2026 DinoLab at WonderLab: Hands-On Digs, Dioramas & Cretaceous Science for Kids

WonderLab’s 2026 DinoLab at WonderLab in Bloomington, Indiana, turns curious kids into miniature paleontologists through hands-on digs, creative builds, and science-driven play. Scheduled for Saturday, September 5 and Monday, September 7, the program runs two structured sessions each day (10:00–12:30 and 13:30–16:00), combining short demonstrations with rotating activity stations: Micro Dino Digs, Dino Dioramas, DinoPrints play dough, fossil rubbings, dinosaur eggs, and puzzles. Each station emphasizes making observations, using safe tools, and practicing basic labeling and cataloging skills that mirror real paleontology workflows. The Micro Dino Dig recreates excavation: children use brushes and hand tools to reveal miniature Cretaceous-period skeletons embedded in matrix, learning how scientists uncover, record, and interpret bone fragments. Dino Dioramas invite younger participants to assemble landscapes with natural materials and miniature figures, reinforcing ecological thinking through hands-on composition. The program is age-tailored: diorama stations are recommended for ages three to six, while the micro digs work best for children six and older. Adults accompanying children do not need a DinoLab ticket but must hold regular WonderLab admission unless they plan to build a diorama or participate directly. WonderLab members receive discounted ticket pricing; nonmembers should reserve early because sessions sell out fast. What makes DinoLab distinctive is its fusion of play and method: staff guide short demonstrations on observation and careful excavation, then step back so kids can practice the same methods on scaled replicas. The event draws on regional paleontology themes—the use of Cretaceous-period replicas links activities to the broader geological history of the Midwest and nearby university fossil collections—helping children place their discoveries in a larger scientific story. For traveling families, DinoLab pairs well with a downtown Bloomington stroll or an afternoon at campus museums. The two-and-a-half-hour sessions are long enough for meaningful activity but short enough to fit into a day of local exploration. Bring comfortable clothes that can tolerate a little grit, a camera for proud post-dig smiles, and a sense of curiosity. Reserve tickets at wonderlab.org and note that museum admission is required for participation. For parents and guardians seeking an engaging STEM experience that balances hands-on craftsmanship with scientific thinking, DinoLab offers a memorable half-day where children leave with artifacts, new vocabulary, and a clearer sense of how paleontologists read Earth’s deep past. Sessions emphasize inclusion and sensory-friendly modifications; staff can adapt materials for children who prefer low-sensory options, and small-group pacing helps manage excitement. Plan to arrive fifteen minutes early for check-in and to allow little ones to acclimate to the space. Museum restrooms and a caregiver seating area are available near the activity rooms. Parking is typically available in nearby lots; check WonderLab’s visitor page for current guidance. Bring a small bag for finished projects and extra wipes.