If you have dino-loving kids who can’t get enough of the creatures that walked the Earth before we did, then taking a trip to the new Edelman Fossil Park & Museum at Rowan University should be at the top of your NJMOM bucket list. The park and museum spans 44,000 square feet across 123 acres—yes, you read that right—and overlooks a 4-acre fossil-filled quarry where you can hunt for (and take home!) real fossils. With fascinating and state-of-the-art exhibits, authentic fossil digs, a prehistoric virtual reality adventure, interactive experiences, and a dinosaur-themed playground, the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum is easily one of our favorite day trips in NJ. Read on for more info about what to expect at the Fossil Park, and if your kids love dinos, check out more dinosaurs in New Jersey, too. (feature photo credit: NJ MOM)

Visit The Edelman Fossil Park & Museum

Let your kids discover and explore at the interactive exhibits

Located just 20 minutes from Philadelphia, the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum is a state-of-the-art museum that delves into the past when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. The interactive displays let every visitor dive into a one-of-a-kind experience that makes it feel like you took a time machine back into prehistoric times. Start at the Cretaceous Galleries, where you can travel through the Dinosaur Coast and Monstrous Seas, walking among the reconstructed raptors and dinos from 66 million years ago. Next, unlock the digital Explorer Key for all the interactive exhibits and go on a Fossil Frenzy Scavenger Hunt through the galleries to scan and track fossils. The fun doesn’t stop there—when you unlock the digital Explorer Key, it creates an online personalized page so you can continue your adventure at home. 

Visit one of the attractions

What makes the museum different from others is its interactive and high concept attractions within it. See the live animal exhibits at Critter Cove, where reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates roam throughout an interactive touch tank. Then, move to the Discovery Forest to learn more about dinosaurs and the reptile world. Step up to one of the interactive kiosks, visit the TED-Ed theater, or enjoy immense knowledge about paleontology. After, walk to the Collections and Conservation area, where real scientists will present an active paleontological excavation in front of you—a thrilling experience for kids who are curious about paleontology and science.  

Travel back in time with virtual reality

Want to be an explorer who’s on a mission to encounter dinosaurs? Step into the Free-Roaming Virtual Reality experience, where you will instantly be transported into the Cretaceous world. Put on the headset, and you’ll be in the middle of the action, collecting scientific samples while navigating the dinosaurs during this epic, free-roaming adventure. You will need to move around and interact, so it’s recommended for kids ages 8 and up. 

Dig for fossils at the quarry dig experience

If you want to get dirty and see how fossils are uncovered during a digging adventure, head to the quarry dig at the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum. Open from May to October, weather permitting, there are over 100,000 fossils from more than 100 species that paleontologists have already unearthed. During this 90-minute, hands-on experience, you will have the chance to dig up fossils, learn about the field of paleontology, and suss out what types of fossils with a Fossil Guide.

FAQs About Edelman Fossil Park & Museum 

How much does it cost to visit?

Timed-entry tickets are $29 per person, $24 for kids ages 3-12, and kids 2 and under are free.

When is the park and museum open?

The museum is open every day from 10 AM-5 PM except for some holidays.

How much is parking?

Parking is free at the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum.

Are there memberships available?

Yes, there are memberships available that give you unlimited admission for a year, 50% off the quarry dig experience, and more.

Are there food options?

If your party gets hungry, stop by the Quarry Grounds Cafe for a bite to eat before exploring some more, or take a walk in the Cretaceous Garden when the weather is just right.

What else is there for kids?

A paleontology-themed playground is on site so your little ones can get those wiggles out after a full day of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. Kids can take home treasures from Darwin & Co., the museum store, offering Edeleman Fossil merchandise, artisanal crafts, and nature-inspired products.  The Quarry Dig and Free Roaming Virtual Reality Experience are premium experiences for a separate fee. 

To learn more about the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum, visit their website, Instagram, and Facebook.

Edelman Fossil Park & Museum
66 Million Mosasaur Way
Mantua, NJ 08080

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