Discover Southern Dinosaurs at Dallas' Perot Museum
On June 23, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science opened its doors to a new, thrilling experience—Ultimate Dinosaurs—marking the beginning of the museum’s “Summer of the Dinosaur.”
Before you and your guests dive into this prehistoric adventure, consider the highlights below:
- The exhibit showcases seldom‑seen species from South America and Africa, ranging from the diminutive Eoraptor to the colossal Giganotosaurus—an even larger cousin of the T. rex—offering North American visitors a fresh look at these ancient giants.
- Guests will encounter 17 fully articulated casts, over a dozen authentic fossils, immersive AR displays, tactile fossil samples, and interactive play zones complete with miniature dioramas.
- In the Life Then and Now Hall, you can step into the role of a raptor avatar and learn how paleontologists analyze dinosaur footprints to understand their locomotion.
- At the entrance, a downloadable Snapchat lens featuring the first new dinosaur species uncovered by Dr. Tony Fiorillo and Dr. Ron Tyoski lets you pose with a pocket‑sized Pachyrhinosaurus for memorable photos.
- While ascending to Level 4, visitors will see a spectacular installation of the second‑most complete T. rex skeleton ever uncovered—“Stan”—which is illuminated by neon lights after dark, making it a must‑see attraction.
- Experience “Journey to the Jurassic,” a dino‑themed sleepover on July 13 and August 31. Children receive a guided tour by a professional paleontologist, create their own fossil footprint, participate in a museum‑wide scavenger hunt, and more. Reserve tickets here
- Adults (21+) are invited to “Social Science: Prehistoric” on August 10—an evening of cocktails, fossil exploration, conversations with paleontologists, and networking with fellow dinosaur enthusiasts. Ticket information here
- During Labor Day weekend, the museum will host “Dino Fest,” featuring dino digs, trivia, lectures, and an outdoor beer garden offering local brews and live music. Further details will be released soon.
- In September, the museum will unveil the “Paleo Lab,” a behind‑the‑scenes look at a paleontologist’s daily work.
- The “Paleo Lab” will feature a cast of Nanuqsaurus hoglundi—a polar dinosaur identified and named by Dr. Ron Tykoski and Dr. Tony Fiorillo.
The Ultimate Dinosaurs exhibition is available in English and French, with a Spanish audio guide, running from June 23 2018 to January 6 2019, and requires a surcharge for both members and non‑members.

