2019 Gift Guide

What gift do you get for that person on your list who loves science? In our 2019 gift guide, we’re offering a bird walk with a scientist, a date with a sloth, fashionable science gear, general admission to the Academy or even a year-long membership! And don’t forget — if you can’t find the perfect item below, the Academy Shop is packed with science-themed gifts, from books and plush toys to attire and more!

Bird Walk in Philadelphia

Binoculars with bird book

For the bird lover on your list who wants to know more about the local fauna: Here’s their chance to find out! Your gift recipient can accompany the Academy’s resident birdman, Curator of Ornithology Jason Weckstein, on a private bird walk in their neighborhood or favorite local hot spot for up to 10 people. For more information, please contact Caitlin K. O’Brien, individual giving manager, at obrien@ansp.org or 215-405-5079. Walks must be within 40 miles of the Academy, and transportation will not be provided. Only two walks will be sold this year–please contact us at your earliest convenience if you’re interested. $400

After-Hours Date With a Sloth

Sloth hangs from branch, white background

That’s right—the most sloth-obsessed person on your list can go behind the scenes of Survival of the Slowest, opening in February 2020. They can meet animals that have survived for millions of years despite being very slow, learn about the puzzling sides of evolution and adaptation and meet live animals, including a two-toed sloth, tarantula, chameleon and horned frog. Plus they might touch a tortoise, iguana, snake, hedgehog or gecko! For more information, please contact Caitlin K. O’Brien, individual giving manager, at obrien@ansp.org or 215-405-5079. Just two opportunities are available, so please contact us at your earliest convenience if you’re interested! $350

Tickets to Door 19: Sippin’ With Sloths

Young women make hemp bracelets

Whether you’re buying a ticket for yourself and a date or planning a much-needed night out with a friend, you won’t want to miss this adults-only cocktail party with real sloths. At Door 19: Sipping with Sloths, explore the unexpected adaptations that give living things (like sloths) an edge, from slowness to senescence. Take a rare chance to scope out the million specimens in our largest collection, or pull out some drawers to study skins behind the scenes. Learn what the “slow food movement” really means, take action by getting some with conservation condoms and cheer on your favorite competitor in the tortoise and the hare race. Dress to impress (sloths are very distinguished!) or come as you are for an offbeat evening with live music, fabulous food and an open bar. Tickets are available at the lowest price during the holiday season. Our last Door 19 sold out, and very limited tickets remain at time of posting, so get your tickets today!

General Admission Four-Pack for $48

This limited-time offer grants a family of four general admission access to the museum, featuring dinosaurs, live animals, butterflies, dioramas and more, for only $48! 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. This offer is only available for purchase through January 1, 2020. Maximum two adults per four-pack. Purchase at ansp.org.

An Overnight in the Museum

Girls enjoy indoor family fun at a dinosaur museum overnight

Experience the Academy’s towering dinosaurs—including T. rex—after dark with your family, or give the gift of Night in the Museum! This action-packed night at the museum barely leaves room for shut-eye. Night in the Museum is appropriate for children ages 6–14 and is perfect for scout groups, birthday parties, kids’ clubs, sports team retreats and more. You can pick your sleeping spot next to lions, tigers, or dinosaurs, go on a scavenger hunt, do a hands-on experiment, or inspect some not-so-creepy crawlies. Plus explore every corner of the Academy’s famous exhibits, including our live butterfly garden and dinosaur bone dig. Overnights are February 15 and March 21, 2020. Sign up now to spend the Night in the Museum!

A Year of Discovery for the Whole Family

Young boy smiles up at Eddie the T. rex

Introduce someone on your shopping list to the wonders of the natural world. Purchase an Academy gift membership for a friend or relative and they will receive unlimited free general admission all year long, free or discounted tickets to special exhibits, exclusive previews of Academy exhibits, parking discounts and much more!

A Science-themed Gift From the Academy Shop

Rubber dinosaurs, large and small

If you don’t see the perfect gift above, the Academy Shop offers a wide variety of nature-inspired items for all ages, including educational toys and activity kits, a wide selection of books and field guides, real fossils and minerals, distinctive jewelry and so much more. You can even shop without purchasing museum admission and create the perfect holiday surprise for that tough-to-please recipient on your list. Stop in today — we are open on December 24.

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