A herd of massive dinosaurs is roaring through downtown Chicago!
From March 8-10, the popular Jurassic Quest returns to Navy Pier. The main attraction of this dino-mite event is the realistic animatronic dinosaurs — many that move and roar — but there are plenty of other Jurassic-themed activities the entire family can enjoy.
Quick details about Jurassic Quest
- Dates: Friday, March 8-Sunday, March 10
- Where: Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave., Chicago
- Hours: Friday, March 8, 12-8 p.m.; Saturday, March 9, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, March 10, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Best for ages: 2-10
- Cost: $22+/ages 2-64, $23/seniors 65+, free for kids 2 and under. Discounted tickets are available after 4 p.m. Advance tickets are recommended, but tickets are also available at the door. Use code CP15 for 15% off your ticket purchase. Note: Additional rides and activities are $6 each, or require a $36 unlimited ticket.
- Getting there: CTA buses 29 and 124 connect Navy Pier to Metra train stations. The 2, 65 and 66 buses also serve Navy Pier.
- Parking: There are two on-site parking garages that range from $18-$55, depending on the length of your stay. Valet parking and other downtown parking lots are also available.
- Taking a rideshare? Be sure to use the designated rideshare pick-up and drop-off areas located at the main entrance.
Meet massive predators like T. rex and play with sweet baby dinos. Each animatronic creature is painstakingly replicated based on the latest dinosaur science. Kids can learn more about the science of dinosaurs at interactive science exhibits, such as the fossil dig. There will also be real fossils on display, including those of terrifying T. rex teeth!
The adventure continues with dinosaur crafts, live shows, animatronic dinosaur rides and Jurassic-themed inflatables. A soft play “Triceratots” area is available so even the littlest dinosaur lovers can get in on the dino-mite fun.
New attractions include “Raptor Run” races and a “Rope-a-Raptor” challenge where kids can lasso stray dinos to get them back to their pens.
General admission tickets include all live shows, dinosaur exhibits and arts and crafts. Unlimited tickets include walking dinosaur rides, inflatables and the fossil dig. Individual attractions can be added on to general admission for $6.
Tips for visiting Jurassic Quest
- The dino activities at Jurassic Quest are best for ages 2-10. The largest rides and inflatables have a minimum height requirement of 36 inches and a maximum weight limit of 140 pounds. These attractions are only available to kids ages 10 and under.
- Families can move through Jurassic Quest activities at their own pace, which generally takes 1-2 hours, depending on which activities you choose to do.
- Jurassic Quest is a cashless event. If you plan on purchasing tickets, merch or other dino-mite goodies, bring a card and leave the cash at home.
- Socks are required to play in the inflatables and the “Triceratots” soft play area. If your children have them, wear grippy socks to prevent any slips or spills while playing.
- Strollers are permitted.
- Keep the dinosaur fun going at home with Jurassic Quest’s virtual resources. Find Dino Storytime, fossil lessons and much more on the Jurassic Quest YouTube channel. Plus, there are free dinosaur-themed crafts, coloring pages and more on the Jurassic Quest website.
Other things to do with kids at Navy Pier
- Navy Pier is a tourist hotspot for shopping, dining and, of course, the iconic Centennial Wheel. Make a fuzzy new friend at Build-A-Bear Workshop, or dine at classic Chicago eateries like Billy Goat Tavern, Giordano’s, Rainbow Cone, Harry Caray’s Tavern and more.
- Enjoy a scenic walk along the Chicago Lakefront Trail, offering gorgeous views of Lake Michigan, its beaches and the city skyline, without the fuss and the crowds of Navy Pier.
- Explore Lake Michigan with Shoreline Water Taxis, a sightseeing company that offers tours of Chicago’s famous landmarks while making it easy and exciting to get around town.
- Introduce your unicorn lovers to some of the city’s iconic landmarks, like the Willis Tower (we still call it the Sears) or the Bean in Millennium Park.
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