Downing Children’s Garden at Botanica, The Wichita Gardens
701 North Amidon St, Wichita, KS 67203
What to Expect
Let your little paleontologists explore the wonders of the past in this imaginative and vibrant children’s garden! Visitors can marvel at a replica fossil wall of a native Kansas dinosaur and unleash their inner explorer digging for faux fossils in the sandbox area.
The Prehistoric Experience
A replica Fossil Wall displaying a *Claosaurus* fossil and a dedicated sandbox area where children can dig for faux fossils.
Hours: Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Extended hours on some days; check website for details).
Erie Dinosaur Park
E 4th Street & Walnut Street, Erie, KS 66733
What to Expect
Discover a unique slice of Kansas folk art at this charming roadside attraction! Marvel at over 30 massive, rustic dinosaur sculptures crafted entirely from repurposed scrap metal and old auto parts by a retired aerospace engineer.
The Prehistoric Experience
Over 30 permanent dinosaur sculptures, some over 30 feet long, created from salvaged farm and automotive scrap metal.
Hours: 2nd Saturday and 3rd Sunday of April – September: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Viewable from the outside at all times.
Field Station: Dinosaurs
2999 North Rock Road, Derby, KS 67037
What to Expect
Embark on a wild scientific expedition just minutes from Wichita, featuring over 40 life-sized, moving, and scientifically accurate animatronic dinosaurs on a 10-acre outdoor trail. Challenge yourself with Jurassic Golf, uncover fossils at the dig site, and enjoy original live shows that make learning thrilling for the whole family!
The Prehistoric Experience
Over 40 life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs on an outdoor trail, including the 90-foot-long Alamosaurus. Also features the ‘Meet The Mighty T-Rex’ show, Jurassic Golf, and a Fossil Dig Site.
Hours: Seasonal. Example Fall Hours (Aug 11 – Nov 2): Thursday-Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Mini-Golf open until 8:00 PM Fri-Sat). Check website for current schedule.
KU Natural History Museum
Dyche Hall, 1345 Jayhawk Blvd, Lawrence, KS 66045
What to Expect
Explore four floors of exhibits in historic Dyche Hall that showcase the planet’s past and present biodiversity, with a special focus on Kansas fossils. Discover incredible specimens, including a dinosaur that once roamed the state and massive marine fossils from the Cretaceous period.
The Prehistoric Experience
Vertebrate and invertebrate fossil collections on the fourth floor, prominently featuring a nearly complete skeleton of the Kansas-native *Claosaurus* and a massive Mosasaur specimen.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Closed Monday.
Museum at Prairiefire
5801 W. 135th Street, Overland Park, KS 66224
What to Expect
Walk with prehistoric giants in the Great Hall, which features a towering T. rex and colossal marine creature displays. Beyond the main exhibit, children can become budding paleontologists in the interactive Discovery Room, ensuring hands-on fun for all ages.
The Prehistoric Experience
A permanent Great Hall display featuring a towering *Tyrannosaurus rex* skeleton and exhibits on prehistoric Kansas sea creatures. The Discovery Room includes interactive elements like a fossil dig area.
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Rex at Crown Lanes Bowling Alley
834 Spruce St, Leavenworth, KS 66048
What to Expect
Wave hello to Rex, a legendary 27-foot-tall T-Rex statue that has been a cherished local landmark since 1977! This jolly green dinosaur is the official greeter outside Crown Lanes, a piece of local history and a perfect photo opportunity for your Kansas road trip.
The Prehistoric Experience
A permanent, 27-foot-tall, life-sized T-Rex statue originally from the former Teal Kiddieland amusement park, now standing outside the bowling alley.
Hours: The sculpture is visible 24/7. Bowling Alley Hours: Mon-Wed: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Thu: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Fri-Sat: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM, Sun: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
Sternberg Museum of Natural History
3000 Sternberg Dr, Hays, KS 67601
What to Expect
Dive into the prehistoric past of the Great Plains at this world-class museum, home to millions of specimens that reveal Kansas’s ancient history as an inland sea. Marvel at the famous ‘Fish-Within-A-Fish’ fossil and walk alongside life-size models of the fearsome marine reptiles and dinosaurs that once roamed the area.
The Prehistoric Experience
Fossil remains of Cretaceous marine reptiles, including the world-renowned ‘Fish-Within-A-Fish’ fossil. Also features Pteranodon material, a life-size Cretaceous diorama, and a large, full-sized *Corythosaurus* statue.
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Sunday: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Closed on major holidays.
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.