Families are invited to become intrepid explorers this May as Wimborne’s Museum of East Dorset unleashes a month‑long celebration of all things prehistoric with an action‑packed Dinosaur Adventure, running from Saturday 2 May to Saturday 6 June.
Young explorers can enjoy a host of hands‑on, creative and curiosity‑fuelled activities designed to bring the age of dinosaurs vividly to life – all included with normal museum admission.
Little palaeontologists will be able to build their own binoculars before setting off on a dinosaur hunt through the museum. Budding scientists can investigate dinosaurs’ teeth while others can roll up their sleeves to construct a model dinosaur skeleton piece by piece. Kids can even try to Stomp like a Dinosaur in a fun challenge wearing oversized foam dino feet for extra fun!
One of the highlights is the chance to take part in an exciting archaeological dig! Using special tools, children can uncover models of prehistoric dinosaur skulls, teeth, fossils, and even a replica skeleton fossil. Step into a dinosaur’s footsteps, quite literally, by exploring a life size footprint, helping children imagine the incredible size of these prehistoric giants. There will also be plenty of dressing‑up fun, encouraging imaginative play and memorable photo opportunities.
The adventure continues throughout the museum and in the beautiful museum garden, where visitors may spot something rather unexpected. Is that a Stegosaurus hiding in the Stationers Gallery? A Triceratops lurking in the telephone box? A Tyrannosaurus Rex peeping out from behind a tree?
Thanks to a creative collaboration with seven Wimborne schools – Beaucroft School, St John’s First School, Colehill First School, Colehill Nursery, Hayeswood First School, Allenbourne Middle School and Emmanuel Middle School – the garden has been transformed into a dinosaur discovery trail. Schools were sent dinosaur cut‑outs of all shapes and sizes to decorate and families are invited to hunt them out throughout the museum and gardens.
Amy Webster, Events Officer for the museum said; “This community‑focused trail not only adds colour and excitement to the museum but also celebrates the creativity of local children, making it a must‑see feature of the half‑term programme.”
She added: “The Dinosaur Adventure offers a perfect mix of learning and play, helping children explore natural history through tactile, family‑friendly experiences in a welcoming museum setting.”
Admission: Free with normal museum entry
Dates: Saturday 2 May – Saturday 6 June
Location: Museum of East Dorset, High Street, Wimborne
Families are encouraged to allow plenty of time to enjoy both the indoor and outdoor activities of the dinosaur trail.
For opening times and further information, please visit the Museum of East Dorset website www.muesumofeastdorset.co.uk or follow the museum on social media.
