If you’ve ever wanted to walk among dinosaurs, now’s your chance! The wildly popular “Dinosaurs Among Us” exhibit has returned to Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island, from April through August 2025. Featuring lifelike animatronic dinosaurs, fossil digs, and interactive experiences, this prehistoric adventure is a must-visit for dino lovers of all ages.
Whether you missed it last time or want to relive the magic, here’s what you can expect from this larger-than-life experience!
A Jurassic Adventure in Rhode Island
Imagine strolling through the zoo’s scenic wetlands trail when suddenly, a towering T. rex lets out a roar. A Brachiosaurus stretches its long neck above the trees, while a pack of Velociraptors lurks in the bushes. This isn’t a scene from Jurassic Park—it’s “Return of the Dinosaurs”, where nearly 60 life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs move, blink, and roar just like their prehistoric counterparts.
These hyper-realistic creatures aren’t just for show—they’re an educational experience, teaching visitors about the evolution of dinosaurs, their modern-day bird relatives, and the science behind paleontology.
More Than Just Dinosaurs: Interactive Fun for All Ages
This exhibit isn’t just about looking at dinosaurs—it’s about experiencing them up close. Some of the hands-on activities include:
- Fossil Dig Stations – Channel your inner paleontologist by unearthing replica fossils.
- Dinosaur Rides – Because walking is overrated when you can ride a moving dinosaur!
- Meet Baby Dinosaurs – Get up close with adorable, lifelike baby dinosaur puppets, perfect for kids and Instagram-worthy moments.
And don’t forget the interactive bird show, which highlights how modern birds evolved from dinosaurs—a mind-blowing fact that makes you look at pigeons a little differently!
There will also be dinosaur-themed events throughout the exhibit, including Dinosaur Family Nights on June 14 and Aug 9 and Sensory Mornings on April 27 and July 6.
The Science Behind the Dinosaurs
While the exhibit is full of fun and excitement, it’s also deeply rooted in science. One of the most fascinating aspects of “Return of the Dinosaurs” is how it showcases the link between dinosaurs and modern birds. According to zoo officials, birds are technically considered living dinosaurs, having evolved directly from theropod dinosaurs more than 65 million years ago.
Throughout the exhibit, visitors learn how avian dinosaurs like the Archaeopteryx—a bird-like dinosaur that lived 150 million years ago—provided key evidence for the theory of evolution. The exhibit also touches on the mass extinction event that wiped out the majority of dinosaur species and how Earth’s ecosystems eventually paved the way for mammals—and eventually, humans.
In addition, there are informative panels and digital displays detailing the latest findings in paleontology, helping guests understand how scientists discover and study fossils. The exhibit brings these ancient creatures back to life with remarkable accuracy, using cutting-edge animatronics and rigorous scientific research to ensure a true-to-life experience.
Plan Your Visit
The “Return of the Dinosaurs” exhibit is located within the Zoo grounds but requires a separate ticket, which can be purchased either online or on-site. For all ticket details and more information, visit rwpzoo.org.
The exhibit will be open from Sunday, April 6, through Sunday, August 10.
Whether you’re a dino fanatic or just looking for a fun day out, “Dinosaurs Among Us” is an unforgettable journey into the past. Don’t miss your chance to walk among giants before they go extinct—again!
