How to Visit the Las Vegas Natural History Museum Dinosaur Exhibits in Las Vegas

The Las Vegas Natural History Museum is more than just a collection of artifacts—it’s a gateway to Earth’s ancient past. Among its most captivating offerings are the meticulously curated dinosaur exhibits, featuring life-sized skeletons, fossilized remains, and interactive displays that bring the Mesozoic Era to life. Whether you’re a paleontology enthusiast, a parent seeking educational experiences for children, or a tourist looking to explore Nevada’s hidden cultural gems, visiting these exhibits offers a rare opportunity to connect with prehistoric history in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip.

Unlike many museums that focus on modern entertainment, the Las Vegas Natural History Museum prioritizes scientific accuracy, immersive storytelling, and hands-on learning. Its dinosaur galleries are among the most comprehensive in the Southwest, housing specimens from across North America and beyond. Understanding how to navigate the museum, plan your visit, and maximize your experience ensures you walk away with more than just photos—you leave with a deeper appreciation for evolution, extinction, and Earth’s dynamic history.

This guide provides a complete, step-by-step roadmap to visiting the dinosaur exhibits at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum. From ticketing and timing to interactive highlights and nearby amenities, every detail is covered to help you make the most of your journey into the age of reptiles.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Confirm Museum Hours and Plan Your Visit Date

The Las Vegas Natural History Museum operates on a consistent weekly schedule, but hours vary slightly by season and holiday. Before finalizing your plans, visit the museum’s official website to verify current operating hours. Typically, the museum is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended hours on weekends and during school breaks. Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be less crowded, making them ideal for a more immersive experience.

Plan your visit for mid-morning (10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.) to avoid peak family traffic. Arriving early also allows you to explore the dinosaur exhibits before crowds gather around popular displays like the T. rex or Triceratops skeletons. Avoid visiting on major holidays such as July 4th or Thanksgiving, when attendance spikes and wait times increase.

Step 2: Purchase Tickets in Advance

Tickets can be purchased at the museum’s admissions desk, but buying online in advance saves time and guarantees entry, especially during peak tourist seasons. The museum offers tiered pricing: adult tickets, senior and student discounts, and family packages. Children under 3 enter free. Look for bundled deals that include access to all permanent exhibits, including the dinosaur galleries, as well as temporary exhibits.

Online ticketing platforms often provide digital barcodes that can be scanned directly from your smartphone, eliminating the need to print. Keep your confirmation email accessible on your device. Some travel apps and local tourism portals also offer discounted passes that include admission to the museum along with other attractions in the city.

Step 3: Navigate to the Museum Location

The Las Vegas Natural History Museum is located at 900 Las Vegas Boulevard North, just north of the Las Vegas Strip and adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center. It is easily accessible by car, rideshare, or public transit. If driving, use GPS coordinates or search for “Las Vegas Natural History Museum” in your navigation app. The museum offers free on-site parking for guests—enter via the north entrance off Las Vegas Boulevard.

For public transit riders, the RTC Deuce bus line runs along the Strip and stops within a five-minute walk of the museum. Exit at the “Las Vegas Convention Center” stop and follow signs toward the museum. The walk is well-lit, pedestrian-friendly, and safe during daylight hours.

Step 4: Enter and Check In

Upon arrival, proceed to the main entrance on the north side of the building. Present your digital or printed ticket at the admission kiosk. Staff will scan your ticket and may ask for a photo ID if you’re using a student or senior discount. There is no bag check required, but large backpacks and strollers are permitted. Lockers are available near the restrooms if you prefer to store items.

After check-in, you’ll enter the museum’s main atrium. Take a moment to orient yourself using the large floor map displayed near the entrance. The dinosaur exhibits are located on the second floor, accessible via escalators or elevators. The museum is fully ADA-compliant, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms throughout.

Step 5: Explore the Dinosaur Exhibits on the Second Floor

The dinosaur galleries occupy the majority of the second floor and are divided into thematic zones. Begin your journey at the “Dawn of the Dinosaurs” exhibit, which showcases early reptiles and the evolution of archosaurs leading to true dinosaurs. Here, you’ll find fossils of Eoraptor and Coelophysis, two of the earliest known dinosaurs.

Continue to the “Jurassic Giants” section, where the centerpiece is a 40-foot-long Allosaurus skeleton mounted in a dynamic hunting pose. Nearby, a life-sized cast of a Stegosaurus with articulated plates invites visitors to compare bone structure with modern animals. Interactive touchscreens explain how scientists determine diet, speed, and behavior from fossil evidence.

The “Cretaceous Kingdom” zone features the museum’s most iconic specimen: a nearly complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton named “Maximus.” This 12-foot-tall, 40-foot-long reconstruction is one of the most accurate T. rex displays in the country, based on real fossil data from the Hell Creek Formation. Adjacent to it is a Triceratops skull weighing over 2,000 pounds, displayed with a cutaway view of its jaw musculature.

Don’t miss the “Dino Lab,” an open-air observation area where visitors can watch paleontologists at work preparing real fossils under magnifying lenses. Staff are often available to answer questions and explain excavation techniques. This is a rare chance to witness science in action.

Step 6: Engage with Interactive Stations

Each exhibit includes interactive elements designed for all ages. At the “Dino Dig” station, children and adults alike can use real paleontologist tools—brushes, chisels, and sieves—to excavate replica fossils from a sand pit. This hands-on experience reinforces how discoveries are made in the field.

A motion-sensor exhibit allows visitors to “roar” like a T. rex and see how sound waves travel through prehistoric environments. Another station compares the bite force of a dinosaur to that of a modern crocodile or lion using calibrated sensors. These features make complex scientific concepts tangible and memorable.

Step 7: Visit the Fossil Discovery Center

Adjacent to the main dinosaur halls is the Fossil Discovery Center, a dedicated space for examining real fossils under microscopes and handling replica specimens. Here, you can touch a real Triceratops horn fragment, examine a dinosaur egg cast, and compare shark teeth from the Cretaceous period with modern species. Educational cards accompany each item with geological context and discovery stories.

Guided 15-minute tours of the center are offered hourly. Check the daily schedule posted at the entrance or ask at the information desk to join one. These tours are led by museum educators and often include exclusive access to specimens not on public display.

Step 8: Explore Related Exhibits

While the dinosaur exhibits are the highlight, the museum’s other galleries enhance your understanding of Earth’s history. The “Ancient Seas” exhibit displays marine reptiles like Mosasaurus and Plesiosaurus, showing how dinosaurs weren’t the only giants of their time. The “Ice Age” gallery features a woolly mammoth skeleton and explains how climate shifts contributed to extinction events.

Visiting these adjacent galleries provides context for the dinosaur exhibits, helping you understand the broader timeline of life on Earth. A 45-minute walk through all permanent exhibits offers a comprehensive view of evolution, adaptation, and extinction.

Step 9: Utilize Educational Materials

At the gift shop near the exit, pick up a free dinosaur activity booklet for children or a laminated exhibit guide for adults. These guides include QR codes linking to video content, fossil maps, and quizzes. The museum also offers downloadable PDFs on its website under the “Educational Resources” section.

Teachers and homeschooling families can request curriculum-aligned lesson plans in advance by emailing the education department. These resources are designed for grades K–12 and align with Next Generation Science Standards.

Step 10: Plan Your Exit and Post-Visit Activities

Before leaving, take a moment to complete the visitor feedback survey located near the exit. Your input helps the museum improve exhibits and programs. Consider donating to support fossil preservation efforts—contributions directly fund new digs and conservation projects.

After your visit, explore nearby attractions like the Neon Museum, the Mob Museum, or the High Roller observation wheel. Many visitors combine their museum trip with a dinner at one of the themed restaurants along the Strip. For those interested in deeper paleontology, consider visiting the Nevada State Museum in Carson City, which houses additional regional fossil collections.

Best Practices

Arrive Early and Avoid Crowds

Weekend mornings, especially between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., are the busiest. To enjoy the dinosaur exhibits in relative quiet, aim to arrive within the first hour of opening. This not only reduces wait times but also gives you more time to absorb details without distractions.

Bring a Camera, But Respect the Rules

Photography is permitted throughout the museum for personal use, including flash photography. However, tripods and professional lighting equipment require prior approval. Avoid touching displays, even if they appear sturdy. Many fossils are irreplaceable, and oils from skin can cause long-term damage.

Use Audio Guides or Download the Museum App

The museum’s official app, available for iOS and Android, provides audio commentary for each exhibit, including behind-the-scenes stories from the scientists who discovered the fossils. The app also includes a self-guided tour map with estimated walking times. Download it before your visit to avoid data charges and ensure offline access.

Prepare for Climate Control

The museum maintains a cool, consistent temperature of 68°F (20°C) to preserve artifacts. Even if it’s hot outside, bring a light jacket or sweater. Comfortable walking shoes are essential—the museum spans over 120,000 square feet and involves significant standing and walking.

Engage with Staff and Educators

Museum educators and volunteers are stationed throughout the exhibits. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Whether you’re curious about how bones fossilize or why some dinosaurs had feathers, staff are trained to explain complex topics in accessible ways. Their insights often reveal details not included in signage.

Bring Snacks and Water

While the museum has a café on the ground floor, options are limited and prices are higher than average. Bring bottled water and non-messy snacks (granola bars, fruit) in a small bag. Eating is permitted only in designated areas, so avoid bringing full meals.

Plan for Children and Special Needs

For families with young children, request a “Dino Explorer Kit” at the front desk. These kits include a magnifying glass, fossil identification cards, and a checklist of specimens to find. For visitors with sensory sensitivities, the museum offers quiet hours on the first Saturday of each month, with reduced lighting and sound levels.

Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks

Walking through all exhibits can take 2–3 hours. Use the seating areas near the “Dino Lab” or the observation deck overlooking the atrium to rest. Drinking water stations are available on each floor.

Respect the Space and Other Visitors

Keep voices low, especially near delicate displays. Avoid running, shouting, or blocking pathways. This is a place of learning and reverence for ancient life—maintaining a respectful atmosphere enhances the experience for everyone.

Tools and Resources

Official Website: www.lasvegasnaturalhistorymuseum.org

The museum’s website is the most reliable source for current hours, ticket prices, exhibit updates, and educational programs. It also features a virtual tour of the dinosaur galleries, allowing you to preview exhibits before your visit.

Museum Mobile App

Download the “LVNHM Explorer” app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. The app includes interactive maps, audio guides, augmented reality features that overlay dinosaur animations on real exhibits, and real-time crowd alerts to help you avoid busy zones.

Free Educational Downloads

The museum offers free, printable PDFs including:

- “Dinosaur Timeline Poster”

- “Fossil Formation Diagram”

- “Dino Word Search and Crossword” for kids

These are available under the “For Educators” and “Family Resources” sections of the website.

Local Tourism Portals

Visit websites like VisitLasVegas.com and Nevada.com for bundled attraction passes. Some packages include museum admission along with discounts at nearby restaurants and shows.

YouTube Channel: Las Vegas Natural History Museum

The museum’s official YouTube channel features short documentaries on recent fossil discoveries, behind-the-scenes preparation of exhibits, and interviews with paleontologists. Watch these before your visit to deepen your understanding of the specimens you’ll see.

Google Arts & Culture

The museum partners with Google Arts & Culture to offer high-resolution 3D scans of select dinosaur skeletons. You can rotate and zoom in on the T. rex skull or Triceratops horn from your phone or computer, making it a valuable pre-visit tool.

Books for Further Reading

Recommended titles available at the museum gift shop or local libraries:

- “The Dinosaur Heresies” by Robert T. Bakker

- “Dinosaurs: The Most Complete, Up-to-Date Encyclopedia for Dinosaur Lovers of All Ages” by Dr. Thomas R. Holtz Jr.

- “The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs” by Steve Brusatte

Local Paleontology Clubs

Join the Nevada Paleontological Society, which hosts monthly lectures and field trips to fossil sites in southern Nevada. Membership is open to the public and often includes complimentary museum admission.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Johnson Family – A Day of Discovery

The Johnsons, a family of four from Phoenix, visited the museum on a weekday in October. Their children, ages 7 and 10, were dinosaur-obsessed. They purchased tickets online, arrived at 9:30 a.m., and spent two hours exploring the dinosaur exhibits. The kids loved the Dino Dig station and the T. rex roar simulator. The parents appreciated the scientific depth of the signage and the quiet atmosphere. They bought the activity booklets and later completed the scavenger hunt at home. One week later, their 10-year-old presented a school project on dinosaur extinction using photos and notes from the museum.

Example 2: Dr. Elena Ruiz – Academic Research Visit

Dr. Ruiz, a paleontology professor from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, visited the museum to study the morphology of the Allosaurus pelvis for a comparative anatomy paper. She contacted the museum’s research department in advance and was granted access to the fossil storage room to examine a cast of the specimen under controlled lighting. She later co-authored a paper with the museum’s curator, citing the exhibit as a key resource for her analysis.

Example 3: International Tourists – From Tokyo to Las Vegas

A group of five Japanese tourists, visiting Las Vegas for the first time, chose the museum over a casino to experience something culturally enriching. They used the museum’s multilingual app (available in Japanese, Spanish, and Mandarin) to navigate the exhibits. They were particularly fascinated by the “Dino Lab” and took photos of the paleontologists at work. One visitor later posted a 15-minute vlog of the experience, which received over 200,000 views and featured the museum as a “hidden gem of Las Vegas.”

Example 4: Homeschooling Cohort – Group Learning Experience

A homeschooling group of 12 students from California arranged a private guided tour through the museum’s education department. The tour included a 45-minute lecture on dinosaur classification, followed by a fossil identification challenge. Each student received a certificate of completion. The group later submitted a collaborative digital journal to the museum, which was featured on the website as a “Student Spotlight.”

FAQs

Are the dinosaur exhibits suitable for young children?

Yes. The museum designs its dinosaur exhibits to be engaging for all ages. Interactive stations, tactile displays, and simplified explanations make the content accessible to children as young as 2. The “Dino Explorer Kits” are specifically tailored for ages 3–10.

How long should I plan to spend at the dinosaur exhibits?

Most visitors spend 60–90 minutes exploring the dinosaur galleries alone. If you plan to see all permanent exhibits, allocate 2–3 hours. Allow extra time if you’re participating in activities or attending a guided tour.

Is photography allowed?

Yes, personal photography is permitted without flash. Tripods and drones are not allowed without prior written permission from the museum’s administration.

Can I bring food or drinks into the exhibit areas?

No. Food and beverages are only permitted in the café or designated seating areas on the ground floor. This protects the fossils and artifacts from spills and pests.

Do I need to book a guided tour?

Guided tours are optional but highly recommended. They are included with general admission and run hourly. No reservation is required—just check the schedule at the information desk upon arrival.

Are there any wheelchair-accessible features?

Yes. The entire museum is wheelchair accessible, with elevators, ramps, and wide pathways. Wheelchairs are available for loan at the front desk on a first-come, first-served basis.

Are the fossils real?

Many of the skeletons are casts made from original fossils, but the museum displays over 200 real fossil specimens, including teeth, bones, and egg fragments. Each display clearly indicates whether the specimen is real or a replica.

Is there parking available?

Yes. Free parking is available in the museum’s dedicated lot on the north side of the building. Additional street parking is available nearby.

Can I bring a stroller?

Yes. Strollers are permitted throughout the museum. Elevators and ramps make navigation easy for families with infants and toddlers.

Does the museum offer group discounts?

Yes. Groups of 10 or more receive a 20% discount on admission. School groups and nonprofit organizations may qualify for additional educational rates. Contact the group sales coordinator via the website to arrange.

Conclusion

Visiting the dinosaur exhibits at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum is more than a tourist activity—it’s an educational journey into the deep past of our planet. From the towering T. rex to the delicate fossilized footprints, each specimen tells a story of survival, adaptation, and extinction that spans over 200 million years. By following this guide, you ensure a seamless, enriching experience that goes beyond surface-level observation.

Planning ahead, engaging with interactive elements, and utilizing available resources transforms your visit from a casual outing into a meaningful encounter with science. Whether you’re a curious child, a lifelong learner, or a researcher, the museum offers a space where wonder meets evidence.

As you leave the museum, you carry more than memories—you carry a deeper understanding of Earth’s history and the fragile balance that shapes life across millennia. The dinosaurs may be gone, but their legacy endures in the bones we uncover and the questions we continue to ask.

Plan your visit. Explore with curiosity. And let the ancient past inspire your next chapter.