Dinosaurs, wooly mammoths and saber tooth tigers — oh my!
This summer, families can travel back in time to meet Jurassic and Ice Age creatures with a trip to The Lost Kingdoms, a dino-mite immersive experience opening this weekend in Washington Park.
The experience includes more than 50 life-size animatronic dinosaurs, Ice Age creatures and other prehistoric beasts, as well as a few exciting activities for budding paleontologists.
Quick details about The Lost Kingdoms
- When: Saturday, June 8-Saturday, June 22, 2024
- Address: Washington Park, Chicago
- Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Last entry at 5 p.m.
- Cost: $25/person, $90/family (two adults and two children, or one adult and three children). Free for children ages 2 and under. Residents of the 20th Ward receive discounted rates at $10/adult and $5/child.
- Parking: A paid lot is available. Street parking is limited. Public transit is recommended.
As families journey through Washington Park, they will visit excavation sites, walk the trails and discover magnificent moving creatures, and get the opportunity to read and learn a bit about these prehistoric beasts.
The Lost Kingdoms is split into a Jurassic area and an Ice Age area. There will be a variety of dinosaurs in the Jurassic area, including T. Rex, Triceratops and Brontosaurus. Wooly mammoths, mastodons and saber tooth tigers are just a few of the creatures waiting to be discovered in the Ice Age area.
Washington Park is The Lost Kingdoms’ first U.S. destination. Following Chicago, the animatronics will travel to 11 more American cities.
Things to do with kids at The Lost Kingdoms
- Explore the park and discover more than 50 life-sized animatronic creatures.
- Learn about your child’s favorite creatures, including dinosaurs, sabretooth tigers, mammoths and more.
- Dig for fossils at hands-on excavation sites.
- Enjoy street food, drinks and souvenirs from Chicago vendors.
Tips for visiting The Lost Kingdoms with kids
- Each ticket is good for entry during the time slot you select when purchasing online. Once inside, you may explore for as long as you’d like!
- Residents of the 20th Ward receive discounted admission. To receive the discount, residents must book online in advance and bring proof of residency when they visit.
- Wear closed toe walking shoes as the park and trail can be uneven or muddy depending on the weather.
- The Lost Kingdoms is a rain or shine event. Be sure to check the forecast and dress for the weather. Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
Other things to do with kids nearby
- Discover 400,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits at the Museum of Science and Industry, one of the largest science museums in the world!
- Take a scenic walk along Promontory Point, a peninsula with green spaces and campfire pits that offers gorgeous views of Lake Michigan, or take a stroll through the Japanese garden in Jackson Park.
- Learn about African American history and culture at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
- Enjoy free admission at the Smart Museum of Art.
- Visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Frederick C. Robie House and take a self-guided tour.
- Browse the shelves at 57th Street Books and find a new read or bedtime story.
Follow Chicago Parent on Instagram.
