Jurassic Quest is a touring dinosaur exhibit that allows visitors to experience animatronic dinosaurs up close. With rides, shows, fossil digs, and over 100 life-sized dinosaurs, it’s an immersive prehistoric adventure for the whole family. But with so much to see and do, many visitors wonder – just how long does it take to fully experience Jurassic Quest?
The Basics of Jurassic Quest
Jurassic Quest travels to major cities across the United States and Canada, typically setting up shop for a weekend or full week at convention centers, stadiums, and other large venues. The exhibit features the following attractions:
- Over 100 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, from small raptors to a giant Brachiosaurus
- Dinosaur rides like Triceratops Spin and Ranger Patrol Dinosaur Dakota’s Dino Dig
- Dinosaur shows and experiences like “Triceratops Encounter” and “Raptors!”
- Fossil digs, bounce houses, inflatable slides, photo opportunities, face painting, and more
- Educational exhibits on paleontology and real dinosaur fossils
- Merchandise, games, and dino-themed food
With general admission tickets starting around $20 for kids and adults, visitors can explore the dinosaur attractions at their own pace. The exhibit is typically open for 8-10 hours each day.
Key Factors in Jurassic Quest Length
Several key factors impact how long it takes to fully walk through and experience everything Jurassic Quest has to offer:
- Crowd Size: Being a touring event, crowd size can vary significantly depending on location and day. Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends.
- Time of Day: Early or late in the day is less crowded than peak afternoon hours.
- Number/Ages in Group: The pace will be slower with more young children who want to linger at exhibits.
- Show/Ride Lines: Lines at the rides, shows, and activities can vary from 5 mins to over an hour.
- Level of Interest: Dinosaur enthusiasts will spend more time than those with a casual interest.
Taking these factors into account, visitors should budget ample time to see everything, especially on peak days. Trying to rush through will lead to missing out on parts of the experience.
Typical Timeframes Reported
Here are some typical timeframes reported by Jurassic Quest visitors:
- Fast walk through without shows or rides: 1-2 hours
- Seeing most exhibits without waits: 3-5 hours
- Full experience on a crowded day: 6-8 hours
- Enthusiasts reading all signs: 8+ hours over multiple days
These timeframes account for the size of the venue and crowds. More days may be required for the largest events that use full convention center floors.
Walkthrough Times by Age
Here are estimated walkthrough times based on visitor age and interest level:
Visitor Type | Timeframe |
---|---|
Toddlers (ages 1-3) | 2-3 hours |
Young Children (ages 4-8) | 3-5 hours |
Older Children (ages 9-12) | 4-6 hours |
Teens | 2-4 hours |
Adults | 3-6 hours |
Dinosaur Enthusiasts | 6-8+ hours |
Younger children tend to spend more time in hands-on areas like the dig pits and on rides like the Triceratops Spin. Teens and adults may move through quicker, while enthusiasts read every informational sign thoroughly.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Here are some tips to help make the most of your Jurassic Quest visit:
- Review the venue map online first to plan your route
- Arrive early or late on peak days to avoid long lines
- Split up with different ages going to preferred exhibits
- Save shows, rides and activities for the second half when crowds thin
- Take breaks for food and rest to avoid burnout
- Consider VIP tickets to skip lines if available
- Allow at least 6 hours on weekends and busy days
Rushing through Jurassic Quest may lead to disappointment, while allowing ample time ensures you can see the dinosaurs and activities you’re most excited for. Weekday visits are best for shorter 3-4 hour walks.
Planning Your Jurassic Quest Itinerary
The key to making the most of your Jurassic Quest visit is planning ahead with a smart itinerary tailored to your group. Here are some sample itineraries to help you plan:
Itinerary for Families with Young Kids
- 9:00 am – Arrive when it opens to avoid crowds
- 9:30 am – Check out giant dinosaurs like Brachiosaurus first thing
- 10:30 am – Hands-on fossil dig
- 11:30 am – Rides and dinosaur shows
- 12:30 pm – Break for lunch and rest
- 1:30 pm – More rides and kid zones
- 3:30 pm – Browse gift shop before leaving
Itinerary for Older Kids and Teens
- 11:00 am – Arrive after initial crowds have thinned
- 11:30 am – Check out giant dinosaurs like T-Rex
- 12:30 pm – Raptor Encounter show
- 1:30 pm – Rides like Triceratops Spin
- 2:30 pm – Educational exhibits
- 4:00 pm – Gift shop and games
- 5:00 pm – Depart before dinnertime crowds
Itinerary for Dinosaur Enthusiasts
- 9:00 am – Arrive right at open before crowds
- 10:00 am – Walk through all dinosaur exhibits slowly, reading signs
- 12:00 pm – Check out paleontology exhibits
- 1:00 pm – Break for lunch
- 2:00 pm – Hands-on fossil dig experience
- 4:00 pm – Catch educational shows
- 6:00 pm – Browse gift shop and games
Customizing your Jurassic Quest itinerary based on interests, ages, and crowds will help ensure you get the most out of your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to walk through Jurassic Quest?
It typically takes 3-6 hours to fully walk through Jurassic Quest exhibits at a comfortable pace, depending on crowds, lines, ages, and your interest level. Plan for 6-8 hours on peak days to avoid missing out.
Can you see Jurassic Quest in one day?
For most visitors, seeing everything in one day is possible, especially on less crowded weekdays. However, dinosaur enthusiasts may want to allocate two days on busy weekends to read all signs without rush.
What is the best time to go to Jurassic Quest?
The best times are early morning on opening day, late afternoon, and weekdays to avoid peak day crowds. Arrive at least 30 minutes before posted open times.
Is Jurassic Quest worth it?
Most visitors say Jurassic Quest is highly worth the admission cost, especially for dinosaur lovers young and old. Planning ahead for crowds and allocating at least 6 hours will ensure you get your money’s worth.
Is Jurassic Quest scary for little kids?
Some realistic animatronic dinosaurs like T-Rex may be scary for toddlers but fine for most ages 4+. Going on less crowded days can help timid young kids enjoy the experience.
How much walking is Jurassic Quest?
Expect to walk 3-5 miles over 3-6 hours at Jurassic Quest. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended and stroller rentals are available.
The Bottom Line
Allowing ample time is the key to fully experiencing everything Jurassic Quest has to offer. While it’s possible to do a quick 1-2 hour walkthrough, visiting on a less crowded day and spending at least half a day exploring is ideal to get your money’s worth. Following tips like arriving early, planning your route, and taking breaks will let you comfortably enjoy the dinosaur magic without missing out on any exhibits or activities.