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Prepare to go back hundreds of millions of years to the Mesozoic Era, when dinosaurs roamed the planes of Pangaea during the Triassic period, trapezed through lush vegetation in the Jurassic period, and explored the diverse landscapes of the Cretaceous period. It was a world unlike anything we know today, but through thoughtful recreations, immersive installations and science-backed play, you can adventure through time at Dino Safari at Horseshoe Las Vegas.

The experience

The world of dinosaurs comes to life with the use of large animatronics, including prehistoric creatures, fossils, and sensory play experiences. Guests will find interactive challenges, depictions of natural elements that occurred in the prehistoric world, captivating virtual reality activations and installations. With an educational foundation and an emphasis on fun, the exhibit caters to people of all ages including kids.

The science

When creating the experience, Imagine Exhibitions partnered with Gregory M. Erickson, world-renowned Ph.D. in dinosaur paleontology and one of only 150 full-time dinosaur paleontologists in the world. Erickson received his doctorate from University of California Berkley and conducted research at Stanford University and Brown University before joining the faculty at Florida State University in Tallahassee. At FSU, he’s a professor of anatomy and vertebrate paleobiology and curator of the Florida State University Biological Science Museum. His research focuses on dinosaur growth, life history, physiology, behavior, feeding mechanics and more.

Erickson has made indelible contributions to the field of paleontology and our understanding of the life and times of dinosaurs. Some of his notable discoveries include:

• Determining the growth rate of dinosaurs and demonstrating that they were likely warm-blooded.

• Discovering the age, growth rates and evolution of giantism in T. rex.

• Discovering that the first known bird, Archaeopteryx, was physiologically more like a dinosaur than a modern bird.

• Conaming six dinosaurs, including the Guanlong and Anchiornis.

The dinosaurs

Dino Safari features more than 30 dinosaurs, including the T. rex of North America, the Spinosaurus from Africa, and some of Nevada’s own local legends, including the recently discovered Nevadadromeus, which means “Nevada runner.” Its fossils were first found near the Valley of Fire.

The importance of sensory play for kids

Play that emphasizes sensory engagement—touch, smell and sound—helps develop a child’s language and motor skills. It also encourages social interactions, helps with cognitive development and can help cement understanding of learned materials as children explore topics in a hands-on way. At Dino Safari, you can replicate the experience of digging up fossils and sifting through sand to make your own dinosaur discoveries.

The Walk Thru Adventure is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets start at $22.25 and children 2 and under are free. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit DinoSafari.com.