Bess Bower Dunn Museum
1899 W Winchester Rd, Libertyville, IL 60048
What to Expect
Journey through the history of Lake County and encounter its prehistoric inhabitants at the Bess Bower Dunn Museum! Discover a scientifically accurate, life-sized Dryptosaurus, a fearsome predator that once roamed these very lands. This engaging museum offers a unique glimpse into the past, where you can explore fascinating exhibits and learn about the ancient creatures that called Illinois home.
The Prehistoric Experience
The ‘Prehistoric Lake County’ exhibit features a full-scale, scientifically accurate Dryptosaurus replica, along with various fossils and an interactive ice age dig site.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Closed on Mondays.
Burpee Museum of Natural History
737 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61103
What to Expect
Prepare for an epic journey back in time at the Burpee Museum of Natural History, home to some of the most significant dinosaur discoveries! Come face-to-face with Jane, the world’s best-preserved juvenile T. rex, and marvel at Homer, the teenage Triceratops. This world-class museum offers an unforgettable experience for dinosaur lovers of all ages, with stunning fossils and captivating exhibits that bring the prehistoric world to life.
The Prehistoric Experience
The museum’s main dinosaur exhibits are centered around its two prize fossils: ‘Jane,’ a remarkably complete juvenile Tyrannosaurus Rex, and ‘Homer,’ a sub-adult Triceratops. It also features a Pennsylvanian coal forest and a viewing lab to watch staff work on new discoveries.
Hours: Monday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Chicago Children’s Museum
700 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
What to Expect
Grab your gear and get ready for a paleontological adventure at the Chicago Children’s Museum’s Dinosaur Expedition! Young explorers can dig for bones in a recreated Saharan dig site, just like real paleontologists. This immersive, hands-on exhibit is the perfect place for kids to unearth the wonders of the past and get up close with a life-sized Suchomimus skeleton.
The Prehistoric Experience
The ‘Dinosaur Expedition’ exhibit is a recreation of a Saharan expedition, featuring a life-size Suchomimus skeleton and an excavation pit where children can dig for bones.
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM; Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Closed Tuesdays.
Jurassic Gardens
27582 Volo Village Rd, Volo, IL 60073
What to Expect
Step back in time 65 million years at Jurassic Gardens, an indoor prehistoric paradise! Encounter over 30 moving, life-like animatronic dinosaurs in a massive 15,000 square foot exhibit. Unleash your inner paleontologist in the dino dig, pan for fossils, and enjoy the outdoor dinosaur playground and mini-golf course for a truly dino-mite day of family fun!
The Prehistoric Experience
An indoor exhibit featuring over 30 animatronic dinosaurs, a fossil dig pit, a Jurassic mining station, a Raptor Arcade, an outdoor dinosaur-themed playground, and a 9-hole mini-golf course.
Hours: Open Daily 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Jurassic Quest – Collinsville
1 Gateway Dr, Collinsville, IL 62234
Dates: November 14, 2025 to November 16, 2025
What to Expect
Prepare for a prehistoric adventure of epic proportions when Jurassic Quest returns to Collinsville! This phenomenal event brings the world of dinosaurs to life with its massive and realistic animatronics. The whole family will be thrilled by the interactive exhibits, dino rides, and the chance to meet the trainers and baby dinos!
The Prehistoric Experience
The largest traveling dinosaur experience in North America, featuring life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, rides, fossil digs, and interactive educational activities for all ages.
Hours: Hours to be determined closer to the event date.
The Field Museum
1400 S Dusable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
What to Expect
Experience the sheer scale of the prehistoric world at The Field Museum, where giants of the past still roam! Gaze up at Máximo the Titanosaur, the largest dinosaur ever discovered, and come face-to-face with SUE, the most complete T. rex skeleton on the planet. This world-renowned museum offers an awe-inspiring journey through billions of years of life on Earth, making it an essential destination for any dino-fanatic.
The Prehistoric Experience
The museum is home to ‘SUE,’ the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex fossil ever found, and ‘Máximo,’ a cast of a 122-foot-long Titanosaur. The Griffin Halls of Evolving Planet showcases an extensive collection of dinosaur and other prehistoric skeletons.
Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry at 4:00 PM.
Event and attraction details are provided for informational purposes only. Please verify dates, hours, locations, and availability directly with the hosting venue or official event organizer. Listings may change or be canceled without notice. We are not responsible for outdated or incorrect information, as all events are managed by independent third parties.