Field Station: Dinosaurs

Field Station: Dinosaurs is like the base camp from Jurassic Park. The ‘wow’ factor for the four and five year olds I brought couldn’t be any higher. They got to play paleontologist for the day, excavate fossils from a sand pit, sort through artifacts and eat ice cream :) This attraction is very rustic and authentic feeling. It has research tents, archeological dig sites and of course 30+ full-​size animatronic dinosaurs spread throughout a walking path. In addition there are several live shows and interactive exhibits.
Field Station recently moved is now located in Overpeck County Park in Leonia, NJ. A field guide greets you upon entry and introduces you to the camp. He enthusiastically tells you what to expect and passes out Field Station: Dinosaurs credentials. This is a passport book designed for kids to collect stamps throughout the exhibits, ultimately becoming a Super Paleontologist. On our visit we learned all about Raptors, worked in an art tent with resident paleo-​Picasso, attended a feeding Frenzy show and wandered the grounds studying the impressive moving dinosaurs. What struck me as really cute was the intensity the kids had in collecting their stamps.
My daughter’s five year old buddy’s favorite part was identifying fossils with a map. My four year old daughter loved feeding a baby dinosaur in the nursery. Both spent a lot of time excavating bones in the dig site. We cooled off under the picnic area tents with a little lunch and frozen treats.
The Field Station: Dinosaurs is a unique and special attraction and it’s just minutes from New York City. There aren’t many of these dinosaur exhibits in the US and we’re lucky to have one so close. The dinosaurs are very life-​like, make roaring sounds and move their heads. The space is relatively small so it’s easy to do it all and not miss anything, however the shows are scattered throughout the day so be sure to read the pamphlet upon entry to be sure you don’t miss anything you want to see. We loved the Feeding Frenzy show, my daughter volunteered and got the surprise of her life! Watch the video below to see a tour of the park and her first experience volunteering to be on stage (it may be her last).
Tips:
Bring sunscreen, hats and sunglasses there is little shade or breeze.
Best for ages 3 – 11.
There is a small set of lockers.
There are only portable toilets.
Strollers are welcome.
It’s quite hot with little breeze in this area of the park. Arrive early to beat the heat and the crowds.
Outside food and drinks are allowed in but not coolers.
There is a café that sells burgers, hotdogs, lights snacks and frozen treats.
Plan to spend 2 – 3 hours.
The staff is all extremely nice and helpful.
This location will be moving next year, be sure to check it our the next one will be just as good but different!
Check our
for more family fun ideas and to see a video of the park and Feeding Frenzy!