Cook Museum of Natural Science

Treasure hunters, this one is for you! ⛏️💎 The Mining Sluice is open and ready for summer adventures! 🌞✨

Grab a bag, head to the sluice, and sift through the flowing water to uncover hidden treasures like colorful gemstones and other exciting finds. Every bag is a surprise, making each discovery even more fun! It's the perfect hands-on activity for curious kids, aspiring geologists, and anyone who loves a good treasure hunt. 🔍💎

Before planning your mining adventure, remember that the Mining Sluice is weather dependent and may close during inclement weather.

Visitors can explore the Cook Museum at their own pace, with additional sensory-based activities available in the Exhibits on Sensory Friendly Days on Sundays, June 14 & July 12 from Noon - 5 pm. For this event, the Museum aims to provide a relaxed environment for individuals with autism and other sensory or communication needs.

In addition to the Quiet Room and noise-reduction headphones that are always available, sounds will be lowered, crowds will be limited, and a designated Sensory Room will be available.

To prepare for your visit, a CMNS Social Story Guide and CMNS Visual Vocabulary are available online. FREE for Members or with General Admission.

During Museum Mondays, participants will receive early access for guided exploration in one of the Exhibits before it opens to the general public. Participants will then head to the classroom for fun hands-on activities and learning sessions. Includes a snack. 8:30 am - 11: 30 am

Exhibit Schedule:
June 15: Discover: Reptiles and Amphibians
June 29: Rivers & Streams
July 6: Caves
July 13: Wonderful World of Insects
July 20: Forests
July 27: Looking Up

Sessions are sold individually. All sales are final, no refunds. Only registered participants are permitted in the Exhibits and classroom. Admission to the exhibits after the class is not included.

Guests may register online at cookmuseum.org or in person at the Guest Services desk in the Museum Lobby. If you have any questions, contact the Group Sales department during regular weekday business hours at (256) 898-6312 or email [email protected].

For participants in rising Grades 1 - 5
$49 (+ tax) per participant, per session; $10 Member Discount
Limited spots available; advance registration required at least one week in advance.

Join some of the Museum’s Live Animal Ambassadors and staff for a little outdoor time during the Outdoor Animal Walkabouts on Tuesdays in June & July at 1 pm*! Many of the animals in the Museum’s care enjoy going outside and soaking up the sun. Here, you can watch them bask and roam while learning from their caretakers about what makes them so AMAZING! The animals included will depend on availability, but could be a lizard, turtle, snake or other Live Animal Ambassador. Please note that guests will not be able to touch the animals. *Weather dependent

June 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30
July 7, 14, 21, & 28
FREE for Members or with General Admission

The Cook Museum will have a children’s craft and coloring activity available on Tuesdays in June & July from 1:30 - 3:30 pm. FREE for Members or with General Admission. 🖍️

Make your plans this week for so much fun at the Museum! Check out the Summer Break schedule! ☀️

Join us for Stories in the Store on Tuesdays in June & July at 10:30 am where we will read a couple of stories and invite children to take an active role in the storytelling. Come early to choose your favorite stool! Story time begins at 10:30 am outside the Museum Store. New stories will be read each week. Admissions to the Exhibits is not included.
June 9, 16, 23, & 30

Which one will it be? Explore the Museum Exhibits with a different scavenger hunt each week this summer during the Summer of Mystery Scavenger Hunts on Fridays in June & July. Complete the scavenger hunt and earn a small prize to take home from the Museum Store.

Want a different scavenger hunt? Visit Discovery Hub on the Museum's website. There, you can download one to use digitally or to print at home and bring it to the Museum whenever you like.

June 5, 12, 19, & 26
July 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31
FREE for Members or with General Admission

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to stand inside a hot air balloon? Come do just that at the Soar & Explore Fun Day on Saturday, June 6 from 10 am - 2 pm, as we cold-inflate a hot air balloon inside! Learn how hot air balloons work, explore buoyancy, complete a craft, and search for hidden hot air balloons in the Exhibits.

At 1 pm, join us for a unique experience as you watch the Museum’s Animal Care staff dive into the Oceans Tank to feed some of your favorite animals. You’ll witness both broadcast and direct feeding methods used for different species in the Tank. FREE for Members or with General Admission.

Schedule:
Hot Air Balloon Walkthrough: 10 am - 2 pm
Hands-On Activity & Craft Stations: 10 am - 2 pm
Photo Station: 10 am - 2 pm
Will It Float? Science on the Spot: 11:30 am & 12:30 pm.
Underwater Oceans Feeding: 1 pm
Oceans Tank Enrichment: All Day
Hot Air Balloon Scavenger Hunt: All Day
Mining Sluice (with purchase)*: 10 am - 2 pm
*Weather Dependent