Fun at Museum of Nature & Science for kids, beer lovers, science geeks

At the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science, our mission is to ignite a lifelong passion for exploring, discovering, and valuing nature and science. We offer a wide range of programs and exhibits designed to engage guests of all ages, from the youngest explorers to lifelong learners.

Every Wednesday in August, thanks to WSFS Bank, you can visit the museum for half the price. It’s a great opportunity to explore our exhibits and programs at a reduced cost.

August also marks four years since a tornado barreled through the woods behind the property, decimating many trees along with our trails. Thanks to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and other generous donors, our outdoor areas have been revitalized with new educational signage, a completed loop of mulched trails, and new tables and chairs for guests to enjoy.

The first area our guests encounter inside the museum is the Discovery Gallery, a hub of innovation and creativity. This space hosts regular demonstrations and hands-on activities to facilitate curiosity, encourage questions, and foster exploration. Highlights include the Physics of Flight wind tunnel exhibit, developed in collaboration with Villanova University’s Engineering Department, which showcases the aerodynamics of three different species of Nightingale Thrush birds using robotics and engineering. Another highlight is the Orsothonic Lift display, developed by museum member David Colosante, which illustrates how alternating sound waves can generate lift.

For our youngest visitors, the Nature Nook offers a safe and engaging environment to explore the wonders of nature. This interactive space is designed to spark curiosity and encourage hands-on learning. With activities tailored for young children, the Nature Nook is the perfect place for our littlest friends to begin their journey of discovery.

Science museums aren’t just for kids. We also offer events at the museum and offsite specifically designed for guests ages 21 and up. On Friday, Aug. 23, challenge your knowledge at Brains and Brews Trivia Night, where you can test your science trivia skills, meet live animal ambassadors, and enjoy refreshments.

Our signature fundraising event, Wine & Dinosaurs, presented by M&T Bank, is Sunday, Sept. 29, featuring premium wines, specialty beers, hors d’oeuvres, live birds, and a silent auction — all in support of the museum.

Offsite, join us for Nerd Nite Wilmington at Wilmington Brew Works on the fourth Wednesday of each month. As a monthly event series held around the world, Nerd Nite Wilmington features fun, informative talks on all sorts of nerdy topics along with cool beverages. Past topics have included whales and marine biology, beer fermentation, composting, local music history, native plants, and many more. There’s something for everyone at Nerd Nite, and anyone can sign up to give a talk.

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Our calendar is filling up with fall events and programs, including offerings for Scouts, School Day Off Camps, and more.

Also coming up this fall, our next traveling exhibit, "Permian Monsters: Life Before the Dinosaurs,'' opens on Saturday, Oct. 12. Sponsored by Bank of America, this exhibition transports visitors back nearly 300 million years to the Permian Period,  a time of bizarre and fascinating creatures that ruled the land and sea before the dinosaurs. Visitors will encounter vivid artwork by paleo-artist Julius Csotonyi, scientifically accurate 3-D sculptures, and an impressive collection of fossils. The Permian Period ended with the greatest extinction event in Earth's history, wiping out 80% of all species. This exhibition sheds light on the dramatic changes that paved the way for the rise of the dinosaurs. Giant insects, long-extinct sea creatures, and the first large land carnivores and herbivores are just a few of the highlights. It’s an immersive journey into a largely unknown era that shaped the world as we know it.

With so much to see and do, there’s always something new to discover at the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science. Join us and be part of the adventure!

For more information about our programs, events, and exhibits, visit delmns.org.

Halsey Spruance is executive director of the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science .

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Fun at Museum of Nature & Science for kids, beer lovers, science geeks