10 Natural History Museums in Pennsylvania That You Shouldn't Miss

September 7, 2021 Fernanda Pittenger

Discover the best top things to do in Pennsylvania, United States including Carnegie Institute, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Wagner Free Institute of Science, North Museum of Nature and Science, Oakes Museum of Natural History, Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Schisler Museum of Wildlife & Natural History and McMunn Planetarium, Jurassic World: The Exhibition, Delaware County Institute of Science, Crossroads Heritage Museum.
Restaurants in Pennsylvania

1. Carnegie Institute

Pittsburgh, PA
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

This sprawling complex is one of the city's cultural centers.

2. Carnegie Museum of Natural History

4400 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-4007 +1 412-622-3131 [email protected] http://www.carnegiemnh.org/
Excellent
74%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,632 reviews

Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Carnegie Museum of Natural History is the place for kids to discover science and the wonders of the natural world. Dig for bones in Bonehunters Quarry, get hands-on with real and replica specimens in Discovery Basecamp, grind corn in a Hopi home, and more. Dinosaurs are just the beginning! Free family-activities, touchables, and Bonehunters Quarry available each weekend and weekdays during the summer.

Reviewed By miscalane - Philadelphia, United States

This was so much better than the others we’ve been to across the country! The dinosaur, Native American, Ancient Egypt, animal & architecture sections were amazing! Any kid would love this and adults will not be disappointed!

3. Wagner Free Institute of Science

17th St and Montgomery Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19103 +1 215-763-6529 http://www.wagnerfreeinstitute.org/
Excellent
70%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 10 reviews

Wagner Free Institute of Science

Reviewed By katosaurx - Savannah, United States

Wow, what a great place!The collections are meticulously organized and maintained with species and organisms from all over the world. If you're interested in natural history, earth science, or biology, this is definitely a place to see. And it's free!

4. North Museum of Nature and Science

400 College Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603-3393 +1 717-358-3941 [email protected] http://www.northmuseum.org
Excellent
58%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 85 reviews

North Museum of Nature and Science

Since 1953, the North Museum of Nature and Science has been Lancaster’s place to discover science, nature, and cultures–from a turtle’s webbed feet to the dirty chunks of ice that form a comet. For generations of visitors, a trip to the North has sparked their curiosity, leading to a journey of lifelong learning. At the North Museum we are dedicated to inspiring curiosity, discovery, and a lifelong appreciation of nature, science, and cultures through educational exhibits, collections, and programs. Visit our new Explore Nature Gallery Watch a live honeybee hive at work Crawl into our awesome indoor giant discovery tree Make new friends in our Live Animal Room Explore the microscopic with our HD magnifier Experience the first of its kind SciDome Theater

Reviewed By gettysburggal126 - Gettysburg, United States

We went here with our daughter (age 3) because we were staying in Lancaster a few nights and she wanted to see snakes. She was not disappointed she loved seeing everything and the snakes as well. There is so much to see and she couldn’t stop looking. We spent about 1.5 hours until she was to tired to keep looking. Worth the trip and fun for all ages

5. Oakes Museum of Natural History

1 College Ave Messiah College, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-6805 http://www.messiah.edu/oakes
Excellent
57%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7 reviews

Oakes Museum of Natural History

6. Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1101 +1 215-299-1000 http://www.ansp.org/
Excellent
39%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 395 reviews

Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

At the Academy of Natural Sciences, you can wander among towering dinosaur skeletons or discover an indoor tropical butterfly garden. Explore ecosystems from around the world through our historic dioramas or be transported to the great outdoors through our hands-on discovery center for children. Visit our Special Exhibits Gallery for our newest exhibit, or watch scientists at work in Science Live or our Fossil Prep Lab.

Reviewed By tandhgoraj - Swedesboro, United States

My husband and I have not been here since we visited as elementary school students on a field trip. Flash forward three decades and it is another Philadelphia museum treasure. We are thirsty for getting out on our day trips and was happy to see this museum open during this pandemic. There are a few things to keep in mind to that end: 1. You must wear a mask in the museum. 2. There are lots of reminders throughout to maintain social distancing. 3. The cafe and gift shop are not open yet. (I was very disappointed. The website did not mention this!) 4. You must buy tickets online. You may use your email to show purchase. You do not have to print them out. 5. The museum and especially restrooms are clean! They also put many hand sanitizer stations through the museum. 6. Part of the butterfly exhibit was closed. The bottom line. We had a very nice day even with the limitations. They have a wildlife photography exhibit beginning in September so I will go back. I also love to but a souvenir and a book from gift shops so I will be back! That aside I also I like to mention accessibility options. I have limited mobility and I require handicap parking and use a walker. First, of you have a stroller, wheelchair, or walker you want to go in the 19th street e trance. We were able to find parking right in front of the door. Check website for varied pricing. Sunday’s are very reasonable. The bathroom was such a good size I was able to go in with my walker. There were also lots of benches to sit on as we enjoyed the museum. I felt very well accommodated with my limited mobility. This is a great stop for all ages. We spent over three hours there and would have been there much longer if those few things were not closed.

7. Schisler Museum of Wildlife & Natural History and McMunn Planetarium

Normal St. and Ransberry Ave., East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 +1 570-422-2705 [email protected] http://quantum.esu.edu/museum/
Excellent
50%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
10%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 10 reviews

Schisler Museum of Wildlife & Natural History and McMunn Planetarium

Check the website for current hours and programs! The Schisler Museum interprets more than 130 wildlife specimens from around the world, including a global insect display and a 350-gallon aquarium. The McMunn Planetarium features a 30-foot dome that offers digital sky shows. Together, the Schisler Museum and McMunn Planetarium form the only science center in the Pocono Mountains region where you can explore nature and astronomy all under one roof! Admission includes all-day access to both the museum and planetarium.

8. Jurassic World: The Exhibition

222 N 20th St The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1115 +1 215-448-1200 [email protected] http://www.fi.edu/exhibit/jurassic-world-exhibition
Excellent
17%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
26%
Terrible
29%
Overall Ratings

2.5 based on 88 reviews

Jurassic World: The Exhibition

9. Delaware County Institute of Science

11 Veterans Square, Media, PA 19063-3201 +1 610-566-5126 http://delcoscience.org/
Excellent
25%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
50%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 4 reviews

10. Crossroads Heritage Museum

3612 Mountain Rd Just Off Exit 23 On I78, Shartlesville, PA 19554-7015 +1 484-577-5444 http://Crossroadsheritagemuseum.com
Excellent
0%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
50%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 2 reviews

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.