Why Field Station: Dinosaurs Is A Fun Adventure For The Whole Family

0

I took my kids back—90 million years, to be exact—on a prehistoric trip to Field Station: Dinosaurs in Leonia, NJ. Nestled into Bergen County’s Overpeck Park, we amazingly entered the past, where these enormous, extraordinary creatures come back to life (thanks to robotics). And if your kids are up on their dino facts, this is the (almost) real deal—paleontologists have worked to ensure the exhibit utilizes the latest theories and discoveries in paleontology, geology, and environmental studies. It was a mind-blowing adventure at this Jurassic-like park, the only one on the East Coast (the other location is in Kansas), and my kids loved every minute of it, even becoming super paleontologists during our trip back in time. Read on for our prehistoric journey, and for more fun adventures around New Jersey, check out the 13 NJ Amusement Parks To Get Your Thrills Out This Summer Guide. (feature photo taken at Field Station: Dinosaurs)

Field Station: Dinosaurs New Jersey

First stop at Field Station: Dinosaurs in New Jersey is getting your kiddos their passports.

Get your passport stamps around the park

The kids were given trail maps and passports as we entered the park. We were thrilled to learn that they could show their passports and receive a stamp when they completed an activity. After six stamps, they would become super paleontologists and couldn’t wait to earn the status. Our first area to explore was the dinosaur trail. As we wandered down the path, we were greeted by life-size and very realistic-looking dinosaurs, from the T-Rex to Baryonyx; many even moved and roared at us as we walked by. The detail of each creature was amazing, and the dinos were intriguing to look at, not imitating or scary. When the path meandered into the woods near a creek, I really did get the feeling we were transported back to the time of the dinosaurs.

Dinosaur shows

Watch performers come face-to-face with the mighty T-Rex, and maybe you will come face-to-face with him too. 

Sing and dance with the dinosaurs

After taking lots of selfies with the dinosaurs, we reached the Amphitheater, where there are shows like T-Rex Feeding Frenzy and the Dinosaur Dance Party. Luckily, we made it just in time for the next show. I was impressed by the performers as they sang and found imaginative ways to keep the audience engaged. Seeing my kids interacting with them was so much fun, and they raised their hands at every opportunity they could. The shows were entertaining, and I learned quite a few things about these prehistoric creatures (some dinos were even as small as a cat). We even got to meet the mighty T-Rex, and as a bonus, the kids got their first passport stamp.

Field Station: Dinosaurs New Jersey photos

The kids were excited to dig for fossils like a paleontologist.

Dig for fossils

Next, we headed over to the Paleontologist’s Laboratory. The kids were handed goggles, digging tools, and a piece to dig for fossils. They soon began to dig and scrape quickly to discover the treasures inside. It took a little bit of elbow grease, but they uncovered their fossils and could take home each of their prehistoric finds in a pouch and earned more stamps for their Field Station: Dinosaurs passports.

Jurassic Jump

How high can you go? My daughter loved getting sky high on the Jurassic Jump.

Jump to be at eye level with a dinosaur

As we explored the grounds, it was hard not to ignore the happy screams and sights of kids getting air on a bungee trampoline aptly titled Jurassic Jump. My kids wanted to test out their jumping skills, and once they got harnessed in, they got some height (harnessed riders can jump 5 to 25 feet). Even though it goes high, I felt the attendants did a good job keeping it safe for all ages. When the kids finished, they received their last stamp and reached the super paleontologist level—they were happy to have such an honor and high-fived each other for the prehistoric recognition.

Triceratops sign

Learn, explore, and become a paleontologist.

Field Station: Dinosaurs food, gifts, and events

We started getting hungry when we finished exploring, so we headed over to the outdoor food area to grab something to eat. We found a reasonable kid-friendly fare of hamburgers, hot dogs, ice cream, and drinks, with plenty of picnic tables to enjoy your lunch. As we ended our adventure, we made sure not to miss the cleverly named Tricera-Shops on the way out with prehistoric-themed gifts, books, and toys. We also found out that Field Station: Dinosaurs has thrilling, educational, and fun events for all ages. My kids would be thrilled to do Dinosaurs After Dark in October, including a dinosaur sing-a-long around the campfire with roasted marshmallows and hot chocolate.

Field Station: Dinosaurs photos

Get up close and personal with prehistoric creatures at Field Station: Dinosaurs.

What to know before you go

The park is open seasonally from the end of May through November, and hours vary, so check the website before you go. For tickets, prices start at $19.25 for a basic ticket with add-ons for Jurassic Jump, Paleontologists Laboratory, and Dinosaurs After Dark. Season passes are available for $129 for a family 4-pack. Overall, the experience took about two hours, including most shows. My kids wore sneakers because it is a bit of walking and meandering around the woods. On the way home, as my kids admired their passports and stamps, we talked about what a unique and cool experience we had—Field Station: Dinosaurs in New Jersey gets two prehistoric thumbs up from us.

Field Station: Dinosaurs
3 Overpeck Park Driveway, Leonia, NJ 07605
(855) 999-9010

Learn more about Field Station: Dinosaurs on their website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.

Have you been to Field Station: Dinosaurs in New Jersey? We would love to hear about it!

Become an NJMOM Insider! For all the best things to do with your family around New Jersey, be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter delivered right to your inbox each week, and don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured on our social media.


About Author

Melanie Bodner has always had a love for writing, but now she has a new love…being a mom. Before having her kids, Melanie was no stranger to writing or working with children. She wrote for a local newspaper as a reporter and taught English and Dance in a public school. Now Melanie enjoys spending time with her kids, doing yoga, writing and decorating her home. Check out her Instagram @burlapbythebeach.

CLOSE
CLOSE