Missouri Institute of Natural Science

05/20/2026

The museum will be closed Monday May 25, 2026 for the holiday. We will reopen Tuesday May 26, 2026 and resume normal hours.

05/07/2026

There's Still time to sign up but limited seating for each session!

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Camp Sessions:

Session 1: July 13–17
For students entering 2nd or 3rd grade

Session 2: July 20–24
For students entering 4th or 5th grade
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Sign up on our website!

https://www.monatsci.org/dino-camp

04/25/2026

All year long come check in with your digital Route 66 passport!!

04/11/2026

We Need Your Help!

Right now, the Missouri Institute of Natural Science is in need of dedicated volunteers to help us continue offering the experiences our community loves.

From welcoming guests to helping with field trips, birthday parties, and special events, our volunteers are the reason we’re able to stay open, operate smoothly, and inspire curiosity every day.

Your time helps us reach more visitors, expand our programs, and keep us accessible to our community.

If you’ve ever thought about getting involved, now is the time. Even a small amount of your time can make a big impact.

Click the link below to learn how you can get started. And if you’re not able to volunteer, sharing this post helps more than you know.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the Missouri Institute of Natural Science! Volunteer duties vary based on the skills and interests of the applicant, but often include attending the front desk (greeting guests and handling purchases), assisting in education (answering questions and ru...

03/31/2026

There's still time to sign up for Paleo Camp this summer!!

Join us for an exciting week-long journey into the world of prehistory designed especially for young explorers! Each day from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, campers will dive into the science of the ancient past — exploring prehistoric life through hands-on activities, creative crafts, and engaging lessons.

​Session 1 (July 13–17) is for students who will be in 2nd or 3rd grade, and Session 2 (July 20–24) is for students who will be in 4th or 5th grade. Join us this July for a fun, educational experience where we bring the distant past to life!

Limited seating is available so don't wait! Click the link below and get your ticket.

Paleo Camp is an exciting week-long journey into the world of prehistory designed especially for young explorers! Each day from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, campers will dive into the science of the ancient past — exploring prehistoric life through hands-on activities, creative crafts, interactive games, ...

02/26/2026

We’re BACK!

This summer, join us for Paleo Camp, an unforgettable adventure created especially for young explorers! Formerly known as Dino Camp, this exciting week-long experience takes students on a hands-on journey into the world of prehistory.

From 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM each day, campers will uncover the science of the ancient past through:
• Hands-on activities
• Creative prehistoric crafts
• Interactive games
• Engaging, age-appropriate lessons
• Real-world connections to paleontology

Each morning is packed with discovery as we bring prehistoric life roaring back to life in fun, immersive ways!
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Camp Sessions
Session 1: July 13–17
For students entering 2nd or 3rd grade
Session 2: July 20–24
For students entering 4th or 5th grade
________________________________________

Spots fill quickly — join us this July for a fun, educational adventure where curiosity leads the way and the distant past comes alive!

Book your tickets below!

https://www.monatsci.org/dino-camp

01/29/2026

As many of you know, the Missouri Institute of Natural Science is in the middle of an exciting expansion project to support our growing educational programs and collections.

As part of this work, we’re looking to connect with local roofing professionals who may be interested in submitting a labor-only bid for installing a standing seam metal roof on an approximately 2,500 sq ft structure. All materials will be provided.

We’re also open to conversations with contractors who may prefer to participate through in-kind skilled labor as a tax-deductible contribution, in whole or in part. This is simply an optional partnership path for those who value supporting community institutions through their craft.

This project helps expand public access to science education and preservation, and participating contractors will be recognized as project partners with appropriate documentation provided.

Project details:
• Installation labor only (no tear-off, no materials)
• Standing seam metal roof
• ~2,500 sq ft
• Springfield, MO
• Materials Supplied

If you’re interested in bidding or learning more, we’d love to talk.

📞 417-883-0594
📧 [email protected]

🌐 www.monatsci.org

Please feel free to share with others in the trades who may be interested.

The Missouri Institute of Natural Science Museum houses hundreds of animal, plant, and mineral specimens. With free admission and a chance to come face-to-face with a triceratops, you have every reason to visit and no reason not to. 

01/28/2026

Not much more to say as the advertisement says it all. Come out Thursday night for what Matt promises will be the best Thursday night of your week or your money back( it's free by the way).

01/27/2026

A quick reminder, we are open today Tuesday the 27th. A museum visit is a great way to spend a cold winter day.

01/25/2026

With all the winter weather we've had the museum will be closed tomorrow Jan 26.