Cook Museum of Natural Science

Cook Museum of Natural Science Engaging, exciting and educating visitors of all ages about the natural created world around us.
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This is going to be so fun! Join some of the Museum’s Live Animal Ambassadors and staff for a little outdoor time for Ou...
05/29/2026

This is going to be so fun! Join some of the Museum’s Live Animal Ambassadors and staff for a little outdoor time for 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.

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

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to stand inside a hot air balloon? Come do just that at the Soar & Explore ...
05/28/2026

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

Museum Mondays begin next week! During Museum Mondays, participants will receive early access for guided exploration in ...
05/28/2026

Museum Mondays begin next week! 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 1: Oceans
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.

June and July at the Museum are packed with fun! Let us know which fun event you're most excited about! ☀️
05/26/2026

June and July at the Museum are packed with fun! Let us know which fun event you're most excited about! ☀️

Nap time at the Cook Museum looks a little different and a lot cozier! 💤 The green tree python is a stunning, emerald-co...
05/25/2026

Nap time at the Cook Museum looks a little different and a lot cozier! 💤

The green tree python is a stunning, emerald-colored snake that loves to curl up in the most picture-perfect resting spots. With its calm demeanor and striking color, it’s easy to see why guests often stop just to admire its peaceful “do not disturb” vibe. 🌿

Next time you visit, see if you can catch a glimpse of this dreamy napper doing what it does best…absolutely nothing at all. 😴🐍

Keep the hot air balloon fun going during Soar & Explore Fun Day Saturday, June 6 from 10 am - 2 pm! Have you ever wonde...
05/23/2026

Keep the hot air balloon fun going during Soar & Explore Fun Day Saturday, June 6 from 10 am - 2 pm!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to stand inside a hot air balloon? Come do just that 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

05/23/2026

You can always come cool off at the Museum! ☀️

Join us for VR Thursdays in June & July to take part in a virtual reality (VR) dissection! The VR dissections, developed...
05/20/2026

Join us for VR Thursdays in June & July to take part in a virtual reality (VR) dissection! The VR dissections, developed by Victory XR and Carolina Biological, utilize Meta VR headsets to provide an individually paced and fully interactive dissection experience. Each dissection experience lasts approximately 30 - 45 minutes.

Three different VR dissections (squid, sea star, or frog) will be offered on select days:
· VR Squid Dissection: June 4, June 25, & July 16
· VR Sea Star Dissection: June 11, July 2, & July 23
· VR Frog Dissection: June 18, July 9, & July 30

VR dissections at the Cook Museum are now approved for professional development credits for teachers. For more information regarding teacher credits, contact [email protected].

Sessions are sold individually. Admission to the Exhibits is not included. All sales are final, no refunds. Only registered participants are permitted in the classroom. Non-registered adults and children would need to wait outside the classroom.

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 ages 11 - Adult
$14 (+ tax) per participant, per session
Limited spots available; advance registration recommended.

🐸 Meet the leopard frog - one of nature’s most spotted little swimmers! Here at the Cook Museum, you'll see this amazing...
05/20/2026

🐸 Meet the leopard frog - one of nature’s most spotted little swimmers! Here at the Cook Museum, you'll see this amazing little animal that calls the wetlands home. The leopard frog gets its name from the dark spots across its green body, making it look a bit like a tiny, hopping leopard!

These frogs are often mistaken for pickerel frogs, but here’s a fun clue: leopard frogs usually have plain white bellies, while pickerel frogs show off bright yellow or orange inner thighs. Nature’s little ID trick!

🌿 Quick facts about leopard frogs:
• Lifespan: 5 – 8 years
• Size: 2 – 4.5 inches
• Habitat: Lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams
• Diet: Small insects, invertebrates, and even crayfish

Next time you’re near the water, keep your eyes (and ears!) open, and you might just spot one hopping by! 💚

It's not too early to start making your summer plans at the Museum! Check out all the fun things planned for each day in...
05/18/2026

It's not too early to start making your summer plans at the Museum! Check out all the fun things planned for each day in June and July! ☀️

Address

133 4th Avenue NE
Decatur, AL
35601

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 12pm - 5pm

Telephone

+12563514505

Website

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