CATALYST
DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE ONLINE MAGAZINE
Things to Do at the Museum this Summer
Exhibitions, Planetarium Shows and more!
Dancing T. rex at the entrance welcomes guests into the Denver Museum of Nature & Science this summer. (Photo/ Maurilio Tapia)
What's on your summer bucket list? Does traveling back in time or across the cosmos make the cut? At the Museum this summer, we have something for everyone — whether you're trying to burn energy in the Discovery Zone with your toddler or vibe to psychedelic Pink Floyd Laser Show at the planetarium.
Here are just a few of things you could do to fill your day the Museum this summer:
Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep
“Jurassic Oceans: Monster of the Deep” is now open at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. (Photo/ Bob Nicholls)
Earth's oceans have been home to some of the largest, fiercest and most successful predators ever to exist. Step back in time with “Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep” to come face-to-face with ferocious marine hunters and their unusual prey from millions of years ago. Striking fossil specimens will show the predators of the Jurassic seas in their natural habitats and tell the story of how they adapted to survive. Plus, this exhibition is filled with exciting, hands-on activities that invite the imagination to swim wild! Learn more, here.
Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia
"Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia" is now showing at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. (Photo/ Jamie Pham)
Embark on an awe-inspiring journey through time to discover the untold story of “Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia.” Over 120 intricate carvings, sacred sculptures and ancient relics – many never before seen outside Cambodia – reveal a story that has baffled scientists for years. How could an empire that built one of the world’s most astonishing architectural and engineering marvels all but vanish into the Southeast Asia jungle? Discover how modern technology is providing new insights into Angkor’s legacy and celebrate its remarkable resilience as a vibrant, living temple and a captivating destination for travelers worldwide. The exhibition is free with Museum admission or membership. Learn more, here.
Read more: The Blessing Ceremonies That Opened ‘Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia’
Discovering Teen Rex
Fossil preparator Alex Polich exposes the fossil specimen in the Teen Rex Prep Lab at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. (Photo/ Rick Wicker)
Get up close with history in the making! Witness paleontologists in the lab uncovering an extremely rare adolescent T. rex fossil — one of only a handful ever found worldwide. This exhibition, free with general admission, is best when paired with the documentary "T. Rex 3D," which is now showing on our giant screen Infinity Theater.
Planetarium Space and Laser Shows
They’re back! Laser shows, presented by Laser Fantasy, have returned to the Gates Planetarium. (Photo/ Denver Museum of Nature & Science)
They’re back and more dazzling than ever! Laser shows, presented by Laser Fantasy, have returned to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and are a perfect match for your summer vibe! Catch your favorite artists in an immersive, mind-blowing light show combined into a full cosmic concert for all your senses.
Check here for showtimes and schedule updates.
Other planetarium shows now available:
- Great Solar System Adventure
- Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity
- Black Holes (En Español)
- One World One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure
- Destination Solar System
Nature Play
Nature Play is a four-acre interactive experience you can now visit just outside the Museum in City Park. (Photo/ Sarah Poetzschke)
Your summer day trip to the Museum will not be complete without a stop at Nature Play, a four-acre interactive play experience where people of all ages can explore, climb and learn about Colorado's incredible wildlife and ecosystems. You'll know your there when you see the iconic, climbable 20-foot-tall ram. While you're there — make sure you grab an ice cream from the outdoor concession cart to cool off!
Read more: Nature Play Is Now Open!
Arriving Here
Most guests will enter the Denver Museum of Nature & Science through the north entrance. (Photo/ Rick Wicker)
While there's just too many cool things to do at the Museum on a hot summer day, it makes sense to take a second to plan your arrival. For those getting here by car, please note that the East Wing in under construction and so parking is a bit more limited than normal.
Pro tip: Get to the Museum early to find parking on the ground level. Most times of day you should find parking in the underground garage but it's always a good idea to get here before 9 a.m., especially on the weekends, to make sure you get a spot.
Learn more: East Wing Project
It's also highly encouraged to take public transportation or walk and bike to the Museum if that's an option for you! Here's a video to show how pedestrians and those using public transportation can get the Museum from Colorado Blvd. while the East Wing construction continues.
Now you’ve had a great day — and you’ll probably want to do it again! A Denver Museum of Nature & Science membership gives you unlimited free general admission for an entire year, so you can explore more, discover more and make even more unforgettable memories.
Become a Museum member here!
