Do you have a child who loves dinosaurs? Or maybe its YOU who loves dinosaurs? đ Have you read all the books at the library and watched all the dinosaur shows, and now you are ready to go see some dinosaur exhibits? You’d like to stay somewhat-local, but you don’t know where to go.
Check out these local museums and attractions with dinosaurs for your whole family to enjoy. All of these dinosaur events and exhibits are within a 2 hour drive from Lancaster Countyâor right here, in Lancaster County!
Whether you are looking for something fun to do on your next staycation, school vacation day, weekend outing or this summer breakâthese dinosaur experiences will be perfect for your little (or big) dinosaur-lover!
7 Dinosaur Experiences for Kids of All Ages
In and Around Lancaster County
1. The Academy of Natural Sciences â¨Philadelphia, PA
A giant Tyrannosaurus rex greets visitors to this museum, which has a lab where kids can watch scientists prepping dinosaur fossils. Skeletons of more than 30 species are on display in the Dinosaur Hall and a hands-on exhibit allows kids to dig for dino bones. On the third weekend in February the Academy hosts the annual Paleopalooza, a weekend filled with crafts, fossil hunts, dino tours, and games. Children can also talk with real paleontologists.
Dinosaur Hall
Itâs one of the first things visitors see when they enter the Academy of Natural Sciences: measuring up to 42 feet in length and weighing in at an estimated 7.5 tons, Tyrannosaurus rex was one of the largest predators to ever walk the Earth.
This impressive animal is one of many dinosaurs and other Mesozoic creatures youâll encounter in Dinosaur Hall. More than 30 species are represented, about half of which are full skeletal mounts, including Avaceratops, Chasmosaurus, Corythosaurus, Deinonychus, Pachycephalosaurus, Tenontosaurus, and Tylosaurus.
In addition to the skeletons, visitors can view dinosaur eggs, footprints, sculptures, murals, paleontologist tools, a life-size model showing the internal anatomy of a Stegosaurus, and a green-screen video studio where they can project their own images into a world full of dinosaurs.
Tickets are FREE for kids 3 and under, otherwise they range from $9.95 to $17.95 each. Membership pays for itself in two visits!
2. Smithsonian Museum of Natural History
The Hall of Paleobiology at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC, is a study of the history of life on Earth, dating back nearly 3.5 billion years. The museum added its first fossils in 1859, and since then, scientists have led expeditions around the world to bring back the goods for this world-renowned collection.
Among the highlights: a tall, long-necked diplodocus and an armored stegosaurus. The hall is closed for major renovations until 2019, but the museum has put some of its dinosaur specimens on display elsewhere in the building.
The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History is located at 10th St and Constutution Ave., Washington, DC 20560 US. Admission is FREE.
 
3. North Museum: Dinosaur Gallery (Lancaster, PA)
Dinosaurs in Lancaster, Pa! The new âExplore the Pastâ exhibit is an exciting addition to the North Museum. This exhibit features a full size reconstructed dinosaur, a restored view of Pennsylvania 200 million years ago, and many dinosaur skulls. Get hands-on!
During a visit to the Museum visitors can handle real fossils and bones in the interactive . With an in-depth look at T. rex, (the tyrant lizard king) as it really lived, and the opportunity to get up close to ancient life, this exhibit is sure to please dinosaur lovers young and old.
The North Museum is located right here, in downtown Lancaster! Tickets are FREE for kids 2 and under, and otherwise cost $8-9.
4. Dutch Wonderland: Prehistoric Path
This isn’t a museum or necessarily an educational experience, but it is a neat opportunity to view some life-size dinosaurs. Your family can experience over 20 lifelike dinosaurs up-close as you explore the Prehistoric Path at your own pace. You also won’t want to miss the opportunity to participate in the dino dig and uncover some of your own fossils!
Dutch Wonderland is also located right here in Lancaster County. Tickets are $28.99 and up, but there are ways to save on your tickets that I talk about in point #3 in this Dutch Wonderland post.
 
5. The State Museum of PA
The State Museum of PA has a life through time exhibit on the third floor. Travel through time and experience the ancient flora and fauna, from the Precambrian to Cenozoic periods. See the Marshalls Creek Mastodon, one of the most complete specimens of its kind in North America and immerse yourself in the forests of the Carboniferous.
6. Whitaker Center Dinosaur Discovery
Dinosaurs come alive this summer in the Whitaker Center’s limited engagement exhibition, Dinosaur Discovery: Where Science Comes Alive! Located inside Gloria M. Olewine Gallery of Harsco Science Center, guests will marvel at predators hunting prey: an armored Euoplocephalus fending off a provoked Albertosaurus, discover a pack of hungry Deinonychus taking down a Tenontosaurus and hear a Maiasaura roar in joy as its eggs hatch.
Some of the elements included in the Dinosaur Discovery exhibit:
- A Euoplocephalus whipping its powerful tail at the attacking Albertosaurus
- Two Pachycephalosaurus head-butting in a battle for territory
- Four Deinonychus taking down a Tenontosaurus with powerful slashes of their claws
- A Pteranodon soaring over the coast in search of fish
- Operate a robotic hadrosaur using a remote control
- Discover fossils while digging through sand
- Uncover fossils by rubbing crayons on paper-covered templates
- Become a dinosaur yourself through virtual reality simulators
Admission to Dinosaur Discovery is included in your museum ticket cost. You can learn more about the exhibit and buy your tickets here.
7. Dinosaurs Come to Life at Reptiland
Travel back in time with this prehistoric outdoor adventure!
Open through October 29, 2017, Dinosaurs Come to Life features life-size animatronic dinosaurs that roar, spit, and bellow. Trek through this exciting educational exhibit to experience the infamous Tyrannosaurus rex, as well as Utahraptor, Carnotaurus, Ornithomimus, and Compsagnathusâfour new-to-the-zoo dinos! Enjoy a refreshing âsurpriseâ from the guest favorite Dilophosaurus, and see a Triceratops nest up-close!
Adding to the exhibitâs fun and informative nature are five static dinosaurs, a climbable model for picture-taking, and a recreated paleontologist dig site. Learn more on Reptiland’s website.
Rebecca says
Thank you Kathy! We are studying dinosaurs in preschool next week and I’m sending a link to your blog to the parents.
Kathy says
You’re welcome!!! Glad it could be helpful!!