This replica of a baryonyx, a dinosaur species which roamed parts of the planet more than 125 million years ago, will be on display at Jurassic Quest, a touring dinosaur exhibit, which will make two stops in the suburbs this month.
Replicas of dinosaurs, ranging from a baby triceratops to a life-size T. rex, will arrive in the suburbs this month as part of the country’s largest touring dino exhibit.
Jurassic Quest will stop at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake from Oct. 7-9, and then resurface at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont from Oct. 14-16.
Most of the dinosaur replicas move, but not all in the same way. Some of the largest species, such as the long-necked brontosaurus, are animatronic, so they make lifelike movements powered by motors. Others, which the exhibit labels as walking dinosaurs, are full-body costumes piloted by performers who interact with guests and mimic the movements of species such as the velociraptor. Smaller still are hand puppets designed to look like cute infant dinosaurs.
The exhibit also features interactive rides and attractions, including bounce houses and children’s arts and crafts. There is an area for children to unleash their inner archaeologist and dig for dinosaur fossils in sandboxes.
For those interested in the mysteries beneath the surface of the water, there is a feature on the creatures of the ancient oceans. Underwater sea dwellers such as an enormous prehistoric sea turtle, the earliest discovered ancestors to dolphins and a 50-foot-long megalodon shark that went extinct millions of years ago are on display.
Jurassic Quest is based outside Houston and was founded in 2013. There are as many as three tours running at a time.
The Lake County Fairgrounds is at 1060 E. Peterson Road in Grayslake. The show runs 1 to 8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center is at 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. Beginning Oct. 14, the show runs 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Tickets for children and adults are $22, $19 for seniors; and a kids VIP ticket, which comes with unlimited rides and activities is $36. Tickets cost the same in person and online at jurassicquest.com.
