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.
Dinos Drawn Wrong
Select Saturdays at 12:30pm | Select Sundays at 1:30pm | Duration: 30 minutes
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our science and understanding of prehistoric animals improves, our visual images change, too, and render some designs outdated.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.
Diets of the Giants
Select Saturdays at 1:30pm | Select Sundays at 2:30pm | Duration: 30 minutes
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.
Live Bug Feeding
Select Saturdays at 3:00pm | Duration: 30 minutes
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 Dark Day of the Dinosaur
December 21 at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30pm | Duration: 30 minutes
Sixty-six million years ago, a meteor slammed into Earth. Find out about a newly discovered fossil site which has preserved the first few hours of impact recording the dark day of the dinosaurs.
Recommended for ages 7 and up.
Tour the Jurassic
Select Saturdays at 11:30am | Select Sundays at 12:30pm | Duration: 30 minutes
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.
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.