Step into a prehistoric adventure at the Virginia Living Museum’s immersive “Dinosaur Quest” experience! Engage with interactive displays that challenge your knowledge and skills while revealing fascinating dinosaur facts. A lifelike animatronic dinosaur stands guard nearby, its realistic movements bringing the ancient past to life. Young explorers can practice their excavation techniques at our specially designed dig pit.
Your prehistoric journey continues throughout both floors of the museum with carefully curated collections, educational displays, and engaging photo opportunities. Discover the connection between past and present through informative graphics highlighting “living fossils”—organisms that have survived relatively unchanged for millions of years.
Venture outdoors to encounter two additional animatronic dinosaurs in the Conservation Garden. These impressive recreations offer perfect photo opportunities for visitors of all ages. Test your paleontological prowess at our larger outdoor dig pit, where you can unearth replica fossils and learn about excavation techniques used by real scientists.
Dinosaur Discovery Trail
Complete your expedition on our permanent Dinosaur Discovery Trail, which perfectly complements this special exhibit. Compare the sizes and physical features of various dinosaur species while exploring competing theories about their extinction.
This comprehensive experience invites you to uncover the stories of these magnificent creatures and consider what it takes to become a modern paleontologist. From the Conservation Lawn to the former misting system area, the entire Virginia Living Museum has been transformed to create an unforgettable journey through time.
Programming:
May 24 – September 7, 2025
Join us this summer for special educational programming designed to complement our “Destination: Dinosaurs!” exhibit. These engaging activities offer visitors of all ages opportunities to deepen their understanding of prehistoric life while making connections to modern science.
Planetarium Shows*
Explore space, time, and Earth’s prehistoric past in our state-of-the-art planetarium with three distinct shows running Thursday through Sunday and Holiday Mondays (May 24 – September 1). *Tickets not included in admission.
The Zula Patrol: Down to Earth – 11:30AM
Join the heroic Zula Patrol as they travel through time to thwart the villainous Deliria’s schemes. Along their journey, they’ll uncover Earth’s fascinating geological history and even encounter a famous dinosaur! Perfect for younger visitors, this show combines adventure with scientific discovery.
Impact! – 12:30pm
Examine the profound role meteorites have played throughout Earth’s history. This captivating presentation investigates how rocks from space have shaped our planet’s development—including their possible connection to dinosaur extinction—and reveals how cosmic impacts continue to influence Earth today.
Virginia Skies – 1:30PM
Let our skilled astronomers guide you through the current evening sky. Discover seasonal constellations, visible planets, and upcoming celestial events you can observe from your own backyard.
Ambassador Animal Show: Survival of the Fittest
Located in the How Life Survives Discovery Center, these live animal presentations highlight the fascinating connections between prehistoric creatures and their modern descendants.
- Monday-Friday (June 9 – August 22): 1:00 PM & 2:00 PM
- Saturday-Sunday (May 24 – September 7): 11:30 AM & 1:00 PM
Witness remarkable adaptations that help modern animals thrive in diverse environments. Our knowledgeable staff will present live animal ambassadors while explaining how certain evolutionary traits have persisted from prehistoric times. Discover how the legacy of dinosaurs continues through adaptations observed in today’s wildlife.
Science Show: Super Science LIVE!
Thursday-Sunday and Holiday Mondays (May 24 – September 1): 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM
Join us in the One Big Ecosystem Gallery for hands-on demonstrations that bring scientific concepts to life. Each presentation complements our planetarium programming.
Featured Experiments:
- M&M Half-Life: Explore the concept of radioactive decay through this delicious demonstration that pairs with our “Zula Patrol” planetarium show. Perfect for understanding how scientists date fossils!
- Meteorite or Wrong?: Learn to distinguish true meteorites from terrestrial rocks in this interactive identification challenge that complements our “Impact!” planetarium show.
- Sunspotter Observing: Safely observe our nearest star using specialized equipment—connects with our “Virginia Skies” presentation and explores the astronomical forces that affect Earth.
All activities are included with regular museum admission. Programs subject to change based on staff availability and weather conditions.
Events:
Dinosaur Quest
Early Learners at the VLM: Dino-mite Discovery
T.rex Trek
T.rex Trek
Dino Discovery
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