One of the best things to do in Philadelphia with kids is visit some of the many awesome museums the city has to offer. And we all knows kids love dinosaurs, making the Academy of Natural Sciences as top pick for families.
The Academy of Natural Sciences is located in the heart of Philly, right along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, making it a perfect destination for tourists. It’s also close to other popular museums like the Franklin Institute, the Barnes Foundation, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. And it’s a 10-minute walk from the famous LOVE Park and City Hall.
The guide below shares what you should expect when you visit the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. Keep reading for more information!
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Hotels Near the Academy of Natural Sciences
Since Philadelphia is a major city with big tourism draw, you have your pick of where to stay near the Academy of Natural Sciences.
For visitors who want a little luxury, try the Four Seasons at the Comcast Center. For a more practical stay, the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown is a short walk from the Academy of Natural Sciences and the other popular museums on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
We loved our stay at the Element Philadelphia Downtown. They have excellent views of City Hall and kitchenettes. Perfect for a stay with kids.
Academy of Natural Sciences Location and Parking
Located at 1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19103, the Academy of Natural Sciences is near other fabulous museums in Philadelphia, including the Franklin Institute, the Rodin Museum, and the famous Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Unfortunately, the Academy of Natural Sciences does not have a dedicated parking garage. However, street parking is available around and near the museum. There are also many garage and lots available for parking. The closest lot is on 19th Street, between Arch and Cherry Streets. And the closest garage is on Cherry Street, between 18th and 19th Streets.
Admission to the Academy of Natural Sciences
Admission to the Academy of Natural Sciences varies by age. They offer discounts if you purchase your admission online. They also offer military, senior, and student discounts. The Academy of Natural Sciences participates in the ACCESS card program, and offers $2 admission when you present your card, for up to four people.
If you have a membership to an Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) Passport Program, you may be able to enter the museum for free. Check with your museum to see if you meet the distance requirements.
Lastly, the Academy of Natural Sciences museum pass is available at local libraries. If you live in the Philadelphia area, click here to learn more about the library pass program and how you can visit museums in the area for FREE!
Fun Exhibits at the Academy of Natural Sciences
Dinosaurs
Over 30 species are represented in Dinosaur Hall, which include dinosaurs and other Mesozoic creatures. Activities within the exhibit include a green-screen studio that, projects your image into a dinosaur world. You can run with the dinosaurs!
Another activity is examining the anatomy of a stegosaurus, and comparing it to a human’s. Lastly, kids will learn about the brain sizes of different dinosaurs and other species.
Don’t forget to visit the Dino Dig! It is a large area within the dinosaur exhibit where young paleontologists can dig for dinosaur bones. There are also some fossils hidden under the “dirt”.
Dioramas
Throughout the museum you will find dioramas of various animals from the North American, African, and Asian continents. The kids had fun looking for all the animals within a diorama, especially the smaller ones, such as the chipmunks and tortoises. We especially enjoyed the large moose featured at the end of the North American Hall.
Outside In
On the upper floors, there is a butterfly garden and children’s play area, called “Outside In”. The play area contains many live animals, including spiders, snacks, and various insects. It also contains an eagle’s “nest” where kids can pretend to be a baby eagle, a sand area for digging and exploring, and microscopes with various specimens to observe.
Special Exhibits
Throughout the year, the Academy of Natural Sciences features special exhibits. Past exhibits included insects and mythic creatures, like unicorns. Check their website to see what special exhibits they have on display during your visit.
Other Things to Do Near the Academy of Natural Sciences
The Academy of Natural Sciences is close to so many of Philadelphia’s best attractions. The Franklin Institute, an awesome science museum, is few blocks away. And there are three awesome art museums, the Barnes Foundation, the Rodin Museum, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, close by.
If the weather is nice, kids will love playing at Sister Cities Park on the eastern side of Logan Square. You can even walk the short distance to LOVE Park and City Hall for the spray areas.
If you have more time to spend in Philadelphia, you’ll want to visit the historic area and other areas of the city. The City of Brotherly Love has so much to offer!
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