Arriving at the check point, we were issued our trail map along with the credentials. These credentials, set up like a passport, keep the kids enthusiastic about completing six stamps to turn in for their special sticker at the end of their visit. They also make a fun souvenir of the outing when you get home. It's a great way to ensure the visiting families don't overlook all of the available ways to explore the field station.
Of course, though, you must start your adventure with the amazing animatronic dinosaurs. They are all set along wooded paths that you access by following the laid out trail. The Dilophosaurus was the first to greet us upon entering the path. The roaring sounds were quite realistic and gave a glimpse of an idea about the sound of their communication before they were extinct. My youngest hesitated a moment and watched the dinosaur moving a bit while assessing the level of roar before stepping closer to investigate.
Once they understood what the dinosaurs looked and sounded like, both kids couldn't wait to see which one would come up on the path next. Information about each dinosaur was provided on a sign next to where they were standing. Stopping to hear their roaring sound and see what they looked like was very entertaining each and every time. These dinosaurs are extremely well put together and the size of many of them is just unbelieveable, even as an adult. Dinosaur eggs and babies are also spotted around the park. Attention to detail and quality craftsmanship is apparent with each of these dinosaurs. The Argentinosaurus with it's enormous swinging tail and the T-Rex were our absolute favorites of the day.
The trail encompasses 3/4 of a mile, so it's quite managable for any age. Within the trails of the Field Station are eight show and game options for your participation. Attendance at each one earns a stamp for your credentials. They were upbeat, well narrated, and included the audience in an interactive manner. They managed to be very informative and educational while still maintaining the undercurrent of fun and excitiment. Some were discussion style in tents on the grounds, while others provided an opportunity to get right in there and be a part of the action.
"Found in New Jersey" provided a great education about the various dinosaur fossils unearthed right here in our home state. We also learned about Haddy the Hadrosaurus, the State's official dinosaur, who we were also able to see along the trail.
If you have a budding paleontologist, you won't want to miss the "Fossil Dig Site." Definitely arrive a few minutes before the scheduled dig time to secure your tools and get ready. My kids were the first to unearth a fossil in the entire dig site during our expedition time. A priceless moment, this turned into exhuberant yells of "we found something" and crowds of assistant children coming over to help dig out and brush off a "plate" of dinosaur fossils.
Such a distinctive experience, I definitely recommend visiting 90 million years back in time at Field Station: Dinosaurs when you have at least a few hours to both spend on the Field Station trail and participating in some of the shows and games to get the full experience. Our entire family reveled in the awe inspiring animatronic dinosaurs at each turn. The kids spent the bulk of the drive back home reiterating the information they had absorbed during our visit and asking additional questions about the details on the dinosaurs and fossils. It pretty much sums up the day when I tell you that as we exited the park, the kids immediately asked when we could come back again.
Field Station: Dinosaurs offers discounted admission, saving you $5 per adult and $2.50 per child, when you pre-purchase your tickets online at this link. They have picnic tables available inside so you can easily bring in your own food and drink into the park (just not a large cooler). Alternatively, there are hamburger and hot dog stands inside as well. It is just a couple of minutes off the NJ Turnpike and took under an hour to arrive. You can get all of the additional information you'll need to plan a visit on their website here and you can also visit their Facebook page.
Last week, my family and I were hosted by Field Station: Dinosaurs. Now, one very lucky Macaroni Kid Lincroft-Holmdel-Tinton Falls subscriber will win a family four pack of one day admission tickets to Field Station: Dinosaurs!! Simply click here to enter for your chance to win. All entries must be received by August 22nd at 5:00 p.m. to be eligible for the drawing. One entry per person, per day. Good luck!
