Walk among the dinosaurs at Jurassic Quest in San Diego

Families can walk among the nation’s biggest herd of photorealistic dinosaurs when Jurassic Quest kicks off its migration at the Del Mar Fairgrounds for one weekend of prehistoric thrills, Jan. 19-21.

Families can walk through 165 million years of the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods to learn about the creatures that ruled the Earth.

In addition to life-like dinosaurs, Jurassic Quest’s classic experiences for the whole family include some of the largest rideable dinosaurs in North America, live dinosaur shows, interactive science and art activities including a fossil dig and real fossils like T-rex teeth, a triceratops horn and life-size dino skull, a “Triceratots” soft play area for our littlest explorers, bounce houses and inflatable attractions, photo opportunities, and more.

New for 2024, Jurassic Quest is bringing more hands-on activities, education, and fun. This evolution, Jurassic Quest includes an expanded Excavation Station and more Jurassic-themed rides and inflatables. Even the animatronic herd has expanded to include fan favorites, the Utahraptor and Giganotosaurus.

In addition to “The Quest,” a self-guided scavenger hunt style activity where budding paleontologists can become Jr. Dinosaur Trainers, Jurassic Quest has launched a new video tour that’s already getting “roaring good” reviews from families and features dino trainers: 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.

New attractions launching this winter include kids facing off with the notoriously fast Jurassic Quest Utahraptors for “Raptor Run” races, and “Rope-a-Raptor,” where experienced “BrontoBusters” help kids lasso stray dinos to get them back to their pens.

The Jurassic Quest herd of animatronic dinos – from the largest predators to playful baby dinos – are displayed in realistic scenes with some that move and roar, allowing guests to experience them as they were when they roamed Earth millions of years ago. Jurassic Quest works in collaboration with leading paleontologists to ensure each dinosaur is painstakingly replicated in every detail, from coloration to teeth size to textured skin, fur, or feathers, drawing on the latest research about how we understand dinosaurs looked and moved.

Families also have the unique opportunity to meet the babies, hatched only at Jurassic Quest: Cammie the Camarasaurus, Tyson the T-rex, and Trixie the Triceratops.

Advance purchase online is recommended to ensure the desired date and availability at jurassicquest.com, or tickets are available on-site 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.

General admission tickets include access to the dinosaur exhibits, arts and crafts activities, and dinosaur shows. Some rides and activities require activity tickets available on-site, or guests can upgrade to the Kids Unlimited Ticket (the best value for children ages 2-10). 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. Some venues may have wheelchairs for use, but contact the venue in advance to make arrangements.

Showings will also include the Ventura County Fairgrounds (Feb. 2-4); Pomona Fairplex (Feb. 9-11); and the OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa (Feb. 23-25), and a visit to Anaheim before Del Mar.