Credit: Will Klein
Snow-fatigued friends, take a break from it all and head over to Philadelphia’s Academy of Natural Sciences for the annual Paleopalooza festival. Taking place February 15th and 16th, Paleopalooza brings together scientists, a world class fossil collection, and engaging family-friendly activities to celebrate the different prehistoric creatures that once roamed the Earth.
Visitors will have the opportunity to learn firsthand about the different processes paleontologists use in their work. Stop by and find out how Drexel University paleontologist Ken Lacovara uses 3D printing to study dinosaurs and other forms of prehistoric life, and then check out how technicians make fossil molds and prepare freshly discovered fossils. Kick things up a notch with “Life in Scales”, an energetic, live animal show that takes a close look at dinosaur relatives that are alive today.
For those interested in a more hands-on experience (especially young children), there’s a skeletal scavenger hunt in the Academy’s Dinosaur Hall, an afternoon concert from the Diggity Dudes, and a giant trivia game of Dino-opoly. Face painting and the Dino Crafts station ensure that visitors can bring a piece of the festivities home with them after leaving the Academy.
Paleopalooza is one of several exciting events taking place at the Academy through the aptly titled “Ferocious Friday.” From now through March 30th, check out life-size, animatronic dinosaurs — including a T. Rex, triceratops, and velociraptor — at the Dinosaurs Unearthed exhibit. And on February 20th, catch a screening of “Jurassic Park III”, complete with hilarious live commentary, as part of the Academy’s Mega-Bad Movie Night.
Entrance to Paleopalooza is free with museum admission. For more information about the festival, click here.
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