Prehistoric Palooza

Dig into the past

From real fossils to real scientists, uncover the stories of ancient animals and the world they lived in.

Get ready to step back in time with a day full of prehistoric discovery!

Enjoy special presentations from expert paleontologists, including John Bloch from the Florida Museum of Natural History. Meet scientists up close at interactive tables, where you can ask questions and explore real fossils.

Hear from our zookeepers as they share fascinating stories about ancient animals and their modern-day relatives, and don’t miss the chance to take part in a hands-on fossil dig using real specimens.

Kids can enjoy a variety of engaging activities designed to spark curiosity and inspire future scientists.

Plus, planetarium shows will be running throughout the day, offering an out-of-this-world look at our planet and beyond.

And more surprises await!

Planetarium Show - Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival

• Shows at 12 PM & 1 PM
• $5 pp (cash) or $6.16 pp (via ShowPass)
• Purchase tickets at the ticket window or online here.

Paleontologist Presentations (inside classroom):

• 11 AM: Florida Alligators, Living Fossils - Mitchell Riegler
• 12 PM: Montbrook Fossil Site - Dr. Jon Bloch, UF Professor of Geological Sciences, Anthropology, and Zoology 
• 1 PM: Xenarthran/Glyptodont with Dillon the three banded armadillo - Arod Polanco

Zoo Activities:

• Dinosaur photo op and chat with Gainesville Dino Wranglers
• Keeper talks will be updated on the Facebook event page closer to the event.

Fossil Digs:

• Enjoy two fossil digs, including a stream table provided by the Museum of Earth Sciences!
• Fossils provided by Santa Fe College Museum of Earth Sciences & FL Museum of Natural History

Food and Fun Trucks

• Kona Ice of Hawthorne
• DonutNV
• Red Line Kitchen Co.