The big buzz around Austin these days is DinoLand, a touring exhibit of dinosaurs in "natural" settings, with information and educational opportunities for kids of all ages. Jan and I thought it would be a good idea to bring the boys, Sentry and Roland Thomas, to the Dinoland exhibit to see the lifelike replicas of some dino's they had seen in books and on videos.
We got there about mid-day, with the sun shining brightly and Warmly! down on us, and got our tickets at the entrance to the Zilker Botanical Gardens. There was plenty of parking, though it was across the street and a fair walk to get to the Gardens.
Jan's favorite were the bird-like dinos nesting in the tree.
Sentry's favorite was the "egg thief" dinosaur.
Mine was the Daspletosaur (cousin to the T-Rex). We never found out what RT's favorite was.
We saw all the dinosaurs, as well as some parts of the other great exhibits, the rose garden and the Japanese garden. But boy it was HOT! The little guys got cross and the adults (me) got a little aggravated, so we decided not to spend a great amount of time there. We headed home to the comfort of air conditioning. The boys slept very well that night.
Now that the weather has cooled off (low to mid 80's vs high 90's when we went) the exhibit is a good one to take children 4 and up to see. I think you can see from the images that the dinosaurs are pretty lifelike. I was very impressed with the authenticity. There are even some Compies like the ones in Jurassic Park! If your young ones are the least bit interested in dinosaurs, go see it in the cooler weather. It probably won't last! The exhibit is on through November 30, so there is still lots of time.
Till next time,
Mike Z
PS Speaking of Jurassic Park, I still smile when I think of that classic line from the movie, "Unix! I know Unix!"
We got there about mid-day, with the sun shining brightly and Warmly! down on us, and got our tickets at the entrance to the Zilker Botanical Gardens. There was plenty of parking, though it was across the street and a fair walk to get to the Gardens.
Jan's favorite were the bird-like dinos nesting in the tree.
Sentry's favorite was the "egg thief" dinosaur.
Mine was the Daspletosaur (cousin to the T-Rex). We never found out what RT's favorite was.
We saw all the dinosaurs, as well as some parts of the other great exhibits, the rose garden and the Japanese garden. But boy it was HOT! The little guys got cross and the adults (me) got a little aggravated, so we decided not to spend a great amount of time there. We headed home to the comfort of air conditioning. The boys slept very well that night.
Now that the weather has cooled off (low to mid 80's vs high 90's when we went) the exhibit is a good one to take children 4 and up to see. I think you can see from the images that the dinosaurs are pretty lifelike. I was very impressed with the authenticity. There are even some Compies like the ones in Jurassic Park! If your young ones are the least bit interested in dinosaurs, go see it in the cooler weather. It probably won't last! The exhibit is on through November 30, so there is still lots of time.
Till next time,
Mike Z
PS Speaking of Jurassic Park, I still smile when I think of that classic line from the movie, "Unix! I know Unix!"
I have been kind of STALKING your blog for a little while, and Well finally got up the courage to say MY SON LOVES DINOS we went to the dino park up in SALT LAKE ogden area and we had a blast. anyways look forward to reading more about what you have to say. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Jordann!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting and commenting on my small 'blog. I am glad your son likes dinosaurs--I did too as a kid. I guess I still do. I hope my grandkids will, I think Sentry does already.
BTW, did you see my post about the rock formations we passed in Utah? If you're interested, look about 2/3 the way down MPM's keyword list on the right side of the blog for "Utah." I have to say I could spend the rest of my life just going from place to place in southern Utah and just snapping away... Maybe when I retire?
It's a goal on my bucket list for sure. And, it would make a heck of a coffee table book too! :-)
Come back often, I am glad you commented.
Best regards,
Mike Z
I'm sure any kid (young or old) would love to go there Mike. Too bad it was so hot that day but still looks like you guys enjoyed yourselves. They are very lifelike. Cool. Thanks for sharing. Cheers Heather!
ReplyDeleteIt looks just great Michael - and sounds like the weather didn't stop you from having fun.
ReplyDeleteAll the little ones in our family are far away - think they'll let me and Philo in without a kid in tow?
Annie
You're right, Annie, we had lots of fun. Only the heat wore us down before we ran out of dino's! RT had the worst time of it; he wasn't feeling well and didn't get much out of the tour. But I'm glad we took 'em!
ReplyDeleteThanks for checking in.
Mike Z
PS to Annie--I don't think anyone would mind if you went w/o kids. It is definitely worth walking around the area if nothing else. I say go for it!
ReplyDeleteMZ
Your pictures are excellent, as always, Uncle Mike!! They definitely remind me of how Grandpa and Tummies used to take us "grandkids" to Storyland in the park in NO. Keep making memories!! :D Love you, Sarah
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sarah! I am glad you have those memories. I hope Sentry and RT will have good memories when they're older, too.
ReplyDeleteHope you survived the wind and rain, and are doing great in school (Go Tigers!). I hear through the grapevine that both are true! Uncle Bill sent the photo of you and Emily with Uncle Bill and Aunt Joanne--I was proud that you got to be there.
Check in often! Let me know how you're doing.
love
Uncle Mike