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Celebrate the new year big with a rip-roaring stampede across the Southern California area with Jurassic Quest. This interactive dinosaur tour, designed for families with young children, makes frequent but brief pit stops visiting different cities traveling across the country. At reasonable price ranges, this is a cost-effective family outing compared to the rising expenses of major amusement park destinations—a plus for anyone in your family dynamic who has an affection for dinosaur knowledge and discovery.
The first part of your experience begins with a multitude of static and limited movement life-size dinosaur figures doused in colorful lights. They’re accompanied by informative signage describing the nearby species as well as video monitors of dinosaur guides sharing fun facts.
The next display showcases fossils and other artifacts related to findings made at dig sites. A plethora of real-life methods to learn more about these long-extinct creatures. Just across the way is a dig site for families to uncover their dinosaur bones. There are four separate sandboxes so many family members can take turns using the provided brushes or just use their hands.
You’ll need transportation to get you to and from the work site. Little ones can choose to drive their battery-powered jeep in their size. Or saddle up and ride on the back of a dinosaur. The Jeep trek is just a circle with all corners open for viewing the driver’s skills. The dinosaur rides range in size but are limited in movement. It is more of a photo opportunity and delivers less on thrills. Cherish those family memories with a green screen photo with different backgrounds to choose from.
For the more physically active, there are a few selections to burn off that extra energy. Giant inflatables provide jungle obstacles and slide out from the mouth of a dinosaur. Even dinosaurs can get into sports with targets for football, basketball, and soccer. Try your aim at roping dinosaurs—race like a dinosaur with members of your family at a timed running trek. There’s even a plastic playground for toddlers.
Artistic handlers will have an eye and hand for arts and crafts activity centers. Show off your enthusiasm for dinosaur love with face painting. A dinosaur encounter show occurs every hour with a walking and chomping dinosaur. There’s even a baby dinosaur cuddled up in the arms of a trainer. Both are ready for their close-ups. But not too close with those smiling sharp teeth. The gift shop is open with memorabilia to take home from the dinosaur adventure.
Jurassic Quest is only in Anaheim from December 28, 2023, to January 1, 2024, at the Anaheim Convention Center. Not to worry as there are more tour dates across the southern California region in the coming months. Some local locations include San Diego (January 19 – 21, 2024) at Del Mar Fairgrounds, Ventura (February 2 – 4, 2024) at Ventura County Fairgrounds, Pomona (February 9 – 11, 2024) at Fairplex, Monterey (February 16 – 19, 2024) at Montreal County Fairgrounds, and Costa Mesa (February 23 – 25, 2024) at OC Fair and Event Center.
Jurassic Quest will appeal more for families with young children 10 years of age and younger. There are wide spaces to roam and accommodate strollers. Go at your own leisure and at your own pace. Groups can expect to spend about an hour or two to occupy your time. Check the website for more information about tour dates and prices at www.jurassicquest.com
