Dallas isn’t always the first choice for roadtrips, especially when you have to drive through Waco traffic. But a trip to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science is just one of the reasons to brave the traffic to Dallas. We recently made a trip to check out the new exhibit, Becoming Jane, showcasing Jane Goodall’s life work. While we were there we found ourselves exploring and enjoying the entire museum so we thought we would share our experience. Here’s everything you need to know about the Perot Museum!
Why it’s worth the drive.
We know gas prices aren’t exactly great right now but a three and a half hour trip to Dallas isn’t too bad – especially when we have a full list of things you should see while you’re there (see bottom of page). Plus it’s going somewhere without really going somewhere. You can make it a weekend trip and not have to take off work! Plus Dallas has so many hidden gems that are worth exploring. Make sure to check out Deep Ellum, Bishop Arts, Uptown, Legacy (Plano), and Fort Worth. Those just a few of our favorite spots to visit when we’re in the big D! Plus, part of the Austin to Dallas driving experience is a pit-stop at Buc-ee’s. So if that doesn’t make it worth it, we don’t know what to tell you!
Try: The 10 Best Snacks To Snatch Up While You’re At Buc-ee’s
Admission
The museum isn’t FREE, unless you’re a member. Regular admission is $15 for kids ages 2 to 12 and $25 for everyone over the age of 13. That said, there’s plenty of ways to get FREE or discounted tickets. Military and First Responders get free addmission and get to bring up to seven additional family members for $3 each. Texas educators get free admission and discounted membership prices. Lastly, anyone with any of the participating community partners gets $1 admission.
Try: Free Checklist of Austin’s Free Museums
Must-Sees
There are 11 permanent exhibits that range from nature, history, and science. The best part is it’s easy to see them all! We recommend starting from the top and working your way down. Here are all 11 permanent exhibits. We put our top five favorites in bold. Those are the ones NOT to miss if time is an issue!
- Rose Hall of Birds
- Life Then and Now
- Expanding Universe
- Tom Hunt Energy Hall
- Lyda Hill Gems and Minerals
- The Rees-Jones Foundation Dynamic Earth
- Being Human
- Texas Instruments Engineering and Innovation
- Discovering Life
- Lamar Hunt Family Sports Hall
- Moody Family Children’s Museum (Yes, that Moody).
Becoming Jane
Becoming Jane is a traveling exhibit and will only be in Dallas until September 5, 2022. The exhibit is organized and traveled by National Georgraphic and The Jane Goodall Institute. The traveling exhibit is an interactive look at Jane Goodall’s life and career. It focuses on her childhood, her journey to Africa, and the years after that. In addition to learning about Goodall’s life, you naturally learn a great deal about chimpanzees. You can even learn how to communicate with chimps through an interactive installation. You’ll hear the sound of chimpanzees when you’re in the exhibit but once you make it out of the safari tent, you’ll find the installation. It’s very interesting, so don’t skip it! The entire exhibit is fascinating and through audio, visual, and interactive pieces, it’s honestly great for all ages.
Stay tuned because later this year, in honor of the museums 10th anniversary, they will be hosting various events and festivals. In December they will host a community celebration and festival with lots of science and STEM activities, plus live music! The event will be FREE and open to the public. Until then check out the museum’s discovery camps and conneteen programs. Adults should also look into Thursdays on Tap. This 21+ after hours experience includes live music, drinks, food trucks, and, of course, access to all the exhibits! Details here.
