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.

Permian Perfection - NEW PROGRAM starts September 28, 2025
250 million years ago Earth experienced two major things: The deadliest extinction ever, and the rise of the most successful animal to ever exist. Meet Lystrosaurus and learn why it was nearly the only animal on land and theorize what made such a small, unassuming creature so successful.
Recommended for all ages.

Dinos Drawn Wrong
Every picture of a dinosaur anyone has ever seen was drawn by an artist. Paleontology requires more artistry than 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As our science and understanding of prehistoric animals improves, our visual images change too and render some designs outdated.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 our “mystery” fossil looks. You’ll quickly understand how much the evidence reveals.
Recommended for all ages.

Dino Tale
Our understanding of dinosaurs is often limited by what is preserved in the fossil record but when amazing fossils finally surface like what happened with the Duck-Billed Edmontosaurus, paleontologists can finally pull back the curtain and reveal secrets that were once lost to time. Participants will uncover the story of how an unlikely Edmontosaurus survived an attack from the greatest predator of all time.
Recommended for all ages.

How T. rex became the Ruler of the Dinosaurs
Examine the remains of several Tyrannosauruses to solve one of the most mysterious aspects of their lives. Get up close and even touch the bones of this predator and get an insight into how this massive carnivore’s structure supported its growth, behavior, and overall survival as the greatest apex predator of all time.
(Recommended for ages 8 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.

The Spinosaurus Wars
Recent discoveries of Spinosaurus have shown that it spent a lot of time in the water. But to what extent? The answer depends on which paleontologist you ask. Come face to face with the strangest dinosaur ever discovered. Learn about its devastating discovery and fateful re-discovery and hear both sides of the most hotly debated topic in paleontology history.
Recommended for all ages.

Tour the Jurassic
Take the Jurassic Tour and get up close with the dino-stars of the Jurassic Park 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.

Pricing

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