Life-size moving dinosaurs like those from millions of years ago will be back for four days from Jan. 17-20 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds as part of Jurassic Quest’s cross-country tour. The traveling dinosaur show includes animatronic dinosaurs ranging from Tyrannosaurus rex to the 80-foot-long Apatosaurus recreated by paleontologists.
Visitors can walk through 165 million years of dinosaur history covering the Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic periods and see dinosaurs of all sizes roaming around.
Kids can climb on one of the life-like prehistoric creatures and take a ride. Highlights include fossil digs and dino crafts along with dinosaur-themed bounce houses, games and “Tricera-tots” soft play area.
The Jurassic Quest creators worked with paleontologists to recreate the dinosaurs as closely as possible to how scientists believe they looked, from their size and color to texture and teeth size. Visitors can learn about paleontology at the excavation station, where they can dig up fossils dating back more than 60 million years.
There is an interactive self-guided scavenger hunt, “Quest,” with 10 clues and a chance to earn a reward along with a video tour led by dino trainers. Exhibit guides lead folks through and answer questions.
General ission tickets include dinosaur exhibits, arts and crafts activities and live shows. There are rides and activities that require activity tickets sold on-site, or visitors can the Kids Unlimited Ticket, which includes those attractions. Visitors can walk through the dinosaur experience at their own pace and strollers are permitted.
Hours are 1 to 6 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
Tickets are $26.85 to $40.85. ission is free for children under age 2. DINO30 takes 30 percent off tickets jurassicquest.com
Fairgrounds parking costs $20; $15 if purchased at least 24 hours in advance at delmarfairgrounds.com/p/about/parking.
