A few weeks ago, we visited the California Academy of Sciences specifically to check out the new Extreme Mammal Exhibit. Our 7 year old is an “animal expert”, so a visit to the Academy of Sciences is always huge treat. When we first entered the Academy, we were greeted by the teaser section of the Extreme Mammal exhibit. It was really neat. In addition to a HUGE sculpture of the largest mammal, there is also a scale where people can compare their weight to that of other mammals. That part was fun. The kids delighted in the hands-on aspect of this portion of the exhibit.
Pangolin at Extreme Mammal Exhibit Photo Credit: AMNH/D. Finnin
Once through the ticket queue, you enter another queue with informational posters. After a moment, the doors to the exhibit were opened for us by a young man. He explained we were entering a temperature controlled environment and to not take any pictures. He also said to make sure we did not touch any of the exhibits unless a sign specifically said so. No worries – there is plenty here to see and touch.
Kinkajou Skeleton at Extreme Mammal Exhibit - Photo by: Woolly Monkey Fossil in the Extreme Mammal Exhibit - Photo credit: AMNH/R. Mickens
While the exhibits were arranged in an old-school museum style, the flow of the rooms was great. One topic naturally lead to another. The information in each section was short and informative. While my kids rushed through somewhat, there was enough to interest them and get them talking. My son, Josh, was particularly moved by the section on endangered species and has been studying the causes of extinction since we came home.
Giant Ground Sloth at Extreme Mammal Exhibit - Photo credit: AMNH/D. Finnin
My only complaint with the exhibit – and it’s a minor one – is that, even though it was a new exhibit, it already had a worn appearance. Some signage was damaged, ripped, or falling apart, and some interactive materials weren’t working properly. The condition of the exhibit made me feel as if the exhibit was being neglected. It did not impact my ability to learn and enjoy the exhibit, just my ability to view the exhibit in a completely positive light.
Ellesmere Island Diorama at the Extreme Mammal Exhibit - Photo credit: AMNH/D. Finnin
All in all, my 7 year old son who’s a huge animal fan was very moved by the extreme mammal exhibit. My 5 year old daughter was just slight of bored during our 45 minute tour of exhibit. Definitely visit with your kids 6 and up who can read and digest all the wonderful information, However, you might want to skip over this special exhibit and head straight for the wonderful aquarium with younger kids.
Related:
- Reviews of the California Academy of Sciences
- Activities for Kids in San Francisco
- Kid-friendly Hotels in San Francisco
Disclosure: This review is based on a complimentary visit to Academy of Sciences. I received no other compensation and the business owner did not state any requirements that I express a particular point of view.
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Heather Tanner is a 2010 Trekaroo Superoo who visited the California Academy of Sciences on assignment to check out the Extreme Mammal Exhibit.
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When our son turned 4, he wanted a dinosaur party. I was thrilled. My imagination went wild over creating a wonderful dinosaur dig complete with a dino egg hunt. These terrifying creatures have captured the minds of even the youngest children. Most natural history museums these days have some dinosaur fossil replicas that most kids are totally in awe off. One of the finest collections of dinosaur fossils is in New York City. The American Museum of Natural History is a must see for your dinosaur loving child. “The huge skeletons of animals and dinosaurs is a site to see” says luisnmon on Trekaroo.
But wait, beyond looking at these dinosaur displays that are off limits to kids, there are many playgrounds at theme parks where kids can pretent to be paleontologists. But if you are kooking for a place your kids can see real life excavations take place? Visit La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles, CA! mmatheny says it’s a “wonderful educational experience.”
If you have a dino fan, don’t miss Dinosaur World in Cave City, Kentucky and Plant City, Florida. Michbear’s kids loved digging for fossils and roaming between giant dinosaur replicas. “Wow! They’re big!” she says. Got Teens? They will enjoy Laurel Caverns in Hopwood, Pennsylvania where they can rappel and climb through the cave as well as go on fossil-hunting excursions.
