What ages are allowed?

The program accepts children age six and up; participants must be able to follow directions and tolerate sensory materials.

Is this a drop-off program?

Yes—this session is designed as a drop-off for caregivers who may leave the museum during the two- to three-hour session.

Are the 'eruptions' safe?

Yes—staff use non-toxic household chemicals and containment trays, plus goggles and supervised stations to keep activities safe.

What do children take home?

Participants usually leave with a small papier-mâché or plaster model, an experiment notes sheet, and suggested at-home activities.

Do I need to bring snacks?

Check the museum’s policy; if snacks are allowed, send clearly labeled, non-messy items for any breaks.

Use the provided referral link to check availability and reserve a spot during spring break weeks.

Spring Break Volcanoes! Hands-On Eruptions at the Dinosaur Museum in Wembley, AB | Museum | Workshop

On a bright March morning in Wembley, Alberta, the Dinosaur Museum converts gallery space into a lively science workshop for families. Spring Break: Volcanoes! is a drop-off program for children ages six and up that blends maker culture, simple chemistry, and geology through hands-on volcano building and safe eruption demonstrations. Participants design cones from papier-mâché or plaster, craft internal chambers for 'lava' flow, and mix non-toxic reaction recipes under staff supervision. Every step emphasizes safety: goggles, gloves, containment trays, and monitored reactions, so dramatic foaming eruptions feel impressive without risk. The program also includes a guided specimen table where museum educators present volcanic rocks from the collection and explain textures and formation in kid-friendly terms. Children handle specimens, learn to spot vesicles and grain size differences, and relate their models to real pumice, scoria, and basalt samples. Sessions run roughly two to three hours and are ideal for restless spring-break days. The drop-off format gives caregivers flexibility to explore local cafés, parks, or errands while kids channel energy into constructive play. Staff provide a take-home sheet with experiment notes, safety tips, and conversation prompts to extend learning at home. This offering stands out in the region because it pairs theatrical, sensory science with curated museum context. In an area where outdoor options dominate, the Dinosaur Museum provides an indoor, educational alternative for families visiting Wembley during shoulder seasons or unpredictable spring weather. It’s a practical, memorable way to keep children engaged. Program instructors are trained in classroom management and basic geology; they keep groups small so kids receive hands-on attention and clear instruction. The mix of auditory explanation, tactile construction, and the visual payoff of an eruption supports different learning styles and often sparks questions that lead to broader conversations about earth processes. Families should note the minimum age is six, and children must be able to follow directions and tolerate messy materials. Because the experiments are intentionally scaled for safety, adults who want a more advanced chemistry experience should look for community college and public workshop offerings. For most families, however, the balance of spectacle and science is perfect. Booking ahead is recommended during spring break weeks when sessions fill quickly. Drop-off convenience, well-managed chaos, and the chance to connect a hands-on project with real geological specimens make Spring Break: Volcanoes! a standout small-scale program in Wembley, and a reliable pick for curious kids and busy families. Expect sticky fingers, loud laughter, and tangible learning that survives the drive home. The Dinosaur Museum’s program excels because it turns abstract concepts into messy, supervised experiments children remember. If your spring plans include Wembley, reserve a spot and let a volcano eruption be the spark that ignites lifetime of scientific curiosity.

About Philip J Currie Dinosaur Museum

Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum in Wembley, Alberta is a regional centre for palaeontology and public education. The museum preserves and interprets local fossil heritage and operates research-led public programs that connect families, students and researchers to Alberta’s deep past.

Exhibits highlight mounted skeletons, interactive displays and rotating collections that showcase discoveries from the Pipestone Creek bonebed and the Wapiti Formation.

The museum runs guided field experiences and seasonal events led by trained palaeo-professionals, including the Pipestone Creek excavation visits, “Palaeontologist for a Day” digs, and the Bonebed Tour featuring the Pachyrhinosaurus skull known as BIG SAM. River-based outings such as the “Secrets of the Wapiti” float focus on regional geology, fossils and safe outdoor interpretation. Family-focused programs include Night at the Museum sleepovers, birthday parties with gallery access, Nesting Grounds early childhood sessions, and School’s Out PD Camps for ages 5–13.

Educational offerings extend to Homeschool Days and annual Science Festivals like Palaeo Palooza, providing hands-on activities, maker spaces, and film screenings. Admission options include full-day General Admission tickets with no re-entry. The museum partners with researchers, community groups and volunteers to conduct fieldwork and curate findings, following accepted conservation and documentation standards. Accessibility, safety and evidence-based interpretation are priorities. Visitors can expect guided learning, tangible fossil encounters, and professionally run events that support palaeontology, local heritage tourism and science education. Curatorial staff maintain research-grade collections, publish findings in peer-reviewed outlets when appropriate, and collaborate with universities to ensure scientific rigour and long-term preservation of specimens for future generations.