This week we were invited to the VIP opening of Dinosaurs in the Wild. It’s an experience, an adventure really, back to the time of the dinosaurs. It opens this weekend and runs till the 23 August at the NEC in Birmingham before transferring to Manchester. It’s an exciting blend of live-action theatre, theme park fun and the very latest palaeontological knowledge which transports you back 67 million years by time machine to encounter living dinosaurs.
You’re given 3D glasses and given a safety briefing before you go, then a guide takes you into the time machine and away you go. You see a few dinosaurs on your way into Chronotex Enterprises’ TimeBase 67. Then you enter the base and can check out the CCTV footage, press cuttings and a plan of the TimeBase, as well as watching a video. You really feel you are on a tour of a research institute.
Next up: the lab. There was lots to explore and investigate. H enjoyed seeing through the eyes of a plant eater and feeling the consistency of dinosaur poo (through gloves I hasten to add). I think if anything we’d have liked a little more time here as there was so much to look at. Then we went through to see a dinosaur autopsy and saw the doctor rescue a dinosaur egg.
That led us nicely through to the hatchery where we got to see all the eggs. Some of them were starting to hatch and we even got to meet a hatchling.
The climax of the visit was a trip to the observatory to see the dinosaurs. There’s a lot of room and different view points so it’s easy for everyone to see. You are in a fairly small group so it’s easy enough to see everything in all the different areas of the visit. There is a story line and a few surprises, but I think most children would be happy with the level of excitement, but it’s worth looking at the age recommendations on the site (5+ recommended). We were on the tour with a four-year-old and she was fine, but more sensitive souls might find it a bit scary.
So what did we think?
It was a big hit with H and his two friends (10 and 7). They really enjoyed it and as soon as they were out they asked when they could go again. My dinosaur expert H didn’t pick any inaccuracies up, so I would say that the level of dinosaur information was very good. The whole experience lasts about 70 minutes, but you need to allow a little longer to cover entry and exit. Be warned there is a very cool shop, so it might be worth taking along some pocket-money. You are moved along quickly and I think that helped keep the kids interested, although I must admit I’d like to go back to the lab and the observatory and spend a little more time there. It’s a great summer holiday outing or maybe a birthday treat.
angela hamilton says
Oh my word, we absolutely love dinosaurs so this would be right up our street. I remember going to Dinosaur Alive when I was in primary school, it was amazing.
Sonia says
My dinosaur loving kids would love this, think we wills schedule a visit in.
Emma Raphael says
That sounds like such a great experience for boys of that age, I know my middle boy would have loved it then. Will have to wait a few years for the youngest! 😀
Jane @ northernmum says
That looks amazing – will have to book in to see it x
Anne says
My Little man would love this, I think we may be paying a visit during the holidays.
Jen Walshaw says
My boys would have LOVED this when they were younger. It seems a great event to visit with little dino lovers over the summer
tanya says
we go through fazes of being dinosaur made it this house. It looks great there
Kayleigh Watkins says
Oh wow what a lovely day out and meeting Michelle heaton you lucky lot xxx
Claire says
We are booked to go in a couple of weeks. My 8yr old daughter is dinosaur obsessed. She doesn’t know we are going so will be very excited when we tell her!
Kim Styles says
That looks such fun and educational ( I am no expert on Dinosaurs) shame it is not nearer us!
ashleigh allan says
Sounds amazing – I am sure my son would love it too!
Stevie says
My niece loves dinosaurs at the moment. She even has a tooth she found on the beach.
Gemma Hendry says
my daughter is a big fan of dinosaurs so id love to take her here
Amy SIMPSON says
Ideal for dinosaur fans x
Susan Smith says
Our little ones are fascinated with the Dinosaur world and would love this
Fiona jk42 says
I hope shows like this will be available later this year, I feel my granddaughter is missing out on so many experiences.