Philadelphia’s Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University held its annual Paleopalooza, a two-day dinosaur inspired festival, on Feb. 18 and 19, 2012.
The festival featured special guest appearances by Buddy the T-Rex and paleontologist Dr. Scott Sampson of the hit PBS children’s series “Dinosaur Train,” children’s crafts, up close looks at real fossils and hands on activities for children.
Buddy and Dr. Scott spent one-on-one time with some lucky children at a special breakfast members only breakfast and Saturday and Sunday.
"The best part about my job is seeing all these 5-year-olds greating so excited about dinosaurs," said Dr. Scott. "I'm like the kid who never grew up."
Dr. Scott also gave dinosaur-related auditorium talks throughout the weekend. Five of the talks were geared toward an all-ages crowd and one was just for older children and adults.
The Delaware Valley Paleontological Society and representatives for the local WHYY, Greater Philadelphia’s public broadcasting channel, were also on hand for the weekend.
Outside the Academy, Field Station: Dinosaur, a new dinosaur themed park scheduled to open in Secaucus, NJ in May 2012, showed off their 15 ft. baby T-Rex animatronic puppet.
Throughout the weekend, extra Academy staff members were on hand to provide guided tours of the dinosaur room and answered questions about the museum and its exhibits.
The Academy’s next big event will be its bicentennial exhibition opening March 24.
During the opening weekend of The Academy at 200: The Nature of Discovery, children who visit the museum will be treated to free (with addmission) activities and games.
“We hope everyone will come see this special exhibit and join with us in celebrating this incredible milestone in the Academy’s long, distinguished history,” said Academy President and CEO George W. Gephart, Jr.
For more information visit the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University’s website or call 215-299-1000.
Comments