From Saturday, Dec. 26, through Wednesday, Dec. 30, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University will host All-Star Days. Each day features a different theme with family-friendly activities, crafts, live shows and rare displays. Here is the breakdown of events over the five-day course.
Dinosaurs on Dec. 26
There is always more to discover when it comes to dinosaurs. (Will Klein/Academy of Natural Sciences)
This day is all about discovering dinosaur fossils and engaging with their closest living relatives. Between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., guests can learn insightful stories about the Academy's animals. At 1 p.m., there will be a closer look at the live birds and reptiles at the Academy, where guests will learn how they are related. An interactive dinosaur story will follow at 2 p.m.
Attendees can examine brine shrimp and insects encased in amber under a microscope, touch dinosaur fossils and do arts and crafts on their visit, as well.
Bugs on Dec. 27
Bugs aren't gross, they're just misunderstood. On this day, guests can get up close and personal with the Academy's live invertebrate collection. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., guests can learn insightful stories about the Academy's animals, and at 1 p.m., magnified details of live bugs will be shown on a big-screen display. The interactive story at 2 p.m. will be all about insects, the craft activity will be bug-centered, and attendees will even get a chance to examine a butterfly wing under a microscope.
Reptiles: The Beautiful and the Deadly on Dec. 28
This day will feature the daily 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. show where guests learn insightful stories about the Academy's animals, a 2 p.m. themed storytime and a reptile-themed craft to take home.
At 1 p.m., there will be a fun game where guests meet live animals and guess whether they would be predator or prey at a reptile dinner party. Guests can also examine scales under a microscope, learn about snakes and take a close look at various live cold-blooded creatures.
Fur, Feathers and Scales on Dec. 29
Interactive science is fun for both adults and children. (Kelly and Massa/ Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University)
Enjoy the daily 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. show discussing the Academy's live animals, the 2 p.m. interactive storytime and arts and crafts.
At noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., guests can watch a live animal show where a critter gets some exercise. Fur, feathers and scales from all over the world can be viewed under a microscope. See skulls from North American animals and touch fur pelts, as well.
Weird Things in Jars on Dec. 30
Want to see the weirdest stuff the Academy has to offer? Join in on this day to peer into jars from the Academy’s collections for some strange surprises.
At 1 p.m., there will also be a live animal show, and during the day, guests can learn how scientists preserve specimens for research. The daily show discussing the live animals at the Academy will be at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., interactive storytime will be at 2 p.m., and the craft will be to create a bizarre creature to take home.
All-Star Days
Saturday, Dec. 26, to Wednesday, Dec. 30
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | $14.95 for child, student, senior, military; $18.95 for adult
Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
(215) 299-1000