Fernbank Museum of Natural History announces a series of fun-filled activities, programs, giveaways and family days that are sure to keep families entertained and inspired. Every day between Memorial Day and Labor Day can now be considered an opportunity to have fun while learning with the entire family during Fernbank Museum’s 97 Days of Play.
The summer series draws inspiration from the ocean, island and tropical subjects of the museum’s current exhibits and films, including Whales: Giants of the Deep, Journey to the South Pacific,Island of Lemurs: Madagascar, and opening in June, Great White Shark.
The 97 Days of Play summer series will kick off on May 31 with Island Adventure Day, which will feature live lemurs, music, crafts, games and much more.
In addition to Island Adventure Day, Fernbank will host Superhero Day where guests can honor dad by dressing as their favorite superhero, and Dinosaur Birthday Bash through which the Museum honors its favorite prehistoric creatures with fun games and activities.
As always, Fernbank will integrate educational days that provide children with the chance to learn more about science. Reptile Day will feature various animals that guests will be able to interact with as they learn fascinating information from Fernbank’s educators.
“We are so glad to provide more opportunities for kids to foster a passion for science,” said Charlee Glenn, a program educator at Fernbank Museum. “We have such exciting activities and hands-on activities planned, and we can’t wait for the community to come out and experience them all summer long.”
The Museum will also host drop-in summer programs that will be led by Fernbank’s educators. These days will provide guests with a variety of opportunities, including chances to explore the forest, interact with live animals and gain a better understanding of the role science plays in everyday life.
Fernbank’s 97 Days of Play will also offer special giveaway days in July. From July 1-29, the first 250 children will receive a real shark tooth during Shark Tooth Tuesdays, in celebration of the new IMAX film Great White Shark. On Sundays from July 6-27, the first 100 children will receive a free safari hat during Safari Hat Sundays.
More event days are listed below. The Museum will also update its events listing online and on Facebook with more activities throughout the summer.
Throughout the summer, visitors are encouraged to take in the films and special exhibitions that inspired 97 Days of Play, including Island of Lemurs: Madagascar (requires the purchase of an IMAX ticket); Journey to the South Pacific, closes June 12 (requires an IMAX ticket); Great White Shark (requires an IMAX ticket), which opens June 13; and the special museum exhibitionWhales: Giants of the Deep (included with museum admission).
Highlighted events during 97 Days of Play include:
May 31 Island Adventure Day
June 15 Superhero Day
June 28 Fins and Flippers Day
July 1-29 Shark Tooth Tuesdays – The first 250 visitors receive a free shark tooth with admission
July 6-27 Safari Hat Sundays – The first 100 visitors receive a free safari hat with admission (children only).
July 12 Reptile Day
July 26 Carnival Science Day
August 23 Dinosaur Birthday Bash
Daily through August 24 Special exhibition Whales: Giants of the Deep
Daily through June 12 IMAX® film Journey to the South Pacific
Opening June 13 IMAX® film Great White Shark
97 Days of Play activities are included with Museum admission and are free for Fernbank members. Museum tickets are $18 for adults, $17 for students and seniors, $16 for children ages 3-12 and free for children aged 2 and under. Value Pass tickets, which include museum admission and one IMAX film, are $26 for adults, $24 for students and seniors, $22 for children ages 3-12, free for children aged 2 and under, and $8 for members. The Museum is located five minutes from midtown at 767 Clifton Road NE in Atlanta. Parking is free. For tickets, call 404.929.6400 or visit www.fernbankmuseum.org.
