From the outside, the Rutgers Geology Museum looks like most of the buildings on the College Avenue campus of Rutgers University in New Brunswick. But once you step inside, a world of prehistoric treasures awaits.
The museum offers a variety of exhibits, collections, public lectures and tours – and it’s all free. We had a chance to visit during a recent Late Night at the Museum, which is held on the first Thursday of the month to coincide with SparkNights at the Zimmerli Art Museum. There are activity stations and events related to a specific theme, which happened to be Ancient Egypt. We learned about mummies – even seeing two sarcophaguses – along with displays about the history of the region and, of course, the Pyramids. On April 4, you’ll be able to study the planets and on May 2, learn all about volcanoes.
Possibly the most amazing part is the collection of dinosaur fossils that were found in New Jersey, including a gigantic footprint lifted from Woodbridge. There are dino skeleton heads, body replicas and statues.
Another way to keep kids engaged is to have them bring their fossils and minerals to the museum for identification. Think how amazed they’ll be if they think they found a meteorite in your backyard.
Special arrangements can be made to bring your group or scout troop for a tour.
And fun doesn’t always have to seem like a school lesson. You can plan your kid’s birthday party here, too. Kids 5 and older and their friends can take a guided tour, go on a scavenger hunt, do arts and crafts or paint a natural history painting. Themes range from fossils and dinosaurs to gems and minerals to Ancient Egypt.
You can sign up your kids for a field trip, too, if you want them to explore in a more real-world setting.
Many programs have been converted to an online format so you can take your learning on the go. The “Ask a Geologist” Web Series, Amazing Minerals Patch Tours, Fossil Fun Patch Tours, and Geology Merit Badge Program for Boy Scouts can be completed at home, during a snow day or on the beach.
Visit the Events Calendar for up-to-date program info.
The Rutgers Geology Museum is part of the Rutgers-New Brunswick School of Arts and Sciences. Hours are 10 am to 4 pm Tuesday through Saturday, and select Saturdays (the next Saturdays are 10 am to 2 pm April 13 and May 4). The building is located at 85 Somerset Street, in the collection of buildings on the lawn across from the train station’s bus stop and The Catholic Center at Rutgers. There is metered street parking in the area. Admission to the museum is free.
For a preview of the fossils you’ll see at the museum, visit our Instagram page.
Get the latest on the best things to do with your family in and around New Jersey by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram!
Read More:
Learn All About New Jersey’s History at Our State Museum
A Massive Dinosaur Fossil Museum is Coming to NJ
Visit One of These Museums in NJ and NY
Great Off The Beaten Path Museums in New Jersey
Paradox Museum Will Blow Your Mind With Eye-Tricking Experiences