosaur Lovers
As always, our family love to check out local Natural History Museums when traveling. Thanks to a little dinosaur enthusiast among us, Eli, whose dreams of becoming a paleontologist have steered our travel itineraries towards the wonders of the prehistoric world. As members of the The American Museum of Natural History in NYC, it is always a fun time exploring different museums because they differ in what is displayed (especially dinosaurs).
Dinosaurs, oh my!
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
Choosing the Academy of Natural Sciences for our morning adventure couldn’t have been more perfect. Its manageable size is a blessing for families navigating through the exhibits with little explorers in tow. Yet, don’t let its size fool you—the museum packs a punch with an array of interactive displays and real-life experiences that ignite curiosity in young minds.
Main hall
First thing you’ll walk into is the very cool Dinosaur Hall
A Dino-lover’s Paradise!
Our adventure began on the first floor, home to the Dinosaur Hall. This space is a treasure trove of fossils and interactive exhibits. One particularly captivating experience allows visitors to stand in front of a green screen, instantly transporting them to a world where dinosaurs roam free. Eli’s eyes sparkled with excitement, his dreams momentarily crossing into reality.
Live dig site for the kids!
Ascending to the second floor, we stumbled upon a hands-on delight—a dig site for budding paleontologists. Equipped with all the necessary tools, kids delved into the sands, unearthing hidden fossils. This not only gave the children a thrilling experience but also offered a much-needed respite for the adults.
The journey continued through the second and third floors, adorned with intricate dioramas of animals. These lifelike scenes captured the imagination of our young companions, who stood, wide-eyed, in front of the glass, marveling at the creatures from different ecosystems.
The “Outside In” Exhibit
Our exploration reached its zenith on the fourth floor, with the “Outside In” exhibit. Here, the boundaries between museum and nature blur, inviting children into an interactive space where they can meet an array of animals—frogs, snakes, and even tarantulas. The live insect demo was a bit too adventurous for my taste (roaches, no thank you!), so I conveniently missed taking pictures of that segment.
Tarantulas, frogs, and other creepy-crawlers
This exhibit isn’t just about animal encounters. It’s an immersive learning environment where kids can investigate objects under large microscopes, navigate through climbing structures, and immerse themselves in nature-themed books. We spent an enriching hour here, and coaxing the kids to leave was no small feat.
Looking under the giant “microscope”
Concluding Thoughts
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University offered us more than just a museum visit—it provided a platform for interactive learning and exploration. For Eli, it was a step closer to his dream, an affirmation of his fascination with the prehistoric world. For the rest of us, it was a reminder of the wonders that await when we step out to explore with open minds and eager hearts.
As we exited the museum, our conversations buzzed with discussions on dinosaurs, ecosystems, and the incredible creatures that inhabit our world. This visit wasn’t just a checkmark on our travel list; it was an enriching experience that broadened our understanding and deepened our appreciation for the natural world.
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University stands as a testament to the power of educational adventures. It’s a place where dreams inch closer to reality, where curiosity is kindled, and where the natural world unfolds in all its magnificent diversity. For families seeking an immersive and educational experience, this museum is a must-visit. After all, it’s not every day that you get to walk among dinosaurs, dig for fossils, and come face-to-face with nature’s marvels—all in the heart of Philadelphia.