Dino Days

  • Two cute kids stand in the East Garden at Cal Academy while a life-size animatronic T. rex looms in the background
  • Animatronic T. rex on exhibit in East Garden at Cal Academy for Dino Days
  • Animatronic Parasaurolophus dinosaur and babies on exhibit in East Garden for Dino Days at Cal Academy
  • Animatronic life-size model of Euoplocephalus by Billings Productions
  • Animatronic life-size model of Deinonychus by Billings Productions
Something clawsome has arrived at the Academy! Toothy T. rex, duck-billed Parasaurolophus, and 11 other moving, roaring, animatronic dinosaurs are now in residence in the East and West Gardens.

This spring, come face-to-fang with prehistoric giants as 13 awe-inspiring, life-size animatronic dinosaurs take over both of the Academy’s outdoor gardens in our biggest Dino Days ever.

  • Climb atop Pachyrhinosaurus for an unforgettable photo op; admire the elaborate feathers of Deinonychus; and marvel at massive and mighty Tyrannosaurus rex.
  • Catch a puppet show starring a cute baby sauropod, then stomp the competition at Dino Trivia.
  • Go green and see if you can find all 17 prehistoric plant species we've added to the East and West Gardens.
  • Become a paleontologist for the day while digging for dinosaur fossils in the sand—and learn how fossils help scientists piece together the past.

Open daily through September 1!

 

Animatronic life-size model of Styracosaurus by Billings Productions

Cretaceous creatures

We’ve doubled our dinosaur footprint since 2019! Inhabiting the East Garden are Amargasaurus, Euoplocephalus, Pachyrhinosaurus, Troodon, and T. rex. The West Garden will welcome Brachiosaurus, Deinonychus, Parasaurolophus, Styrachosaurus (pictured above), and Suchomimus. Both gardens feature a hands-on fossil dig pit.

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A Cal Academy presenter on stage in the Piazza during a dinosaur puppet show

Dino-mite programs

Guests of all ages will dig our daily programs—and DIY crafts will keep little hands busy. Grab a seat for Sauropod Adventure (Piazza, 11 a.m.), an interactive stage show starring a newly hatched dinosaur; bone up on your paleontology knowledge for Stomp or Chomp: Dinosaur Trivia Showdown (Piazza, 1 p.m.); and swing by the Swamp for mask- and puppet-making on weekends.

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Striking profile of Claude the albino alligator at Cal Academy

Living fossils

Our dinosaurs are animatronic, but our “living fossils” are the real deal. Discover Steinhart Aquarium’s ancient species that haven’t changed much in millions of years: Claude, our alligator with albinism, and his snapping turtle tankmates in the Swamp; matamata turtles in the Amazon Flooded Forest; and Methuselah, our Australian lungfish in Water Planet—also the world’s oldest fish in human care.

Meet Claude
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Cute photo of father taking selfie with toddler with animatronic T. rex in the background at Cal Academy

Lounge with lizards

What do dinosaurs do after dark? Find out at DinoNight!, a family-friendly evening event of prehistoric proportions coming to the Academy on Friday, May 2. Festivities include face painting, sketch-making, a dinosaur costume parade—and all exhibits, open late.

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Bright yellow Dino Days wordmark

All dinosaur photos on this page courtesy of Billings Productions.

More to explore

Sink your teeth into these related exhibits, events, blogs, and learning resources. 
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GIF of a dinosaur themed kids craft
Science @ Home: Dinosaurs

Romp, stomp, and roar with prehistoric dinosaurs in this collection of dino-themed activities for ages 4-8.

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Animatronic Deinonychus dinosaur in Dino Days exhibit at Cal Academy
Dino Days: Prehistoric Plants

Dino Days is here—and so are over a dozen prehistoric plant species! Explore ancient flora in our gardens.

Four girls with stuffed animals laying by the aquarium
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California saber-tooth cat fossil from the Academy's collections

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Hidden Wonders: Inside the Academy's Collections

Peek into the past in an interactive exhibition of nearly 800 objects from the Academy's research collections.

Girl plays atop a fallen tree trunk with a fanciful wood sculpture in the background at Wander Woods at the Academy
Wander Woods

Activate your kids' curiosity about the natural world in our outdoor nature play and exploration space.

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Claude the Academy's albino alligator shows off his toothy grin
Claude Drops His Morning Routine
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A visitor inspecting the Naturalist Center cabinets filled with specimens, books, and more.
Naturalist Center

Welcome to the Academy's hub for exploration, with books, games, specimens, and more. Open daily; hours vary.