The holiday season has arrived, and this year you might be looking for unique gifts that are guaranteed to be as “in stock” as they are awesome. The Academy of Natural Sciences has amazing membership deals, outdoor experiences, animal encounters, dinosaur-themed gifts and more that will be perfect for the budding scientist or enthusiastic naturalist in your life.
For the Adventurer
This season, give your family an adventurous gift that lasts all year — a membership to the Academy of Natural Sciences. Members receive a full year of unlimited, free admission to the museum, access to members-only museum hours, events and activities, discounts on programming, parking and Academy Shop purchases and memories that will last a lifetime! Your gift recipient will meet our animal ambassadors in Outside In, watch paleontologists at work in our Fossil Prep Lab, explore a microscopic world in our newest exhibit Invisible World of Water and, of course, marvel at massive dinos.
For the Bird Watching Fanatic
For the bird lover on your list who wants to know more about the local fauna … you can give them the chance to find out! Your gift recipient can accompany the Academy’s Curator of Ornithology, Jason Weckstein, on a private bird walk in their neighborhood or favorite local hot spot. For more information, please contact Amy Whisenhunt at whisenhunt@ansp.org. Walks are for up to 10 people and must be within 40 miles of the Academy, and transportation will not be provided. Only two walks will be sold this year, so please contact us at your earliest convenience if you are interested.
For the Animal Lover
The Academy’s popular discovery center, Outside In, is a place for our youngest explorers to develop a passion for nature through hands-on activities and up-close animal encounters. Adopt-a-Critter in honor of a loved one to help care for our animals and deliver impactful experiences. Your gift includes your choice of a turtle, bunny or fish plaque (size small or large) personalized with an inscription that will be an enduring fixture in Outside In. Special this year while supplies last: your Adopt-a-Critter will come with a complimentary 10 inch turtle plush sent to your recipient!
For the Nature Enthusiast
Have someone on your list who loves science and the natural world? Make a donation to the Academy in their honor and support the mission to understand our natural world and inspire everyone to care for it. Make your gift and include a personal note with your loved one’s contact information so we can let them know of your generosity!
For the Dinosaur Obsessed
The Academy Shop has one-of-a-kind finds for the young and young-at-heart dinosaur fanatics on your list. Here are some of our best sellers:
A dino-shaped popper fidget toy perfect to keep your young cousins occupied during holiday travels.
A plush velociraptor for your Jurassic Park obsessed child.
A hangry T. rex shirt for that loved one who always needs an extra granola bar.
An illustrated geologic time mug for your favorite nerd.
Stop by Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. to shop (no admission necessary!). A wide array of toys, books, housewares, apparel and accessories means you’ll find something for everyone on your list.
Can purchases from the Academy shop be made online?
At the moment we recommend visiting us in the store, which does not require museum admission. Call us in the shop at 215-299-1186 with any questions.
This is a particularly incredible gift guide!! I love the way you’ve sorted everything rather than the nonexclusive his and hers. So helpful, thank you for the motivation