It might be cliché, but the phrase “something for everyone” comes to mind after some time (and believe me, not nearly enough!) at Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family, the new exhibit at Science Museum of Virginia.
My 20-something science-loving daughter and I roamed the exhibition exploring rare fossil specimens and breathtaking life-sized dinosaur skeletons. We learned about paleontologists (with nicknames like “Bones”) who committed their lives to this iconic science of discovery. We measured our strength against the biteforce of the T. rex, and I ran from dinosaurs in Carytown. (Yes, that was only me!)
This summer’s Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family is the world’s first exhibition showcasing the newly revised tyrannosaur family tree. And there truly is something for everyone in your human family in this giant exhibition! While T. rex is arguably the world’s most popular dinosaur, there’s a lot more to learn about the “tyrant lizard king” and some of its colorful, 
feathered relatives. The exhibit also explores how sudden environmental devastation can cause even the most dominant species to go extinct, particularly impactful now as we attempt to manage the effects of climate change on the species that inhabit the earth today.
Learning is wonderful, but for most kids – and adults, frankly – having fun at the same time is even better. While many of the installations require reading, there’s a lot going on at this exhibition for younger kids and family members who are less cerebral. While my daughter didn’t accept the challenge to race the dinosaurs through Carytown, she did humor me and compare her strength to the biteforce of a T. rex. She also recorded me taking part in the virtual experience and snapped a few pictures of her beloved mother getting munched on by a dino.
Bottom line, whether you’re a classic science-loving museum-goer or someone who’s looking for a roaring good adventure, this visit to Science Museum of Virginia to see Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family will be a memorable one. This immersive, multimedia exhibition is chock-full of information and dinosaur-sized fun for every member of the family.
Don’t Miss Dinosaurs Alive! in The Dome
Dinosaurs Alive! brings dinosaurs, their behaviors, and their ancient environments to life on screen. See stunningly realistic
and scientifically accurate computer generated imagery (CGI) as these great creatures of the past are brought to life. At forty minutes, the film is the perfect length for shorter attention spans. My 80-year-old mom loved these movies! Purchase tickets for The Dome at smv.org.
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Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family at the Science Museum runs through October 3, 2021.
During regular operating hours (9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week), single-day admission to Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family is available through a combination ticket that includes access to the exhibition as well as regular exhibits (Speed, Boost, and so much more, plus the other temporary exhibit about mental wellness, Mind Matters, through August 29).
- Admission is $20.50 for adults; $18.50 for youth (six to twelve) and seniors (sixty and older); and $15 for preschool-aged children (three to five). Dome tickets* are additional. Discounts are available for teachers, military personnel and through the Museums for All program.
- Admission during Thursday and Friday extended hours (June 24 – October 1, 5 – 8 p.m.) for Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family only is $10.
- Museum members receive free admission to the Museum and this exhibition. Join here.
- If you’re coming to see Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family on a Saturday or Sunday, check out the line up of local food trucks we have coming to the Museum. Dinosaurs and lunch, yes please!
For museum hours and ticketing information, visit smv.org.
