Looking for fun things to do this holiday season? Look no further. MNS offers something for everyone with thrilling traveling exhibits, fascinating IMAX films, events and more.

1. Museum of Nature & Science
December 2011
Discover deep-sea adventures, holiday fun and more in December!
Highlights
● Sink your teeth into a massive out-of-water exhibition Planet Shark:
Predator or Prey. Tickets available online – a great gift for all ages!
● See SHARKS, the IMAX® film from Jean-Michael Cousteau, plus the
Planet Shark exhibition with the Twin Fin money-saving deal
● Bob the Builder™ - Project: Build It!, the beloved TV show brought
to life
● Pack a bag for the Totally Mad Scientist sleepover Dec. 2
● Enjoy an after-hours evening created especially for adults at Beer &
Bones: Under the Sea featuring a special IMAX® film screening of
SHARKS Dec. 15
● Catch the delightful Academy Award-nominated IMAX® film Dolphins
before it swims away Dec. 16
● Travel back to a whole new time and place with the IMAX® film Sea
Rex: Journey to a Prehistoric World
● Enjoy the holidays with daily hair-raising live shows, Planetarium
shows, extended hours and more beginning Dec. 17, plus member
specials and MNS gift cards
● Register now for the Little Explorers program that begins in January

2. PLANET SHARK: PREDATOR OR PREY
Through September 16, 2012
MNS Science Building (1318 S. 2nd Ave. in Fair Park)
Sink your teeth into an amazing "out-of-water" shark experience! Billed as the biggest blockbuster
exhibition to hit the Museum of Nature & Science since BODYWORLDS and making only its
second stop in the United States, Planet Shark: Predator or Prey features explanations and
examinations of almost every aspect of the shark. From evolution and biology to popular culture
and the fin trade, this massive traveling exhibition guides visitors through the murky myths and
fascinating facts that have surrounded sharks for centuries.
One of nature’s oldest and most feared creatures, the shark also is one of the most
misunderstood. Fishing pressure and media misrepresentation have put many species of this
magnificent animal under serious threat of extinction. Planet Shark: Predator or Prey is a great
educational step to help preserve these necessary apex predators.
Planet Shark: Predator or Prey requires a surcharge along with the purchase of MNS general
exhibits and admission. MNS members enjoy free general exhibits admission and reduced
admission to Planet Shark: Predator or Prey.
MONEY-SAVER! Extend your plunge beneath the sea and save with the Twin Fin Package,
which includes admission to Planet Shark: Predator or Prey and any IMAX® film including
SHARKS.
Avoid lines and sell-outs by purchasing tickets online in advance. Check out the website for
pictures, videos and more.
BOB THE BUILDER™ - PROJECT: BUILD IT!
Through January 8, 2012
MNS Nature Building (3535 Grand Ave. in Fair Park)
Can we build it? Yes we can! The beloved TV show comes to life in this exciting, interactive
exhibit! Bob the Builder™ - Project: Build It! fosters creativity and coordination through open-
ended, discovery-based games and activities. An immersive environment surrounds students
with an array of objects, tools, materials, media, sounds and colors. This charming exhibit will
really “build” curiosity, socialization and motor skills for preschoolers and young children! Bob the
Builder is FREE for members and included with the cost of general admission for non-members.
TOTALLY MAD SCIENTIST AFTER DARK SLEEPOVER
Friday, December 2 – Saturday, December 3, 2011
MNS Science Building (1318 S. 2nd Ave. in Fair Park)
How does science look after dark? Find out when you join us for a night of science and sleeping
bags. Experiment with dry ice, plasma balls, crazy concoctions and more. Enjoy a late-night pizza
snack, breakfast in the morning plus an eye-opening IMAX® film!
MNS sleepovers are great for schools, scout troops, youth groups, sports teams, sororities and
fraternities – any group that wants to bond and have fun in an extra-special environment.

3. Sleepovers focus on learning and team building while providing safe, customized fun for different
age groups – kids, teens and young adults!
To sign up for the “Totally Mad Scientist” sleepover or for information on other scheduled
sleepovers, call 972-201-0618, email sleepovers@natureandscience.org or visit our web site.
HAND-IN-HAND
Wednesday, December 7, and December 14, from 10 - 11:30 a.m.
MNS Children’s Museum (1318 S. 2nd Ave. in Fair Park)
Hand-in-Hand is a literacy-based drop-in program for adults and their preschoolers to imagine,
explore and discover together. Each week, hear a story, get your wiggles out to music, create
theme-related crafts and enjoy fun activities!
Wednesday, December 7 – “Destination: North Pole”
All aboard for a special reading of the Caldecott award-winning story The Polar Express by
Chris Van Allsburg. But first, create a special bell bracelet to wear on an imaginary trip to
the North Pole. Stay and make your own polar express craft.
Wednesday, December 14 – “Festival of Lights”
Explore how people in your community celebrate the holiday season! Find out how
“Candle Light” is part of most cultural celebrations all around the world. Come and explore
the celebrations of Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa through fun crafts and activities.
Sing along, to the story “We All Sing in the Same Voice” by J. Philip Miller.
Note: No Hand-in-Hand on December 21 and 28, and January 4 due to winter break.
Program resumes January 11, 2012.
Hand-in-Hand is free to members and included with the cost of general admission for non-
members. Note: Dates may be subject to change without notice.
BEER & BONES: UNDER THE SEA
December 15, 2011, from 7 – 10 p.m.
MNS Science Building (1318 S. 2nd Ave. in Fair Park)
Dive into an after-hours, adults-only adventure at Beer & Bones: Under the Sea. Explore the
12,000-square-foot traveling exhibition Planet Shark: Predator or Prey, witness a shark dissection
and meet creatures from Fair Park's very own Leonhardt Lagoon! For the first time during Beer &
Bones, the IMAX® theater will be open for a special viewing of Sharks at 8 p.m. (Note: Additional
ticket purchase is required for Sharks IMAX® film.) As always, we'll have food, a cash bar and
music to put you in a beach-side state of mind.
Advance tickets for Beer & Bones are available online.

4. IMAX®
TI Founders IMAX® Theater, MNS Science Building (1318 S. 2nd Ave. in Fair Park)
DOLPHINS
Through December 16, 2011
They're intelligent, inquisitive and awe-inspiring, but how much do we really know about
delightful dolphins? Travel to the vividly captivating coral reefs of the Bahamas and the
wind-swept seas of Patagonia to study Atlantic-spotted dolphins, dusky dolphins and
bottlenose dolphins in the wild.
Dolphins is an Academy Award® nominated documentary narrated by acclaimed actor
Pierce Brosnan and featuring original music by Sting. Critics say Dolphins “… finds and
maintains the perfect balance of spectacular images and solid science.” Marine blogs,
photos and behind-the-scenes information are available on the Dolphins home page.
Click here for show times and advance tickets.
SEA REX: JOURNEY TO A PREHISTORIC WORLD
Through May 25, 2012
“Sea Rex” ruled the seas long before dinosaurs roamed the earth! Sea Rex: Journey to a
Prehistoric World is the ultimate IMAX® experience that transports viewers to a whole new
time and place. The story centers on a tour of a modern-day aquatic center. Soon the movie
whisks you back through the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods to discover
creatures such as the powerful Liopleurodon, the long-necked Elasmosaurus, the “eye-
lizard” Ophthalmosaurus, the ferocious Prognathodon and the massive Shonisaurus.
Details, photos and trailers for the film are available on the Official Sea Rex site.
Show times and online ticketing are available by clicking here.
SHARKS IMAX®
Through May 25, 2012
Presented by Jean-Michel Cousteau, SHARKS is a breathtaking film experience that
offers audiences an astonishing up-close encounter with the lions and tigers of the ocean.
Come face-to-face with a multitude of shark species, including the great white,
hammerhead and whale shark. Witness them as they really are – not wicked, man-eating
creatures, but wild, fascinating and endangered animals. Join an expert team of ocean
explorers on this unique around-the-globe expedition documenting the life of the ultimate
predator.
Extend your plunge beneath the sea and save with the Twin Fin Package, which includes
admission to SHARKS and Planet Shark: Predator or Prey.
Show times and online tickets are available by clicking here.

5. HOLIDAYS AT MNS
From hair-raising stage shows, Planetarium shows and extended hours, to member specials and
more, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate the holidays at the Museum of Nature & Science.
EXTENDED HOURS, FREE LIVE SHOWS AND MORE
 Beginning December 17, the Museum will stay open until 6 p.m. giving visitors an
extra hour to discover! (See below for specific holiday hours.)
 FREE live shows to electrify the senses! From December 17-31, enjoy daily live
shows at 1 and 3 p.m. including Electric Theater, Fire and Ice, Superhero
Science and other hair-raising thrillers.
 The Planetarium will be open daily from December 17 – January 1.
PLANETARIUM SHOWS
MNS Planetarium Building (1620 First Ave. in Fair Park)
Experience the wonders of nighttime star-gazing during the day! The MNS
Planetarium offers the ideal way to learn all the beautiful names for those
bright objects in the sky. Planetarium shows include Universe, Wonders of
the Universe, Texas Night Sky, Secrets of the Sun, and Cosmic Safari.
Descriptions of each show, show times and advance tickets for the
Planetarium are available online.
MEMBER SPECIALS AND GIFT IDEAS
MNS members always enjoy free admission to the Museum’s general exhibits, plus big
savings on traveling exhibits, birthday parties, sleepovers, camps and more. They also
receive access to special invitation-only events. Learn more about MNS membership.
 Give the gift of discovery that lasts all year with an MNS membership!
Members save 15% on Family and Family Plus gift memberships.
o Join, upgrade or renew a Family, Family Plus or Family Plus Platinum
membership, and score free shark hats and complimentary passes to
Planet Shark: Predator or Prey. (Offers vary based on level of
membership.) To learn more, click here.
o NEW! MNS introduces gift cards just in time for the holidays
 MNS gift cards may be used for exhibit tickets, IMAX® shows, Planetarium
shows, membership purchases, and special lectures and events (may not
be used for gift shop or café purchases).

6. REGISTER NOW FOR LITTLE EXPLORERS SPRING 2012 SESSIONS
LITTLE EXPLORERS
MNS Children’s Museum (1318 S. 2nd Ave. in Fair Park)
Eight-week sessions beginning January 2012
You and your young child can discover new creative skills together with Little Explorers! The
program mixes sensory artistic activities, music and stories to help your child build aesthetic
awareness. These creative opportunities are designed for ages 6 months - 4 years. Your little ones
will gain confidence, develop social skills and improve physical capabilities.
Click here to register or call 214-428-5555 x 8. Please note: Only children who are enrolled in the
program may attend. Additional infants and/or siblings must also enroll in order to participate.
Scribbles and Dribbles
Children ages 6 months - 35 months with their adult companions
45-minute sessions beginning at 11 a.m.
Mondays from January 9 – March 19 (no sessions 1/16 MLK Day, 2/20 Presidents Day,
3/12 Spring Break); Tuesdays from January 10 – February 28 ; Wednesdays from January
11 – February 29; Thursdays from January 12 – March 1
Little Leonardos
Ages 3 and 4 with their adult companions
1 hour, eight-week session
Fridays at 11 a.m. from January 13 – March 2
GENERAL MUSEUM INFORMATION
Regular hours of operation: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Saturday
Noon – 5 p.m. Sundays
Special holiday hours:
December 17 (Saturday) – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
December 18 (Sunday) – noon to 6 p.m.
December 19 - 23 (Monday - Friday) – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
December 24 (Christmas Eve) – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
December 25 (Christmas) – Closed
December 26 - 30 (Monday - Friday) – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
December 31 (New Year’s Eve) – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
January 1 (New Year’s Day) – noon to 6 p.m.
January 2 (Monday) – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
MNS hours are subject to change based on special exhibitions, holiday considerations or other
events. Please check the website for current hours.

7. Regular general exhibit admission is $10 for adults 18-61; $9 for seniors 62+ and students 12-17;
$7 for children 2-11; children under 2 are free. MNS members of all ages are admitted for free.
Military personnel and their families receive a $2 discount off MNS exhibit admission when tickets
are purchased at the box office with Military ID.
Admission to Planet Shark: Predator or Prey requires a surcharge in addition to the purchase of
MNS general admission for a total admission cost of $18 for adults (18-61); $16 for seniors (62+)
and students (12-17); $13 for children (2-11); and $5 for MNS members of all ages. Children under
2 are free.
IMAX® shows require additional tickets: $7.50 for adults 18-61 (member adults $6); $6.50 for
seniors 62+, students 12-17 and children 2-11 (member seniors, students and children $5).
Children under 2 are free.
GREAT VALUE! The Twin Fin Package includes admission to Planet Shark: Predator or Prey
and any IMAX® film including Sharks. The Twin Fin Package is $24 for adults 18-61, $18 for
children 2-11, $22 for students (12-17) and seniors (62+), and $10 for members of all ages.
Planetarium tickets are $3.50 for non-member adults, students, seniors and children 2-11; and
$2.50 for member adults, students, seniors and children ages 2-11. Children under 2 are free.
Tickets for the Museum, IMAX® and Planetarium shows, and all special exhibits are available
online.
The Museum of Nature & Science campus is located in Fair Park. The Science Building is at 1318
S. 2nd Ave., the Nature Building is at 3535 Grand Ave., and the Planetarium is at 1620 First Ave.,
Dallas, TX, 75210. Access MNS from Interstate 30 near downtown Dallas.
Parking is inside Fair Park via Gate 5 or Gate 6 and is always free, except during State Fair. MNS
can also be accessed via the new DART Green Line with stops at MLK, Jr. and Fair Park stations.
Public Contact Information: 214-428-5555 or natureandscience.org.
For updates, event notices and more, sign up for the free electronic MNS newsletter.
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About the Museum of Nature & Science
The Museum of Nature & Science – the result of a unique merger in 2006 between the Dallas
Museum of Natural History, The Science Place and the Dallas Children's Museum – is an AAM-
accredited non-profit educational organization located in Dallas's Fair Park. In support of its
mission to inspire minds through nature and science, the museum delivers exciting, engaging and
innovative visitor experiences through its education, exhibition, and research and collections
programming for children, students, teachers, families and life-long learners. The facility also
includes the TI Founders IMAX® Theater and a cutting-edge digital planetarium. The Museum of
Nature & Science is supported in part by funds from the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs,
the Texas Commission on the Arts and HP. The Museum of Nature & Science also is building a
new $185 million museum on a 4.7-acre site in Victory Park to complement the Fair Park facilities.
To learn more about the Museum of Nature & Science, please visit natureandscience.org.