exploreLAB is a specimen-rich environment sure to excite any paleo enthusiast and offers immersive dino- and entomology-themed programming for all ages and interests. Learn more about Feathery Functions, Dinos Drawn Wrong, Diets of the Giants, and Live Bug Feeding. Programming is available on select Saturdays and Sundays and school breaks. Tickets can be purchased at the front desk upon arrival.
How T. rex became the Ruler
Examine fossil casts of T. rex from various stages of development and draw conclusions on how this massive dinosaur’s structure supported its growth, behavior, and overall survival as the apex predator of its time. Recent studies focusing on the T. rex brain, including how it likely processed information and its perceived level of intelligence, will be analyzed.
(Recommended for ages 8 and up)
Dinos Drawn Wrong
Paleontology requires more artistry than many people realize. As our science and understanding of prehistoric animals improves, our visual images change, too, and render some designs outdated. Follow the science and become the artist who predicts how the “mystery” fossil looks. You’ll quickly understand how much the evidence reveals.
Recommended for all ages.
Tour the Jurassic
Take the Jurassic Tour and get up close with the dino-stars of the film! Learn about what scientifically holds up 30 years later and what has become extinct as our scientific understanding has improved throughout the decades.
Recommended for ages 6 and up.
Live Bug Feeding
exploreLAB is home to over a dozen different insects and arachnids that need to be cared for daily. Curious to know our routine? Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at how we (with your assistance) care for our multi-legged friends and hear how we make sure they are flourishing in their museum digs.
Recommended for all ages.
Diets of the Giants
The one thing Spinosaurus, Giganotosaurus, and Tyrannosaurus have in common is that they make up the top three largest terrestrial predators of all time! Participants get up-close with these mega-raptors and use the shape and structure of their teeth and skulls to make inferences about their respective ecosystem niches.
Recommended for ages 6 and up.
Dino Tale
Work like a paleontologist and travel back in time to visit the land of dinosaurs and uncover the fossilization process. Using real specimens and model casts, piece together the story of those that ruled the land millions of years ago.
Recommended for all ages.
Feathery Functions
The single greatest advancement in paleontology was the realization that birds are living dinosaurs. As a result, scientists know details about these magnificent creatures that were previously unimagined. Participants will be hands-on with many modern dinosaurs while learning about the various types of feathers and their functions to make connections to their prehistoric relatives. Experience the process scientists use to determine the color of dinosaurs!
Recommended for all ages.
Darkest Days of the Dinosaurs
Sixty-six million years ago, a meteor slammed into Mexico, bringing with it the end of the world. In North Dakota, a new fossil site was discovered that preserved the first few hours of impact, the day the dinosaurs died and the worst day in Earth’s history.
Recommended for ages 7 and up.
Pricing
Adults: $5 per program
Seniors 65+ & Children ages 2 - 12: $5 per program
All CIS Standard Members: $4 per program
Children under 2: $1 per program
CIS Enhanced Members: FREE
Not a member? Explore Cranbrook Institute of Science memberships here.