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February 10, 2025

Where Every Family Matters

New Dinosaur Exhibit Roars into Smyrna

Children can step into the role of paleontologist by uncovering fossils with brushes and more.

The Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center recently introduced an educational exhibit for children and families: Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice, which runs from Feb. 1 through May 8, 2022.

Created by Minnesota Children’s Museum, this exhibit allows children to explore dinosaur habitats to better understand how these mysterious animals lived and examine what they left behind. Visitors will be transported back 100 million years ago to the time when dinosaurs lived on earth.

The exhibit, created for children ages 3 – 10, features two distinct environments and a variety of activities. Children can step into the role of paleontologist by uncovering fossils with brushes and creating drawings of the dinosaur environment using fossil rubbings and tracings.

Children can connect with the prehistoric home of the Triceratops and T-Rex while experiencing this exhibit. They can circle the land in insect costumes, work through a swampy bog, and identify an ecosystem of animals and plants. Visitors will meet two dinosaurs a Troodon and Edmontosaurus who made their homes in the cold climate of Alaska. Activities include climbing rocky steps and breezing down an icy slide.

The exhibit will run through May 8, 2022. The exhibit and a 40-minute climb time are included with SOAC admission.

Hours of operation and admission are as follows:

  • Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Sunday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Monday, closed
  • Children (ages 2 – 12):  $5, children younger than 2 are free
  • Adults (ages 13 – 54):  $7
  • Adults (ages 55 and over):  $4

For additional information, please visit the Town’s website, townofsmyrna.org, or call 615-459-9710.