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Educational Dinosaur Adventures at WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology - Bloomington

Educational Dinosaur Adventures at WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology

Bloomingtoneasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

Open to all fitness levels; no strenuous activity required

Overview

Discover the ancient world with DinoLab at WonderLab Museum in Bloomington. Hands-on fossil digs and dinosaur building make this event a must-visit for young explorers.

Bloomington, Indiana

DinoLab: Dig, Build, Learn – Nov 28 & 29

Special ticketed event - space is limited!

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About This Adventure

Experience a thrilling two-day DinoLab celebration at WonderLab, featuring hands-on activities and creative workshops for all ages. From building dioramas to uncovering mini dinosaur skeletons, each session offers a unique adventure. Plus, enjoy free dino-themed activities throughout the museum. Reserve your spot early for this unforgettable prehistoric journey!

Step back in time at DinoLab, a two-day celebration of all things dinosaur! WonderLab is turning prehistoric with hands-on activities, science exploration, and creative workshops designed for dino enthusiasts. Choose from three exciting, hour-long, ticketed sessions—plus enjoy bonus dinosaur-themed activities free with museum admission throughout the day!

Note: Dino-Lab is an add-on program; museum admission is still required to enter the museum. Special Dino-Lab session tickets are only required for child participants. parents in attendance or assisting their children do NOT need to purchase session tickets. - Children: Need a Dino-Lab ticket (price includes museum admission). - Parents/Guardians: Do not need a Dino-Lab ticket. - Parents/Guardians: Do need regular museum admission.

Dino-Lab Sessions- Tickets and Advance Registration Required

  • Dino Diorama (Ages 3 – 6) Young explorers can build a take-home prehistoric scene using miniature dinosaurs, natural elements, and sensory-friendly materials. Perfect for imaginative play and early science discovery

  • Micro Dino Dig (Ages 6 and up) Dig into science as you uncover accurate, 3D-printed mini dinosaur skeletons from the Cretaceous Period. Learn about excavation techniques, fossil science, and what it’s like to study ancient life.

  • Build a Mesozoic Era Terrarium (Ages 8 and up) Design and plan your own prehistoric habitat! Learn about Mesozoic flora and ecosystems while crafting a living terrarium to take home. A great blend of nature and art.

Free with Admission: Drop-In Dino Activities In addition to ticketed programs, all WonderLab visitors can enjoy these dino-themed, drop-in experiences throughout the museum:

  • Dino Prints – Use coffee playdough to stamp out dinosaur tracks and create textured fossils.

  • Dino Eggs – Discover what’s hidden inside baking soda dino eggs! Add vinegar to trigger a fizzy chemical reaction and reveal a mini dinosaur or fossil to take home.

  • Fossil Rubbings – Use real fossils and casts to create your own Mesozoic Era scene with crayons and paper.

Reserve your ticketed session early—spots will go fast! Museum admission is required for free activities. WonderLab members receive discounts on ticketed sessions. Full schedule and tickets available at wonderlab.org

DinoLab: Dig, Build, Learn is made possible by generous support from Morgenstern Books.

Please call us at 812-337-1337 if you have any questions.

Adventure Tips

Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes

Fossil digging involves some light physical activity, so be prepared for some bending and digging.

Bring a notebook for sketches or notes

Capture your discoveries or jot down interesting facts during the event.

Arrive early to secure your spot

Spaces may fill quickly, especially on weekends, so arriving early ensures participation.

Stay hydrated and take breaks as needed

The activity involves outdoor elements; bring water and rest when necessary.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Eastern gray squirrels
  • Blue jays

History

WonderLab has been inspiring scientific curiosity in Bloomington since its founding in 1988, emphasizing interactive learning and community engagement.

Conservation

The museum actively promotes environmental awareness through sustainable practices and local outreach programs to protect Indiana's natural habitats.

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Adventure Hotspots in Bloomington

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes

Essential

Suitable clothing for outdoor fossil digging and comfort during activity.

spring; summer; fall; winter specific

Notebook and pencils

For jotting down notes or sketching discoveries during the program.

Water bottle

Essential

Stay hydrated during outdoor activities.

summer; fall; winter specific

Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)

Protection from sun exposure while outdoors.

summer specific