Look up upon entering Dinosaur Hall, and you'll find yourself face to face with a fully-constructed Tyrannosaurus Rex, the largest meat-eating dinosaur in history. Discoveries like the T-Rex—and others that shaped the prehistoric and modern worlds alike—are exhibited and showcased throughout the four stories of The Academy of Natural Sciences, which resides on Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

This family-friendly, hands-on museum lets you climb into the skull of a dinosaur, try on its horns and claws, touch a Madagascar cockroach or snake, and go on an archeological dig. Be sure to investigate the tropical rain forest, where you'll be surrounded by butterflies from all over the globe. There are also a multitude of 3-D exhibits that replicate habitats of large game animals, such as wildebeests and Indian tigers. Various events and special exhibits are highlighted throughout the year. The museum also has adult and family programs, a cafe and a gift shop.

The Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 299-1000
www.ansp.org