Area residents will have an opportunity to see the nation’s biggest herd of lifelike dinosaurs when Jurassic Quest is presented this weekend, July 14-16, at Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center. Visitors will walk through 165 million years of the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods to learn about the creatures that once ruled the Earth.
There will be live dinosaur shows, interactive science and art activities including a fossil dig and real fossils like T-Rex teeth, a triceratops horn and life-size dino skull, a “Triceratots” soft play area for the littlest explorers, bounce houses and inflatable attractions, photo opportunities and more.
This year, Jurassic Quest is bringing more hands-on activities, education and fun. This will include an expanded Excavation Station and more Jurassic-themed rides and inflatables. Even the animatronic herd has been expanded to include the Utahraptor and Giganotosaurus.
In addition to “The Quest,” a self-guided scavenger-hunt-style activity where budding paleontologists can become junior dinosaur trainers, Jurassic Quest has launched a new video tour featuring Safari Sarah, Dino Dustin, Prehistoric Nick and Park Ranger Marty. It is available onsite and on smartphones via QR code. All expanded activities are included with general admission.
The Jurassic Quest animatronic dinos — from the largest predators to playful baby dinos — are displayed in realistic scenes and some move and roar, allowing guests to experience them as they were when they roamed Earth millions of years ago. Jurassic Quest works in collaboration with leading paleontologists to ensure each dinosaur is painstakingly replicated in every detail, from coloration to teeth size, to textured skin, fur or feathers, drawing on the latest research.
Even after the dino herd departs, dinosaur fun will be available at home anytime with Jurassic Quest virtual resources. Join the Jurassic Quest dino trainers as they celebrate Dino Day and Fossil Day as well as activities such as Dino Storytime, Show & Tell, fossil lessons and more. Go to youtube.com/c/JurassicQuestEvents.
Families also can access craft activities, word searches, coloring pages and more provided for free at jurassicquest.com/online-fun. Also, they will find an extensive Jurassic Quest dino directory at jurassicquest.com/dinodirectory.
The Jurassic Quest theme song can be found at youtube.com/watch?v=uNyPyy02SCU.
Tickets are available onsite and online at jurassicquest.com. Advance, online tickets are recommended.
Standard, senior and kids pricing are available. General admission tickets include access to the dinosaur exhibits, arts and crafts activities and dinosaur shows. There are rides and activities that require activity tickets available onsite, or guests can upgrade to the Kids Unlimited Ticket (the best value for children ages 2-10). Entry is free for children younger than age 2.
Guests can walk through the dinosaur experience at their own pace, and strollers are permitted. Socks are required for inflatable attractions. Some venues may have wheelchairs for use; contact the venue in advance to make arrangements.
Hours are: noon to 8 p.m. July 14, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 15 and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 16.
The Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center is located at 1000 Water St., Jacksonville.
