Cook Museum of Natural Science

08/12/2023

Give the gift of experience! A gift card to the Cook Museum is a fantastic gift that can provide hours of education and fun! You can also use a Museum gift card at The Museum Store and Nature's Table Cafe.

07/12/2023

Celebrate the holiday season with the Cook Museum at the Member-Only Cookies & Hot Cocoa Pop-Up Lounge on Saturday, December 9 from 10 am - 2 pm! Join us for cookies and a hot cocoa bar. There will be games, activities, crafts, and even Museum Store giveaway.

Stop by Nature’s Table to purchase a limited-time only Frozen Cocoa Smoothie available during the month of December and take advantage of the Member-Only Double Discount available only on December 9.

Free for Members. Not yet a Member? No Problem! Join now to be a part of this Member-Only event.

06/12/2023

We couldn't do what we do without our generous donors, so we hosted a Donor Celebration Day on Saturday to say thank you to the Cook Museum donors at the $1,000+ giving levels! If you're interested in becoming a donor, please reach out to Jeanne Payne at [email protected] for more information.

05/12/2023

Start planning your Christmas Break at the Museum! Look at all these fun things to do! 🎄

01/12/2023

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work as a forester? What would you have to know? What would you get to do? Join us to find out. A forester is a specialist trained to protect, maintain, and conserve forests and other natural areas. At the Forester for a Day on Thursday, December 21 from 8 am - 3 pm, you can experience live animals, themed activities, independent workstations, and even make a forest model to take home. Lunch and a T-shirt included.

There are two ways to register: in person at the Guest Services desk in the Museum lobby or contact the Group Sales department during regular weekday business hours at (256) 898-6312.

$145 (+ tax) per participant, $15 Member discount
Grades: 4 - 8

Thursday, December 21 from 8 am - 3 pm$145 (+ tax) per participant, $15 Member discount For 4th - 8th graders Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work as a forester? What would you have to know? What would you get to do? Join us to find out. A forester is a specialist trained to protect,...

30/11/2023

Give the gift of experience! A gift card to the Cook Museum is a fantastic gift that can provide hours of education and fun! You can also use a Museum gift card at The Museum Store and Nature's Table Cafe.

Treat your friends and family to a year of exploration, fun, and hands-on learning with a Gift Membership to Cook Museum of Natural Science.

28/11/2023

Today, November 28, is Giving Tuesday. Please consider supporting Cook Museum of Natural Science! All proceeds will help the Museum engage, excite, & educate visitors of all ages about the natural created world around us.

To donate, stop by the Museum Store, call us at 256-351-4505 or follow the link below:
https://cook-museum-of-natural-science.snwbll.com/2022-giving-tuesday

27/11/2023

The Museum is excited to be featured in The Scout Guide Huntsville's Gift Guide this holiday season! Read more about this fun about this fun gift (& un-gift) guide here: thescoutguide.com/huntsville/editorial/the-scout-guide-huntsville-2023-gift-guide.

24/11/2023

Spend Black Friday at the Museum and avoid the shopping crowd! You can even shop for gifts at the Museum in the Museum Store or grab some gift cards that can be used for admission to the Museum, in The Museum Store, or at Nature's Table.

23/11/2023

Happy Thanksgiving from the Cook Museum! We are thankful for you! The Museum will be closed on Thanksgiving Day but will be open 9 am - 5 pm on Friday, November 24.

Did you know turkeys became the traditional Thanksgiving meal in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln made Thanksgiving a national holiday? 🦃

23/11/2023

Don't miss all the fun photo ops at the Museum this holiday season! 🎄❄️

22/11/2023

Join us for an Oceans Tank Feeding for the fish on Wednesday, November 22 at 3:30 pm. Be sure to bring any questions you may have for a brief Q&A time with Animal Care following the feed. FREE for Members or with General Admission.

21/11/2023

They are the largest group of living organisms known to science. One in every five known species is a type of beetle. Visit the Gallery Explainers in the Museum Exhibits to collect a complete set of beetle collectible cards! Build up your beetle knowledge with cards that feature fun facts about insects within the Coleoptera order. These cards are only available at the Cook Museum and each card features a unique beetle with fun facts. Available while supplies last.

Friday, November 24 & Saturday, November 25
All Day in the Exhibits
FREE for Members or with General Admission

20/11/2023

Stop by the Cook Museum on Tuesday, November 21 for a fun children’s craft and coloring activity on Tuesday, November 21 from 1:30 - 3:30 pm. FREE for Members or with General Admission.

17/11/2023

Join us for Stories in the Store on Tuesday, November 21 at 9:30 am where we will read a couple of stories and children will be able to take an active role in the storytelling. Come early to choose your favorite stool! Story time will begin at 9:30 am outside of the Museum Store. Admissions to the Exhibits is not included. FREE.

17/11/2023

The Museum received the Overall Excellence Award from the Historic Decatur Association's Christmas Decorating Challenge! Thank you! Stop by the Museum to see all the Christmas decorations. 🎄❄️

16/11/2023

Check out all the fun things to do at the Museum during Thanksgiving break!

15/11/2023

Kale has recently been enjoying some time outside to get him some natural sunlight, along with a new light over his tank that provides him with artificial sunlight. This can be difficult to provide to sea turtles because they do not spend a lot of time at the surface besides coming up to breath. Sunlight is important as he continues to recover and help him to properly absorb nutrients throughout his body. We hope you enjoy seeing some of our favorite moments as he soaks in some sun. ☀️🐢

14/11/2023

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work as a forester? What would you have to know? What would you get to do? Join us to find out. A forester is a specialist trained to protect, maintain, and conserve forests and other natural areas. Experience live animals, themed activities, independent workstations, and even make a forest model to take home at the Forester for a Day camp on Thursday, December 21 from 8 am - 3 pm. Lunch and a T-shirt included. $145 (+ tax) per participant, $15 Member discount. Grades: 4 - 8.

There are two ways to register: in person at the Guest Services desk in the Museum lobby or contact the Group Sales department during regular weekday business hours at (256) 898-6312.

10/11/2023

Stop by the Cook Museum on Saturday, November 11 for a fun children’s craft and coloring activity on Saturday, November 11 from 1:30 - 3:30 pm. FREE for Members or with General Admission.

09/11/2023

Cook Museum of Natural Science will close at 4 pm today, November 9, for a private event.

09/11/2023

Start the holidays off with some FREE family fun at this outdoor event at the Cook Museum's Winter Wonder event on Friday, November 10 from 2 - 6:30 pm. There will be inflatables, activities, games, a take-home craft, a selfie station, and food available for purchase. This outdoor event is weather dependent and does not include entrance to the Museum Exhibits. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The Museum will close at 6:30 pm. FREE.

This event is part of Downtown Decatur’s Holiday Open House.

08/11/2023

What makes a crane different from other water birds? Where do cranes live and what types are found in the United States? What exactly is the big deal about whooping cranes? Discover the answers to these questions and many more at the Cool Cranes! Science on the Spot on Saturday, November 11 at 12:30 pm. FREE for Members or with General Admission.

07/11/2023

To say “thank you” for your support, Museum Members are invited to enjoy a Double Discount (20% off instead of the usual 10%) on Friday-Saturday, November 10 & 11 in the Museum Store. The perfect place to find just the right gift, stop by to get an early start on holiday shopping. Free gift wrapping for all Museum Store purchases.

On Saturday, November 11, enjoy light refreshments in the Museum Store.

03/11/2023

Start the holidays off with some FREE family fun at this outdoor event at the Cook Museum's Winter Wonder event on Friday, November 10 from 2 - 6:30 pm. There will be inflatables, activities, games, a take-home craft, a selfie station, and food available for purchase. This outdoor event is weather dependent and does not include entrance to the Museum Exhibits. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The Museum will close at 6:30 pm. FREE. ❄️

This event is part of Downtown Decatur’s Holiday Open House.

02/11/2023

Happy 4th birthday to Briley! What better way to spend your special day than at the Cook Museum of Natural Science? Thanks for celebrating with us Jessica Knight🎉

Did you know the Museum offers Birthday Party Packages? Members get $50 off!
Visit cookmuseum.org/birthday-parties for more information or call Group Sales at 256-898-6312.

01/11/2023

Bird Feeder Workshop
Monday, November 20 from 9 am - 2 pm
$60 (+ tax) per Kit, $10 Member Discount (maximum 2 participants per Kit)
Ages 7 - Adult (Participants 18 & under must be accompanied by an Adult 19+)

Technology is all around us, but how often do we use it to help nature? In this workshop, experienced Museum staff will help participants use tools, including drills and saws, to make their own bird feeder to help our flying friends during the winter months! Participants will also learn about bird migrations and feeding habits, and get to interact with some AMAZING bird biofacts. Snack will be provided. Participants will get a 1-hour break for Lunch. Lunch is NOT included. Admission to the Exhibits for the day of the workshop is included.

Requirements:
· One of the two participants per Kit must be 19+
· Shoes that are closed-toed and closed-heeled are mandatory.
· Long hair will need to be tied back.
· No loose or baggy clothing

31/10/2023

Happy Halloween from the Cook Museum! 🎃👻

30/10/2023

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work at the Cook Museum of Natural Science? What would you have to know? What would you get to do? Come join us and explore the work of a herpetologist. Experience live animal feedings, behind-the-scenes tours, herpetology classes, independent workstations, and even a frog dissection! Lunch and a t-shirt included at the Herpetologist for a Day on Friday, November 10 from 8 am - 3 pm. There are two ways to register: in person at the Guest Services desk in the Museum lobby or contact the Group Sales department during regular weekday business hours at (256) 898-6312.

$145 (+ tax) per participant, $15 Member discount
Grades: 4 - 8.

27/10/2023

At 11 am on Saturday, October 28, as part of the Go with the Glow Fun Day, there will be a live underwater pumpkin carving of the winning designs by divers in the Oceans Tank. If you miss the live demonstration or want to avoid the crowd, a video from a previous underwater pumpkin carving will play until 2 pm.

There will also be carved pumpkins in the live animal enclosures in the Discover Exhibit. The pumpkins provide extra enrichment activities and a special treat for the live animals. The carvings will be based on the winners’ designs from the Pumpkin Stencil Contest.

Enrichment allows animals in captivity to experience something new and stimulating. This keeps their mind and senses active while encouraging the animals to use their natural behaviors.

Schedule:
· Live Underwater Pumpkin Carving in the Oceans Tank: 11 am
· Underwater Pumpkin Carving Video: 10 am - 2 pm
· Live Animal Enrichment in the Discover Exhibit: All Day

FREE for Members or with General Admission

26/10/2023

A big thank you to the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) for the tactile panel of Stephan's Quintet (a visual grouping of five galaxies). It was a favorite with October’s Little Larvae participants. STScI worked with Tactile Images to produce a tactile version of one of the first images from the James Webb Space Telescope.

25/10/2023

Join us for Go with the Glow Fun Day to experience the Exhibits like never before - with things that GLOW on Saturday, October 28 from 10 am - 2 pm! The Museum will have some areas of the Exhibits dimmed to allow the guests to experience glowing activities and participate in light experiments. Visit the Gallery Explainers as you travel through the Exhibits to collect a complete set of 6 Collectible Cards. These cards are only available at the Cook Museum. Available while supplies last. There will be a 10 am Stories in the Store, cool, hands-on activities in the classroom, and Halloween treat bags for children as they leave.
At 11 am, there will be a live underwater pumpkin carving by divers in the Oceans Tank. If you miss the live demonstration or want to avoid the crowd, a video from a previous underwater pumpkin carving will play until 2 pm.
There will also be carved pumpkins in the live animal enclosures in the Discover Exhibit. The pumpkins provide extra enrichment activities and a special treat for the live animals. The carvings will be based on the winners’ designs from the Pumpkin Stencil Contest.
This is a unique event you and your family won’t want to miss! FREE for Members or with General Admission.
Schedule:
• Stories in the Store: 10 am
• Live Underwater Pumpkin Carving in the Oceans Tank: 11 am
• Exhibits Hands-On Stations: 10 am - 2 pm
• Glow Activities: 10 am - 2 pm
• Underwater Pumpkin Carving Video: 10 am - 2 pm
• Live Animal Enrichment in the Discover Exhibit: All Day
• Glowing Species Collectible Cards: All Day
• Halloween Treat Bags: All Day
• Selfie Station: All Day

25/10/2023

Did you know that spider silk is one of the strongest natural materials found on the planet? A spider’s silk is 5x stronger than a piece of steel of the same size.

Join us this October in the Around the House terrarium displays for Spider Special! Come check out several species of spiders that you might find in your own backyard. The Museum’s Explainers will be on hand to share some fun facts about what makes spiders so amazing. Cost: FREE for Members or with General Admission.

23/10/2023

Start the holidays off with some FREE family fun at this outdoor event at the Cook Museum's Winter Wonder event on Friday, November 10 from 2 - 6:30 pm. There will be inflatables, activities, games, a take-home craft, a selfie station, and food available for purchase. This outdoor event is weather dependent and does not include entrance to the Museum Exhibits. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The Museum will close at 6:30 pm. FREE.

This event is part of Downtown Decatur’s Holiday Open House.

20/10/2023

Join us for Go with the Glow Fun Day to experience the Exhibits like never before - with things that GLOW on Saturday, October 28 from 10 am - 2 pm! The Museum will have some areas of the Exhibits dimmed to allow the guests to experience glowing activities and participate in light experiments. Visit the Gallery Explainers as you travel through the Exhibits to collect a complete set of 6 Collectible Cards. These cards are only available at the Cook Museum. Available while supplies last. There will be a 10 am Stories in the Store, cool, hands-on activities in the classroom, and Halloween treat bags for children as they leave.

At 11 am, there will be a live underwater pumpkin carving by divers in the Oceans Tank. If you miss the live demonstration or want to avoid the crowd, a video from a previous underwater pumpkin carving will play until 2 pm.

There will also be carved pumpkins in the live animal enclosures in the Discover Exhibit. The pumpkins provide extra enrichment activities and a special treat for the live animals. The carvings will be based on the winners’ designs from the Pumpkin Stencil Contest.

This is a unique event you and your family won’t want to miss! FREE for Members or with General Admission.

Schedule:
Stories in the Store: 10 am
Live Underwater Pumpkin Carving in the Oceans Tank: 11 am
Exhibits Hands-On Stations: 10 am - 2 pm
Glow Activities: 10 am - 2 pm
Underwater Pumpkin Carving Video: 10 am - 2 pm
Live Animal Enrichment in the Discover Exhibit: All Day
Glowing Species Collectible Cards: All Day
Halloween Treat Bags: All Day
Selfie Station: All Day

19/10/2023

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work at the Cook Museum of Natural Science? What would you have to know? What would you get to do? Come join us and explore the work of a herpetologist. Experience live animal feedings, behind-the-scenes tours, herpetology classes, independent workstations, and even a frog dissection! Lunch and a t-shirt included at the Herpetologist for a Day on Friday, November 10 from 8 am - 3 pm. There are two ways to register: in person at the Guest Services desk in the Museum lobby or contact the Group Sales department during regular weekday business hours at (256) 898-6312.
$145 (+ tax) per participant, $15 Member discount
Grades: 4 - 8.

18/10/2023

At 11 am on Saturday, October 28, as part of the Go with the Glow Fun Day, there will be a live underwater pumpkin carving by divers in the Oceans Tank. If you miss the live demonstration or want to avoid the crowd, a video from a previous underwater pumpkin carving will play until 2 pm. 🎃

There will also be carved pumpkins in the live animal enclosures in the Discover Exhibit. The pumpkins provide extra enrichment activities and a special treat for the live animals. The carvings will be based on the winners’ designs from the Pumpkin Stencil Contest.

Enrichment allows animals in captivity to experience something new and stimulating. This keeps their mind and senses active while encouraging the animals to use their natural behaviors.

Schedule:
· Live Underwater Pumpkin Carving in the Oceans Tank: 11 am
· Underwater Pumpkin Carving Video: 10 am - 2 pm
· Live Animal Enrichment in the Discover Exhibit: All Day

FREE for Members or with General Admission.

18/10/2023

One of today's Little Larvae classes learned about space from NASA Ground System Controller Jessie Zanetti. Before working for NASA, she was an Educator at the Museum, and she returned to teach today's lesson as a Volunteer. Thanks, Jessie!