Frequently Asked Questions

The Cabinet of Curiosities Mission

Our mission is to immerse Junior Naturalists in connecting with the natural world and to build their sense of place. And to get families outdoors to explore nature and make discoveries together. The Cabinet of  Curiosities will help Junior Naturalists learn about and explore nature  through cross-curricular, hands-on, experiential activities, so that they will develop knowledge about, love for, and dedication to nature's wonders. Junior Naturalists can then swap their discoveries with other naturalists around the country to grow their collection and learn more about other ecosystems.

The Cabinet of Curiosities Values

Educating  Children Outdoors and The Cabinet of Curiosities supports stewardship of the living world and the preservation of biodiversity. We believe in  providing experiences of wonder through nature immersion and  exploration, fostering compassion for one another and the natural world,  building a community through teamwork and collaboration, and teaching  responsibility so that Junior Naturalists are capable of making rational  or moral decisions. We encourage Junior Naturalists to thoughtfully  consider the effects of their actions when enjoying the natural world  and to tread lightly as they go, and never take more than what they  need. 

Your first box will ship within 2 weeks of placing your order. If  you requested an ESA invoice your box will ship within 2 weeks of  receiving your cleared Class Wallet payment. 

We will ship your boxes each month on or within 2 days before or after the day your first month's box shipped. So if your 1st box shipped on the 5th of June you can expect your second month's box to be shipped  on or 2 days before or 2 days after the 5th of July. 

Each month when we ship your box we will also send a confirmation email which will include the private member resource page link and reminders on how your child can earn coins. 

The Cabinet of Curiosities boxes are geared towards all ages.  Any child who enjoys collecting nature specimens will enjoy this subscription box. Our private member resource page will have resources  for Preschoolers through 12th grade.  

Yes, we will offer a 10% discount off your total purchase if you place an order for more than one box per household. Please email us to receive this code. This discount cannot be combined with other discount codes. 

Yes, you can choose to order 1 box for the entire family that can be shared. Or you can take advantage of our sibling discount (see below)  that way each child gets their own specimens, science tools, critter  coins, etc. 

Yes, we do and the discounts are already indicated and deducted on our store. 

The shipping fee and the return shipping fee for mailing back your specimen(s) are included in the subscription cost. 

Currently, we only ship across the United States.  

Currently, we only ship across the United States.  

Yes, there are some things we cannot accept due to local and federal laws. We also encourage ethical collection. You will be sent collection guidelines via email and will also receive a hard copy in  your first month's box. This guide will include why having a nature  collection is important, and ethical, safe and responsible guidelines. 

Yes, all the time.  If you would like to donate items please email us. for the address. We can accept natural items like skulls, antlers, rocks, shells, fossils, plant part, dead insects, snake sheds, insect molts, dead insects, etc. We cannot accept bird items unless they are from a  domestic bird, non US native bird or hunted bird species.