Dinosaurs invade Downtown Wheaton! This BIG outdoor exhibit features 10 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs throughout Downtown Wheaton this September 25 through October 8, 2023. Enjoy dinosaur-themed specials, activities, and more from your favorite Downtown Wheaton shops and restaurants!
Details | Events | Map | Enter to Win Tickets
Everything You Need To Know:
- Thanks to generous event sponsors, this exhibit is FREE for the public's enjoyment.
- The dinosaurs make noise (roar!) and move. Their eyes blink, their necks and tails move, and they even "breathe."
- Hours: the dinosaurs wake up at 8am and go to sleep at 9pm, so we encourage you to visit during their waking hours.
- This exhibit makes a great field trip or day trip for educational institutions. View and download the comprehensive educator guide HERE.
- The following dinos will be visiting Wheaton: Herrerasaurus, Amargasaurus, Iguanodon, T-Rex, Oviraptor, Neovenator, Protoceratops, Triceratops, Leallynasaura, and Minmi.
Exclusive Dinosaur Events
All activity passes include a free Tea-Rex or Fossil-lemonade from The Protein Spot and coupons to Downtown Wheaton Businesses:
@amlor_realestate – $15 off at Adelle's Fine American Fare
@chaostomemories – Free USB thumb drive with any family memory project
@cosleyzoo – $1 off a pumpkin or produce purchase
@egglectic1 – One free kids' meal per table
@jeansandacutetopshop – $15 off any purchase of $50 or more
@kendraschultzrealtor – One free kid's smoothie from Extract Juicery
@gatheratmaypole – 10% off coupon
@mionsoap – Free chapstick
@shoes.miroballi – 15% off full-priced shoes
@mooretoys – 10% off purchase
@theburgersocial – 15% off with some exclusions
@theproteinspot__ – 20% off first-time visit
Dinosaur Art Class at WHIM a studio space hosted with DuPage Art League
September 25 | 3:30 - 4 p.m., 4 - 4:30 p.m., 4:30 - 5 p.m., 5 - 5:30 p.m.
September 26 | 3:30 - 4 p.m., 4 - 4:30 p.m., 4:30 - 5 p.m., 5 - 5:30 p.m.
$25 per person
Decorate your very own canvas tote bag with acrylic paint! This 30-minute class includes sponging paint over a dinosaur stencil. Younger children will use a pre-made stencil. Older children can draw and cut their own stencil.
Each child must be accompanied by a non-paying adult. This is not a drop off activity.
Instructed by Gretchen Hoenecke of WHIM.
**EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR MACARONI KID WHEATON READERS:
Use code: MACKID for $10 off your Dinosaur Art Class tickets! Limited to the first 20 tickets and cannot be used on any other dino activity.
September 29 | 3 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m.
September 30 | 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m.
$25 per person
Paleo Joe is a professional Paleontologist, children's book author, storyteller, and yes, a real dinosaur digger! For over 30 years, Paleo Joe has shared stories about his dinosaur dig site adventures and the relationships between dinosaurs in a way that keeps kids - and adults - on the edge of their seats. Most recently, Paleo Joe returned from a Triceratops dig in Montana! Previously, he has dug up dinosaurs in Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
Everyone in attendance needs a ticket, including chaperones. Walking tour will happen rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for weather and walking. Strollers are permitted.
The Dinosaur Improv Show by Westside Improv
September 30 | 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.
October 1 | 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.
October 7 | 1 p.m.
October 8 | 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.
$25 per person
An improvised, interactive, dinosaur-themed comedy show for the whole family! Our cast will improvise sketches, songs, and games, all based on your suggestions. You might even get a chance to join them on stage! Come ROAR with laughter! Appropriate for all ages.
Everyone in attendance needs a ticket, including chaperones.
Dino Dancin' Is So Much Fun! by LOVV The Dance Studio hosted at The Moment On Main
October 2 | 5:30 - 6:10 p.m. | Ages 4-7
October 2 | 6:30 - 7:10 p.m. | Ages 8-12
October 5 | 5:30 - 6:10 p.m. | Ages 4-7
October 5 | 6:30 - 7:10 p.m. | Ages 8-12
$25 per person
Come dance with us during Dinos Downtown Wheaton. This class will get the imagination going and your kids' bodies moving! No dance experience necessary, wear comfortable athletic clothes and sneakers while we groove to dinosaur themed songs and learn some easy fun choreography at The Moment on Main!
30-minute instruction will be led by LOVV The Dance Studio's Owner/Director, Aretese Low, and we will close out with a 10-minute dance party where your children can show off their best moves and free dance to upbeat music. Plan to show up with a smile on your face, ready to have a great time. Can't wait to dance with YOU!
As part of this package, parents will receive coupons to Downtown businesses, so this is the perfect time to use those for some shopping during class! Drop-offs encouraged, but limited standing room available for parents to watch the class.
Where to Find the Dinosaurs:
WHEATON PUBLIC LIBRARY 225 N. Cross St
- Herrerasaurus
- Oviraptor
- Triceratops
WHEATON DRAMA 111 N Hale St
- Leaellynasaura
- Minmi
MARTIN PLAZA 105 W Front St
- Iguanadon
“W” TENT 100 W Front St
- Neovenator
- Protoceratops
SOUTH PAVILION Main and Liberty, N Main St
- T-Rex
302 WHEATON 302 W Front St
- Amargasaurus
Parking is free for customers in municipal lots, parking garages, and on various streets throughout Downtown Wheaton. A parking-specific map will be available on this page soon. Information is available immediately on the City of Wheaton's website (click HERE).
Want to Win Tickets? In partnership with the Downtown Wheaton Association, we're giving away two passes to ANY dino activity of your choosing!!
Details | Map | Events | Enter to Win Tickets
Looking for even more Dino fun? Did you know the Wheaton Public Library is also participating in all the dino excitement! Check out all their events and programming: https://wheatonlibrary.org/posts/library-card-sign-month-0
