A T-Rex at the zoo was a first for me.
J Patrick Rice
The Kansas City Zoo has set out to bring back to life, not Jurassic creatures, but the kid in all of us by hosting thirteen animatronic dinosaurs. The first offers a wide, toothy grin just inside the front gate.
Familiar giants, such as the triceratops, stand tall and roar! To find others, you may resort to consulting your exhibit map or the help of the dinosaur checklist on the back, which offers silhouettes of the thirteen as hints. Yellow informational signs provide a history of what’s been discovered about these captivating herbivores and carnivores. You can even compare footprints with impressions of the dinosaur tracks.
Dinosaurs Around the World opened May 1st and is free with zoo admission. The expert paleontologist in your home can anticipate spotting life-size animatronics of: an Australovenator, Hadrosaur, Herrerasaurus, Iguanodon, Kentrosaurus, Leallynasaura, Massospondylus, Minmi, Neovenator, Protoceratops, Spinosaurus, Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus Rex.
These prehistoric visitors will remain throughout the summer with an extinction date of August 24th.
KC Parent Pro Tip: Locating the Minmi may be challenging due to its short stature, coloring, and placement. Hint: Near the station Down Under.
While the zoo has the latest of the greatest dinosaurs, more are coming, and there are some that have made the greater Kansas City area their permanent stomping grounds.
Mega-dinosaur fun is happening this June at KC Pumpkin Patch! Emphasis on mega, as some stand 20’ tall. General admission includes 20+ stop-you-in-your-tracks dinosaurs and fun photo-ops (on top of the thrilling 60+ attractions and games with entry). Upgrade to the Dino Plus Pass for 1 Dino Ride, 1 Paintball Experience, and 1 Fossil Mining.
Open every Saturday and Sunday in June from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
KC Parent Pro Tip: Dads enter free on Father’s Day! No online ticket is needed for any attending dads on Sunday, June 15th.
Todd Riggins
SciFun Camp: Digging Up the Past - Overland Park
The Museum at Prairiefire is unearthing the world of fossils with a summer course for students entering K-5th grade. Day campers will explore the fossilized organisms and their environments, learn about famous dig sites and how to excavate fossils for themselves.
Digging Up the Past is offered June 23rd - 27th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for K-2nd grade students. And again July 7th - 11th at the same times for 3rd-5th grade students. The cost is $250 for non-members and $200 for members.
Dig Site & DinoLab - Science City at Union Station
Hands-on learning! Brushes, shovels and goggles are provided for young paleontologists as they reveal evidence of mosasaurs, pterosaurs, Mesozoic Fish, and more at Science City’s Dig Site. Kids also receive a closer look in the DinoLab, where they can observe fossils under a magnifying lens.
Both exhibits are included in general admission. However, the DinoLab is only open when paleontologist volunteers are onsite.
Free admission for children 12 months and under.
KC Parent Pro Tip: A little dirt never hurt! But anticipate sand and soil at the Dig Site as you dress for your Dino Day Out.
Jurassic Garden at Powell Gardens
Through September 28, encounter life-sized dinosaurs and discover the fascinating flora that once shared their world. Admission includes interactive stations, educational displays and hands-on activities.
Prehistoric Putt - Independence
Dare to lead your tribe to Independence, MO, for 18 holes amongst 30 to-scale dinosaurs. This indoor experience is lively with animatronic dinosaurs throughout three exciting courses. Exciting obstacles include an 11-foot loop, zip line and volcano! Once the last putt is made, enjoy the arcade.
For a dino-mite experience, adventure in on Funday Mondays when a round of golf is just $6.00 per person, and opt for the Blue Course for kiddos 4-8 or Red for kiddos 8-12. (The “Black” Course is designed to challenge teens and adults.)
Digital score cards are available on their website, so no one has to juggle a mini pencil and score card with their putter.
Children under two are free.
Prairiefire’s T-Rex - Overland Park
The Museum at Prairiefire houses a giant just within its doors. A replica Tyrannosaurus Rex stands 12 feet high and 40 feet long. This Goliath display is free to the public in the Great Hall as well as a Build-Your-Own-Dinosaur activity on the touch screens.
With admission, families gain access to the Discovery Room which includes a children’s dig site and dinosaur-themed stories and crafts for the Little Explorers Club.
KC Parent Pro Tip: The Museum at Prairiefire is a popular location for photoshoots due to its striking, colorful dichroic glass. It’s a great photo op!
Visit Nerluc at The Berry Patch - Cleveland, MO
An herbivore with a sweet tooth! The Berry Patch is home to Nerluc, the dinosaur. Spot this triceratops at the Family Fun Zone ready to take a picture.
KU Natural History Museum - Lawrence, KS
Suspended dramatically above the main lobby, a serpentine fossil is displayed in a grand spiral to complement the round entrance and balcony. This Tylosaurus is a thrilling introduction to the museum’s collection of dinosaurs and prehistoric specimens. Families should budget 1-2 hours to observe and learn.
For those with young explorers, take a break with live exhibits: Bugtown or Bee Tree.
KC Parent Pro Tip: Only five minutes from the museum is Sylas and Maddy's Homemade Ice Cream. Unique flavors (Rock Chalk Jayhawk) and fresh waffle cones will make your museum trip a sweeter memory.
Field Station: Dinosaurs - Derby, KS
Take a day trip to another world! Days of dinosaurs can be experienced at Field Station in Derby, KS. Over 40 towering true-to-size animatronic dinos are contained in this 14-acre theme park.
Enjoy live shows, games, and activities such as meeting Mighty T-Rex or participating in Dinosaur Feud. Find your way through Raptor Maze. Play at the Paleo Playground with Jurassic Zoo Bounces. Uncover fossils at the dig site. All is available with admission.
Children age one and under are free.
Boulevard Drive-In Theatre for Jurassic World Rebirth (PG-13) - Merriam
This highly anticipated blockbuster stomps into theatres July 2, 2025. For an experience with kids 13 and older, watch for showings at the Boulevard Drive-In Theatre. The outdoor screen and controlled volume from your own stereo will remove some of the intensity and scare-factor of the traditional big screen.
You’ll need cash for admission ($15/person, kids 11 and under free) and any concession treats. Coolers and food are permitted.
Want to make your dino adventure even bigger?
Enter our Mega-Dinosaur Giveaway for a chance to win tickets to top attractions like the KC Jurassic Farm, Science City’s DinoLab, Powell Gardens’ Jurassic Garden, and more—including a special Jurassic World Rebirth pre-screening! Winners will be selected throughout the month of June, so enter now for your chance to roar and explore!