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Academy of Natural Sciences

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Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19103
+1 215 299 1000
site: Academy of Natural Sciences
#33 of 419 things to do rated by Real Travelers

More information on Academy of Natural Sciences

If you're looking for dinosaurs, the Academy is the best place to find them. Kids love the big diorama halls, with cases of various species mounted and posed in authentic settings. A permanent display, "Dinosaurs Galore," features more than a dozen specimens, including a huge Tyrannosaurus rex with jaws agape. The Dig (weekends only) gives you an opportunity to dig for fossils in a re-created field station. The North American Hall, on the first floor, has enormous moose, bison, and bears. A small marine exhibit shows how some fish look different in ultraviolet light and how the bed of the Delaware River has changed since Penn landed in 1682.The second floor features groupings of Asian and African flora and fauna. Many of the cases have nearby headphones that tell you more about what you're seeing. Five or six live demonstrations using rocks, birds, plants, and animals are given here every day. The Egyptian mummy, a priest of a late dynasty, seems a bit out of place. Several daily demonstrations (called "Eco Shows") are given on the second floor and in the auditorium downstairs.Upstairs, "Outside In" is a touchable museum designed for children under 12, with a model campsite, fossils, minerals, and shells. Children can see, feel, hear, and smell live turtles, mice, bees in a beehive, and snakes (all caged), and wander around mock forests and deserts. An exhibit of live butterflies rounds out the picture, along with frequent films. There's a brown-bag lunchroom and vending area with drinks and snacks, or visit the Ecology Café. Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

Price

Admission $9 adults, $8.25 seniors, $8 children 3-12, free for children under 3

Credit Cards Accepted

visa,mastercard,amex,discover

Directions

Bus: 32, 33, or PHLASH

Area

19th St. and Benjamin Franklin Pkwy

Hours

Mon-Fri 10am-4:30pm; Sat-Sun and holidays 10am-5pm

Information by Frommers

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