Cleveland Museum of Natural History Thanksgiving Family Science Labs

About this adventure

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History in University Circle transforms Thanksgiving weekend into an awe-inspiring scientific adventure, inviting children and parents to explore transformed interactive exhibit wings and newly renovated paleontology halls. Families can stand beneath the towering skeleton of Dunkleosteus, examine fossil casts in the interactive Ralph Perkins II Wildlife Center, and watch playful native river otters and bobcats explore outdoor habitats. Thanksgiving family labs invite budding scientists to inspect turkey quill feathers under digital microscopes, piece together dinosaur bone models, and discover how ancestral birds evolved. The Nathan and Fannye Shafran Planetarium offers daily kid-friendly star journeys exploring autumnal constellations and the harvest night sky. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: Fully modernized wide elevator banks, level gallery corridors, and smooth outdoor boardwalks ensure smooth navigation for all strollers. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Private nursing rooms with comfortable armchairs, electrical outlets, and changing stations are conveniently located in the lower-level Discovery Wing. • Age Suitability: Excellent for curious children of all ages, with special toddler discovery zones featuring soft blocks and touchable natural artifacts. • Sensory Tips: Planetarium shows feature dim lighting and soft surround sound; sensory backpacks with noise-canceling headphones are available at visitor services.