If you are looking for a dino-mite activity to do over winter break, Jurassic Quest in Edison is back and bigger than ever. From December 28-January 1, enter the New Jersey Expo and Convention Center for a one-of-a-kind experience. See life-size animatronic dinosaurs, including the Apatosaurus, Spinosaurus, and T-Rex. Or meet the trainers and baby dinos and become a Junior Dino Trainer at the Raptor Experience. Ready to go into a real-life Jurassic Park-like experience? Read on for some of the highlights and what to know before you go, and make sure you check out the exclusive NJ MOM promo code to save on ticket prices. And if you can’t get to the exhibit, don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to see more dinosaurs in NJ. (Feature photo taken at Jurassic Quest)
Be in awe of the realistic details
You and your kids will be amazed at the realistic details and life-like creatures—Jurassic Quest has worked in collaboration with leading paleontologists to ensure each dinosaur is replicated in every detail. Close attention is paid to coloration, teeth size, skin texture, fur, or feathers from drawing on the latest research about dinosaurs. Families can also meet the babies, hatched only at Jurassic Quest: Cammie the Camarasaurus, Tyson the T-Rex, and Trixie the Triceratops. Even with the realistic details, there is no jump scare aspect about much of the exhibit; the dinos are slow-moving, and it isn’t loud.
Engage in interactive activities
During this five-day event, you can walk through 165 million years of the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods to learn about the creatures that ruled the Earth. Ride some of the largest dinosaurs in North America, watch a live dinosaur show, or try one of the interactive science and art activities that include a fossil dig. Littles will want to play in the “Triceratots” soft play area, while bigger kids can enjoy the bounce houses, inflatable attractions, and photo ops during the event.
Try the virtual options before and after the event
Virtual resources are available from the event. Craft activities, word searches, coloring pages, and more are available, as well as the Jurassic Quest dino directory. If you are in the mood to sing, the Jurassic Quest theme song is newly remastered with captions so families can sing along.
New for 2023
New to the exhibit this year is the expanded Excavation Station and more Jurassic-themed rides and inflatables. The animatronic herd also grew with Utahraptor and Giganotosaurus species making their debut. And kids can take a self-guided scavenger hunt-style activity where budding paleontologists can become Jr. Dinosaur Trainers. There is also a new video tour with star dino trainers featuring Safari Sarah, Dino Dustin, Prehistoric Nick, and Park Ranger Marty (available onsite and on your phone via QR code). All expanded activities are included with general admission.
What to know before you go
Jurassic Quest is open on Thursday, Dec. 28, from 1 PM -8 PM, Friday, Dec. 29, from 9 AM-8 PM, Saturday, Dec. 30, from 9 AM-8 PM, Sunday, Dec. 31, from 9 AM-6 PM, and Monday, Jan. 1 from 9 AM-5 PM. It’s recommended to purchase tickets online and include a 100% ticket guarantee that in the event of a show cancellation or postponement for any reason, ticket purchases will be automatically refunded for the full purchase amount. The ticket prices start at $26 and include general admission tickets, including access to the dinosaur exhibits, arts and crafts activities, and dinosaur shows. Use the promo code NJMOM15 for 15% off. There are rides and activities that require activity tickets available on-site, or guests can upgrade to the Kids Unlimited Ticket ($40), which includes admission, unlimited access to dino rides, the Fossil Dig, and dinosaur-themed inflatables. Entry is free for children under age 2. Guests can walk through the dinosaur experience at their own pace, and strollers are permitted. Socks are required for inflatable attractions.
About Jurassic Quest
Jurassic Quest is the largest and most realistic dinosaur experience in North America and part of the Family Quest Entertainment portfolio. Since 2013, the event has entertained more than 10 million fans in more than 250 cities across the United States and Canada with an up close and personal look at dinosaurs. Developed with leading paleontologists, each dinosaur is brought to life using realistic likenesses, movement, and sound. Jurassic Quest is a leader in edutainment, bringing the prehistoric era to life for families, educators and dinosaur fans of all ages. For more information and tickets, visit www.jurassicquest.com. Safari Sarah, Dino Dustin, Prehistoric Nick, Park Ranger Marty, Cammie the Camarasaurus, Tyson the T-Rex, and Trixie the Triceratops are registered trademarks of Jurassic Quest Holdings, LLC. All rights reserved.
Jurassic Quest
New Jersey Convention & Expo Center
97 Sunfield Ave.
Edison, NJ 08837
For more information about Jurassic Quest, please see their website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.
