Jurassic Quest: What you need to know about big dinosaur event at Daytona's Ocean Center
Dinosaurs will rule the Earth again, at least within the walls of the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, when the popular Jurassic Quest dinosaur experience returns Aug. 4-6 in Daytona Beach.
Touted as the No. 1 dinosaur experience in North America, the kid-friendly event features an array of king-sized encounters with mammoth animatronic dinosaurs that roar, move and even wander the exhibit-hall floor.
There will be the chance for budding pint-sized paleontologists to hop a ride atop one of the prehistoric creatures, play inside themed bounce houses, create arts and crafts, dig for fossils or play with baby dinos.
Sound like fun? Here’s what you need to know:
What are the hours for the event?
Exhibit hours are noon-8 p.m. Aug. 4; 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Aug 5; and 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Ocean Center, 101 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach.
How much are tickets?
Standard admission for adults and children ages 2-10 is $22, not including taxes and fees. Rides and activity tickets may be purchased individually at the event.
More options for weekend fun: Classic rock, classic cars, stand-up comedy top weekend options in Volusia/Flagler
Admission is free for children younger than 2.
A kids unlimited admission also is available for $36. That includes admission to the exhibit, with unlimited access to dinosaur rides, Jurassic Jeeps, fossil dig and most dinosaur-themed inflatable attractions as well as one visit to the excavation station.
Senior admission for those 65 and older is $19. ID is required.
Advance ticket purchase is recommended at the event’s website, jurassicquest.com.
How long does it take to cover the event?
Jurassic Quest is a self-guided experience that includes life-sized dinosaurs, as well as rides and other activities. On the event’s website, it’s recommended that visitors allow 1-2 hours to cover everything.
What is included with a Kids Standard Ticket?
The standard admission ticket for children includes dinosaur exploration, participation in arts and crafts, interaction with a baby dinosaur and the walking dinosaur show. Additional rides and activities require activity tickets that are available for $6 each inside the event. If your child would like to do more than one activity, admission can be upgraded to the Kids Unlimited Ticket at the event.
Can a child younger than 2 do the activities?
For safety, the two largest stationary dinosaur rides and the largest dino bounce house have a minimum height requirement of 36 inches. There are other stationary dino rides, as well as walking dino rides and bounce houses for smaller children, as well as the “Triceratots” soft play area for children younger than 3.
The giant fossil dig is a paid activity that is suitable for young children.
Are tickets available at the door?
Yes. Be aware that weekend mornings and early afternoons are the most popular times that attract the biggest crowds. The event tends to be less crowded on Fridays and during late afternoons or early evenings on Saturday and Sunday.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Jurassic Quest at Daytona's Ocean Center: What to know before you go
