If you’re looking for a fun and educational place to visit in Pennsylvania, the North Museum of Nature and Science in Lancaster is a great choice. This museum is perfect for families, school trips, and anyone who enjoys science, nature, and hands-on learning.
Located near the heart of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the North Museum may be smaller than some big city science museums, but it offers just as much fun. It’s packed with exhibits, fossils, live animals, and even a planetarium. Best of all, it’s affordable and friendly for kids and adults alike.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about visiting the North Museum of Nature and Science — from exhibits and events to practical tips.
A Quick History of the Museum
The North Museum was founded in 1953. It was created to share natural science and local history with the community. Over time, the museum has grown and updated its exhibits. Today, it mixes classic collections like fossils and minerals with new technology like virtual reality and digital learning tools.
Where Is It?
The museum is located at:
400 College Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603
It is right next to Franklin & Marshall College. There is free parking near the museum, and it is easy to get to from downtown Lancaster.
Admission and Hours
As of 2025, ticket prices are:
- Adults: $11
- Children (ages 3–17): $9
- Seniors (65+): $10
- Children under 3: Free
- Planetarium shows: $5 extra per person
Museum Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10 AM to 4 PM
- Closed on Mondays and major holidays
It’s best to check the official website before your visit to confirm times and ticket info.
What to See Inside the Museum
Now, let’s dive into what you can expect to see at the North Museum. There are several permanent exhibits, as well as rotating exhibits and seasonal events.
1. Dinosaur Gallery
This is the most exciting room for many visitors. Here, you’ll find real dinosaur fossils, giant skeletons, and life-sized models. One of the highlights is the Tyrannosaurus rex skull and the Stegosaurus tail spike.
Kids love the dino dig area where they can play and pretend to be paleontologists. The interactive touchscreens let you learn about how dinosaurs lived, what they ate, and how they went extinct.
2. Live Animal Room
In this room, you can see real, live animals. The museum cares for small reptiles, amphibians, and insects. You might see:
- Turtles
- Frogs
- Lizards
- Snakes
- Tarantulas
Friendly staff members are often nearby to answer questions and sometimes let kids touch the animals during special programs.
3. Nature Gallery
The Nature Gallery focuses on the local environment in Pennsylvania. You’ll see animal displays, preserved birds, and information about native plants. There are also sections about climate change and ecosystem balance.
It’s a great way to learn about the natural world just outside your door.
4. Planetarium Shows
The museum has a full SciDome Theater (a dome-shaped planetarium). This is one of the most popular parts of the museum. The shows are perfect for kids and adults and last about 30 minutes.
Popular shows include:
- “One World, One Sky” with Sesame Street’s Elmo (for young kids)
- “Stars of the Pharaohs” (a journey through ancient Egypt)
- “Back to the Moon for Good” (about modern space travel)
The planetarium costs a little extra, but it’s worth it for the full experience.
5. STEM Maker Space
This is a hands-on zone for learning through play. It’s perfect for school-aged children. They can build with LEGO bricks, solve puzzles, and work on science experiments.
The Maker Space sometimes hosts weekend workshops where kids can learn about coding, robotics, and engineering basics.
6. Mineral and Geology Collection
Do you like shiny rocks and crystals? Then don’t miss this room. The museum has a large collection of minerals, gemstones, and fossils. You’ll see quartz, geodes, meteorites, and more.
The displays also explain how these rocks formed over millions of years and how we use them today.
Special Events and Programs
The North Museum often holds special events for families. Some past events include:
- Science Café Nights for adults
- Bug Day with live insect demos
- Telescope Nights for stargazing
- Spring Science Fair for local students
There are also summer camps for kids and homeschool programs throughout the year.
You can check the events calendar on the museum’s website or ask the staff when you arrive.
Gift Shop and Food
There’s a small museum shop near the front entrance. You can buy science kits, toys, books, and educational souvenirs.
There is no full cafe or restaurant inside the museum. But there are vending machines and benches for a quick snack. Many visitors bring lunch and eat outside in the nearby park or head into town for food.
Nearby places to eat include:
- Lancaster Cupcake
- Isaac’s Craft Kitchen & Brewery
- Prince Street Cafe
Tips for Visiting
Here are a few tips to make your visit easy and fun:
- Plan to spend 2–3 hours at the museum.
- Buy tickets online if you plan to attend a planetarium show.
- Bring a camera, but flash photography is not allowed in some areas.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible and has family restrooms.
- Great for children ages 3–12, but fun for all ages.
Why the North Museum Is Worth Visiting
The North Museum of Nature and Science is more than just a museum. It’s a fun and welcoming place where kids get excited about learning. It’s small enough to enjoy in half a day, but packed with knowledge, wonder, and interaction.
Whether you’re visiting Lancaster for a weekend or live nearby, this museum is a great stop. It’s budget-friendly, educational, and filled with hands-on fun for everyone in the family.
Final Thoughts
In a world full of flashy attractions, the North Museum of Nature and Science reminds us that simple, science-based fun still matters. From dinosaur bones to real live reptiles, from star shows to STEM labs, this museum brings nature and learning to life.
So if you’re in Lancaster, PA, don’t miss the chance to explore it. Your kids will thank you—and you’ll probably have just as much fun as they do.
