This spring, sink your teeth into prehistoric fun as dinosaurs and ancient plants spring to life in Golden Gate Park during Dino Days from March 22-May 5, 2019. Visitors to the California Academy of Sciences can share a fascinating encounter with ancient dinosaurs that ruled the Earth some 75-66 million years ago in the Late Cretaceous, including the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex, great horned Torosaurus, lizard-like Edmontonia, a Parasaurolophus with several curious hatchlings, and more. Outside in the East Garden, see, hear, and walk among realistic life-size dinosaur models that move and roar, and learn how these massive reptiles adapted for life on land. Become a paleontologist for the day while digging for dinosaur fossils in the sand, discover real ancient plants like ferns and cycads that still grow today, and learn how fossils help scientists piece together the past.

“Dinosaurs have captivated our imaginations and sparked our curiosity for generations,” says Dr. Peter Roopnarine, the Academy’s Curator of Geology. “While there is still so much left to discover about these ancient marvels, we hope visitors will become inspired to explore how the lessons we learn from our evolving world can help us better understand our planet in the future.”

During Dino Days, visitors can also explore a diverse collection of prehistoric specimens on display throughout the museum, including a dinosaur leg bone, Sauropod coprolite (fossilized poop!), and touchable fossils in the Naturalist Center. Plus, have fun with interactive dinosaur-themed programming, like a children’s puppet show exploring how fossils are made, daily dance-offs that teach you to move like a pterosaur, and dino-inspired crafts on select dates this spring.

Special programs happening during Dino Days

Storytelling Through Time
Monday-Friday at 10:15 am, Science Today
Come dive into story time with an ancient twist. Don’t miss this adventure with mysterious creatures from millions of years ago.

True Pterosaur
Daily at 11 am, March 23-April 7, Piazza
Saturdays and Sundays at 11 am, April 13-June 9, Piazza
Can you dance like a pterosaur? Join us for this interactive skit in which you help a scientist and a video director character create a pretend "music video" that reveals the true nature of pterosaurs.

Dino Face Painting
March 23-24, 29-31 and April 1 from 11 am–2 pm, East Garden
Become a dinosaur! Have your face painted as an ancient reptile and then join a costume parade around the Academy.

Children’s Puppet Theater: How a Fossil is Made
Daily at 12:30 pm, East Garden
Learn what it takes to become a fossil in this interactive puppet show for all ages!

Jurassic NightLife (21+)
Thursday, March 21 from 6-10 pm
Music by DJ Saurus; Live performance by Awesome Orchestra
Join us for a party of Jurassic proportions guaranteed to bring out the dinosaur-loving kid in everyone: We’re going back in time to celebrate the opening of Dino Days—and the most popular dinosaur movie of all time. Head outside for an encounter with life-size dinosaurs that ruled the Earth millions of years ago during the Late Cretaceous. The Awesöme Orchestra will provide a soundtrack to your night with a performance of John Williams’ iconic Jurassic Park score. Inside, the UC Museum of Paleontology will show off dinosaur fossils, teeth, and claws while DJ Saurus (The Prehistoric B-Boy) spins in the Piazza. NightLife is for adults 21+ with valid ID. Tickets are $15 per person, $12 for Academy members and can be purchased online or at the door.

For details and a full schedule of programs, please visit: https://www.calacademy.org/exhibits/dino-days