Dinosaurs are taking over Kansas City in a big way this year — and your family is invited to explore them all. While many locals still remember the roar of T-Rex Café, downtown KC has become an even bigger prehistoric playground with two brand-new immersive dinosaur exhibits plus a trail of dino-themed attractions across the Metro. From life-size animatronics and interactive fossil digs to outdoor adventures and museum giants, Kansas City is proving that the age of dinosaurs is very much alive — and perfectly built for family fun.
Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice™ at Crown Center
Createdby the Minnesota Children’s Museum and made possible by a grant from the David B. Jones Foundation, Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice™ roars into Crown Center Showplace (Level 1 of Crown Center Shops, 2450 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO) beginning Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, and running through May 10, 2026. This interactive exhibit invites families to step back into the Cretaceous period and explore unfamiliar prehistoric landscapes, getting up close with dinosaurs of many shapes and sizes. Children can uncover fossils like real paleontologists, explore a swampy bog and oozing volcano, and climb through icy terrain—all without needing a change of clothes—while developing scientific thinking through play and discovery.
The exhibit is free to the public and open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. (closed Easter Sunday, April 5).
Hatching Soon: Jurassic Journey at Union Station
Starting February 14th, families can enjoy Jurassic Journey, a brand-new prehistoric passage at Science City filled with life-size animatronic dinosaurs and real fossils. Spanning nearly 3,000 square feet, this limited-time exhibit brings the ancient world to life through hands-on science and interactive discovery. Visitors can encounter nine moving dinosaurs, examine and compare skulls, touch authentic bones, and engage directly with paleontologists to learn how scientists uncover clues about creatures that once ruled the earth.
Designed to spark curiosity and wonder, Jurassic Journey blends play with learning in an immersive experience that’s free with regular Science City admission.
While you’re at Union Station, grab your brushes, shovels and goggles and let your young paleontologists dig for 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. Learn more at ScienceCityKC.org.
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.
Dinozaur Indoor Sand Play
This Jurassic-themed indoor sandbox fun designed especially for curious kids ages 8 and under recently opened in the Metro. Featuring clean, ocean-sourced, non-sticking dark sand, fossils, magnetic dinosaur boards, excavation tools, and open-ended play, the space invites little explorers to dig, scoop, build, and imagine. Created by owner Justin Finn, who also opened Dozer in Leawood, Dinozaur blends familiar favorite toys with new prehistoric elements like bones, dinosaurs, and foam tree stumps. With wash stations, easy clean-up, and the option to extend playtime, it’s a playful, thoughtful, and hands-on experience that makes every visit feel like a mini adventure back in time.
To keep open play age-appropriate, the two sandboxes are for kids 8 and under with parental supervision.
Read our full review here:
KC Parent Pro Tip: If your children have a hard time leaving at the end of the hour, keep in mind you have the option to extend playtime at a discount–30 extra minutes for $5 per family.
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!
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.