by kellie abrahamson kabrahamson1@aol.com
There is nothing that captivates a child’s imagination more than dinosaurs. The massive lizards are myth come to life and kids of all ages just can’t seem to resist them. The Museum of Science and History’s newest exhibit, “Dinosaurs and Ice Age Mammals,” gives visitors a chance to see what these behemoths may have looked and sounded like and gives them an opportunity to learn more about the fascinating creatures.
On Saturday, May 26th, the dinosaurs came into town and took over MOSH’s 6000-square-foot exhibit area on the second floor. The first thing visitors will notice is that 16 animatronic prehistoric creatures have taken up residence in the space and are moving and “speaking” in their own special language of growls, shrieks and roars. Major highlights of this popular traveling exhibit include a soaring Pteranodon, which flies above visitors heads with a wingspan of 23 feet, a 10-foot Wooly Mammoth, a mother Maiasaura and her baby and, of course, a massive Tyrannosaurus Rex that towers above guests at a whopping 18-feet, which is only 3/5 his actual size. Other dino guests include a Pachycephalosaurus, a sloth, and the Baluchitherium. Handcrafted in Japan by renowned animatronics company Kokoro, the colossal creatures were based on actual fossil record to give them their authentic look. Coupled with internal computers that make the beasts move and roar, these prehistoric animals make the youngest of guests feel as if they have stepped back into time and the oldest marvel at how fun science is now compared to when they were young.
Speaking of fun, visitors can have a hands-on experience at some of the Dinosaurs and Ice Age Mammals stations. Pretend to be an archeologist at the Dino Dig Box, where fossils are just waiting to be discovered, or bring home a souvenir by visiting one of two rub stations. Guests can also take control of an Apatosaurus skeleton, moving it around with a special remote-control. Even the most stubborn learner will find it hard not to retain something at this incredibly enjoyable, but also deceptively educational exhibit.
The Dinosaurs and Ice Age Mammals exhibit will be hanging around until October 14th so be sure to check them out before they go extinct again. The Museum of Science and History is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 1 pm to 6 pm. Admission is $9 for adults, $7.50 for military and senior citizens, $7 for children 3-12 and free for children 2 and under and members. For more information on this fascinating exhibit, please call (904) 396-MOSH or visit themosh.org.
Friday and Saturday nights
Under the dome of the Alexander Brest Planetarium, visitors can experience a phenomenal light show while jamming out to some of the very best music ever composed. From Pink Floyd to Jimmy Buffet, the Cosmic Concerts have something for everyone.
July 6th and 7th, August 17th and 18th
8:00- Wish You Were Here
9:00-Dark Side of the Moon
10:30- The Wall
June 1 and 2, July 13 and 14
8:00- Laser Fun
9:00- Led Zeppelin
10:30- Metallica
June 8 and 9, July 27 and 28
8:00- Laser Swing
9:00- Elvis
10:30- Jimmy Buffet
June 15 and 16, June 22 and 23, August 10 and 11
8:00- Beach Boys
9:00- The Beatles
10:30- Classic Rock
June 29 and 30, July 20 and 21
8:00- Space Rock
9:00- David Bowie
10:30- Aerosmith
August 3 and 4
8:00- Laser Fun
9:00- Laser Country
10:30- Garth Brooks
June 9th
Spider-Man and the Incredible Hulk will be on hand for this incredible family event to benefit our favorite museum. Come see crazy tricks by Disc-Connected K9’s Frisbee Dogs and meet some of your favorite sci-fi movie characters. Other activities include face painting, fire engine tours, moon bounces and more. Admission: $20
July 14
Come see MOSH’s famous turtle Tonca turn 41 years old. The celebration will include a number of fun kids activities and the massive turtle’s annual weigh in. Be sure to stick around for a piece of cake!
July 21
In celebration of the 38th Anniversary of Neil Armstrong’s walk on the moon, come to the MOSH and have a far out time.
August 18
From 10:00am to 2:00pm come see just how amazing dogs can be. Celebrity hounds include Jacksonville Suns mascot Southpaw and Brandon the Termite-Sniffing Dog. Other canine-orientated guests include the Safe Animal Shelter, Southeastern Guide Dogs, Jacksonville Humane Society, Florida Service Dogs, Poochie’s Park, Dotson Adoption Rescue and Greyhounds as Pets.
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