Happy Holidays from the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University! Check out our great gift ideas for that special bookworm, young environmentalist or nature enthusiast in your life.
Membership
This season, give your family a sustainable feel-good 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 monthly members-only museum hours, special events and activities, discounts on programming, parking and Academy Shop purchases and memories that will last a lifetime! As a Member, you’re invited to Members’ Night, our annual, celebratory, behind-the-scenes event that gives you full access to our collections and scientists for an evening of total science fun!
Already a member but want even more? Upgrade as Academy Collaborator and join exclusive hands-on field opportunities that allow you to participate in our research, explore our collections and connect with our engaging scientists and staff. Year-round, both Members and Academy Collaborators can meet our animal ambassadors in Outside In, watch paleontologists at work in our Fossil Prep Lab, explore beautiful, thought-provoking, hands-on exhibits — and, of course, marvel at our dinosaurs.
Night in the Museum
What will you discover in the dark? Spend the night with your favorite little adventurer at the Academy and find out! Night in the Museum is an action-packed sleepover at the museum that barely leaves room for any shut-eye. Explore every corner of the Academy’s famous exhibits, including The Big Dig and Outside In and enjoy a fascinating live animal show. Snooze next to roaring lions, stalking tigers or ancient dinosaurs. Hang out with some fellow explorers and enjoy delicious snacks, breakfast and coffee. Check out awesome specimens, do hands-on experiments and see the museum as you never have before. This experience makes the perfect holiday gift!
Science Summer Camp
Calling all young scientists! Held between June and September, the Academy Science Summer Camp is the place to be! Explore wild science and cool exhibits found only at the Academy. Each day will feature fun hands-on activities, creative crafts and untold secrets of the museum. Learn about some naturally awesome science happening right here at the Academy, from fossils and dinosaurs to bugs, birds and botanicals. Get outside for lunch and explore the urban environment around the museum. Meet live animals and discover rare specimens. Spots fill quickly, so be sure to capture one soon (available in early December) and give your favorite little scientist something to look forward to all year!
Gift Shop
Stop by the Academy’s Gift Shop Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. all month to shop — no museum admission necessary! Shop for your favorite stuffed animals, eye-catching posters, fun science-themed mugs, cozy apparel and quirky accessories. You’ll find something here for every nature lover and dino enthusiast on your list. Be sure to also pick up some one-of-a-kind Academy merch this holiday season and represent your favorite museum all year long.
Academy Book Recommendations
Looking for a great title for that special reader in your life? Academy staff and scientists offer their suggestions of a few good books — fiction, nonfiction, memoir and children’s books — to check out this year, all about our favorite topic: natural science.
- Lessons from Plants by Beronda Montgomery
- Adventures in Community Science: Notes from the Field and a How-To Guide by Ron Smith
- Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation that Starts in Your Yard by Douglas Tallamy
- Urban Lichens: A Field Guide for Northeastern North America by Jessican Allen and James Lendemer
- Water Always Wins: Thriving in an Age of Drought and Deluge by Erica Gies
- Coco’s Fire: Changing Climate Anxiety into Climate Action by Jeremy Wortzel and Lena Champlin
- Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teaching of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer
- Meet Me at the Museum by Anne Youngson
- The Delaware River Story: Water Wars, Trout Tales and a River Reborn by Lee Hartman
- Exploring Philly Nature: A Guide for All Four Seasons by Bernard Brown
I rarely get into the city, but certainly enjoyed your webinars . Perhaps there is less need to do them now. Also, a suggestion, would love to see you sell your beautiful, and fun gifts from the Acadmy’s shop on- line.
Wish I had spent more time in the city when I was younger and had enjoyed the Academy more. As a teacher, my classes always were excited to enjoy the Academy. Continue your good work.