Homeschool Day
Date
Thursday, April 9, 2026 | 9:30 am–2:30 pm
Location
Tickets
Join us for a day of discovery at our upcoming spring Homeschool Day. We’re highlighting our newest temporary exhibit, Unearthed: Raw Beauty, where you can marvel at minerals from across the globe. Dig into the science of gems and minerals with us at our exploration stations, crystal-themed crafts, interpretation carts and other activations throughout the museum. See schedule below.
Schedule
(schedule is subject to change)
9:30 AM–2:30 PM | Welcome Table
Visit us at the Welcome Table in the galleries to grab scavenger hunts and other resources
Grand Foyer – Level 1 | Drop-in | All ages welcome
9:30 am–2 pm | Plan Your Visit Station
Create a visual checklist to plan your time together at the museum.
Grand Foyer – Level 1 | Drop-in | All ages welcome
9:30 am–2 pm | Relaxation Zone
Looking for a quiet space to relax? Drop by the relaxation zone to enjoy a cool and quiet space to rest and unwind before returning to the bustling Homeschool Day activations.
North American Mammal Hall – Level 2 | Drop-in | All ages welcome
10 am–2 pm | Exploration Station
Visit our mineralogy team to learn about the many minerals of Minecraft and more!
Grand Foyer – Level 1 | Drop-in | All ages welcome
10 am–12 pm | Butterfly Pavilion*
Wonder takes flight at the Museum! Walk among beautiful butterflies in our seasonal Butterfly Pavilion.
Pavilion – Outdoors | Tickets required, $3 | limited capacity | All ages welcome
11 am | Collections Revealed*
Every week, explore the 99% of Museum Collections not on display that drive research and discoveries at NHM and across the globe.
Commons Theater | Tickets required, Free | limited capacity | Suggested grades 2nd and up
10 am & 1 pm | Scanning Electron Microscope Demonstration
Join an NHM scientist at the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) Lab to learn how we use this important tool in discoveries about our natural world.
Gem & Mineral Hall at the Mineral Sciences Lab – Level 1 | Drop-in | Suggested grades 3rd and up | 15 - 20 minutes
10 am–1 pm | Gem & Mineral Cart
Learn from an educator about how gems form spectacular variations based on their trace elements.
Location – Level 1 | Drop-in | All ages welcome
10 am–2 pm | Live Animal Meet & Greets
Learn about our Live Animal program and meet one of our animal ambassadors. Animals will be brought out periodically throughout the day at no set times.
Nature Lab – Level G | Drop-in | All ages welcome
10 am–2 pm | Activities & Crafts
Experiment what effects salt can have on your watercolor paintings, create a face-centered cubic model, and make your own crystal model in these drop in crafts.
Lower Otis Booth Pavilion – Level G | Drop-in | All ages welcome
*We are offering limited discounted theater programs and Butterfly Pavilion tickets (for entry 10 am–12 pm, in 30-minute time slots) to our Homeschoolers at any admissions kiosk. When you arrive, hop in line at our ticketing kiosks to add these tickets to your order. Tickets are limited quantity and first come, first served. Have your order number ready for a speedy check-in! If discounted or free tickets sell out, homeschoolers are welcome to purchase full price tickets for add-ons.