This spring, take a quick trip to Field Station: Dinosaurs and bond with your Jurassic era friends. The dinosaur-themed walking park opened last year in Secaucus, New Jersey and re-opened for the season earlier this month. So why should you jump on the prehistoric bandwagon and check out the attraction? Keep reading to find out. Plus, see our insider tips on making your visit great.
The life-size animatronic dinosaurs on display will awe your lil’ paleontologist and the whole family can experience the park easily since it’s ADA accessible, which means you can maneuver a stroller through the dinos no problem.
Over thirty creatures are featured in this theme park that feels like a prehistoric nature preserve. Paved and gravel paths wind their way throughout and feature moving, roaring dinosaurs that react to passers-by, thanks to special motion-detection sensors. It can be awesome for your older kids, but just keep an eye on your little guys under age three in case some find them a little too realistic! Spend two hours meandering through the paths to see the dinosaurs or make it a whole-day affair with lunch and activities.
Must See and Do List
This year, the museum has really beefed up the fun with new activities! Here are our top five picks:
Ampitheater Shows: New this year are two live 20-minute shows. Don’t miss Dino Whodunit to find out with the resident T-Rex why dinosaurs became extinct or Dragons to Dinosaurs, an interactive show with music and puppets about ancient folklore.
Fossil Dig Site: Unearth giant dinosaur skeletons and real fossils and experience what it’s like to join a scientific expedition.
Dinosaur Dance Party: Swing to the “Dimetrodon Dance,” a 200-million year old dance craze and boogie down to the music of the Dinosaur Troubadour.
Mesozoic Concentration: Use your memory in a fast-paced game where you mix and match the tools of a paleontologist to uncover the secrets of the world’s most successful dinosaur hunters.
What Color is your Dinosaur: Help paint an original dinosaur mural or become a paint splattering expert at this art-based activity. Contact the park for exact program times.
Insider Tips
Stick to our tips for the best visit. Field Station is a growing theme park, and like your kiddos might require a little of patience. But it’s definitely worth the visit!
Tickets: Buy your admission tickets in advance online or over the phone. You’ll save $5 per adult and over $2 per kid compared to the box office price. If you think you’ll visit more than three times this year, consider the season pass.
Dining: You can bring your own lunch to enjoy at the picnic area or buy basic concessions fare (think burgers, popcorn, ice cream) from the on-site food stands. It’s cash only, so come prepared.
Parking: If you drive, there is on-site parking for $10, which is cash-only, too. Whatever you drive, don’t park your car in Laurel Hill Park. The park is monitored and vehicles will be ticketed.
Restrooms: Portable toilet trailers are the only restrooms on site, so plan accordingly. Potty visits before leaving home and diaper changes in the car might be easier.
How to Get There
Good news! You don’t need a car to see the dinos. From New York Penn Station, you can take NJ Transit rail to Secaucus Junction and it only takes 9 minutes. From there it’s a 10-minute walk to Field Station. Several NJ Transit bus lines will drop you off at Secaucus Junction, too. Want to drive? Very clear driving directions are listed on the park’s Web site.
Field Station: Dinosaurs
One Dinosaur Way
Secaucus, Nj
Cost: At the door $25-$40 for adults, $20-$35 for kids ages 3-12 and seniors 65+, kids under 2 free
Hours: In April, open Fri., Sat. & Sun., 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Online: fieldstationdinosaurs.com
Let us know about your visit to Field Station: Dinosaurs and share your favorite tips!
— Sarah K. Choi
photos courtesy of Field Station: Dinosaurs
