Chicago’s Field Museum is home to SUE, the largest, best-preserved, and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex ever found. While this impressive skeleton wows visitors it’s nothing like seeing a T-Rex in action. Enter Jurassic World: The Exhibition. This temporary exhibit compliments a museum filled with artifacts and brings history to life for visitors (while also satisfying fans of the blockbuster film!)

Photo Credit: Chicago Field Museum

Visitors step into the film and tour the park as guests of Jurassic World. The richly themed environment begins as visitors voyage to Isla Nublar. While on board, visitors receive a brief overview of the park and attractions. After docking, visitors enter the park through the iconic gates complete with torches. Welcome to Jurassic World!

That’s edutainment!

Being a life-long Disney Parks visitor and fan, there’s little that impresses me. In fact, my obsession with and love for Disney Parks causes me to hold other exhibits and theme parks to incredibly high standards.

Jurassic World: The Exhibition blew me out of the water.

Awww, baby dinos!

The incredibly immersive exhibits are based on scenes from the film and include: the Hammond Creation Lab, Gentle Giants Petting Zoo, Velociraptor Training Paddock, and Tyrannosaurus Rex Paddock. While the life-sized T-Rex and 24-foot-tall Brachiosaurus were extraordinary, my personal favorite was the Velociraptor Training Paddock.  I felt like I was actually locked in a room observing a living, breathing dinosaur!

DIStracted Tip: The exhibit is not self-paced; in fact, there are stopping points throughout the exhibit where small groups pause to watch realistic audio animatronic dinosaurs or films. Visitors with group members who experience sensory issues should refer to the exhibit’s sensory guide.

Jurassic World: The Exhibition is a little like sneaking veggies into your kid’s favorite meal: kids will be so distracted by the special effects, they won’t realize they’re learning something.(Kinda like old-school Epcot if you ask me!) Kids will enjoy touching animal skins that resemble dinosaur skin, solving puzzles, unearthing fossils, and building their own dinosaurs.

Souvenirs!

Finally, who doesn’t love souvenirs? Those who promised a stuffed dino to their little need not worry: there’s a generously sized gift shop at the conclusion of the exhibit. However, those looking for more affordable options will find free souvenirs peppered throughout the exhibit.

Visitors use interactive kiosks to design their own Jurassic pal. Once the color and size are just right, visitors can email the designs to themselves or others for future enjoyment.  People of all ages seemed to “dig” this.

Visitors can also use crayons to create rubbings using a variety of rubbing plates. Arrange the plates on the flat surface as desired, select your favorite colored crayon and rub! Voila–a unique piece of artwork commemorating your visit to the exhibit.

When should I visit the Jurassic World exhibit?

Jurassic World requires a separate timed-entry ticket. This is not included in the basic museum entry fee. When you purchase tickets, whether at the Field Museum or online, you select a time to enter the exhibit.

Visitors should attempt to secure entry early in the day. If the length of the queue is any indication, the exhibit is quite popular and can get busy. We had tickets for 9am on a Sunday and encountered only a handful of people.

What will it cost to see the Jurassic World exhibit?

Entry to Jurassic World is an add-on feature and not included in any of ticket types offered at the Field Museum. Visitors can opt to purchase a Basic, Discover or All-Access ticket.

$15 for Adults

$10 for Kids 3-11

$14 for Adult 65+

$14 for Students (with ID)

Visitors planning to view a 3D film or visit other ticketed exhibitions should check out the other ticket options available at the Field Museum.

Illinois residents can take advantage of one of the 52 free days  (change link) offered in 2017.  Proof of residency required.

DIStracted Tip: Who doesn’t like free? If you plan to take advantage of a free day, do a bit of research first. Consider calling the Field Museum to see if they expect a lot of school groups. Be aware of the date’s proximity to school breaks.

Not an Illinois resident? Tourists can purchase a Chicago CityPASS to get discounted access to most of Chicago’s museums.

Whether you’re a Chicagoland resident or visiting Chicago in the near future, I heartily recommend carving out time to visit the Field Museum and all of its’ engaging exhibits. If you want to see Jurassic World: The Exhibition you’ll need to act fast–the exhibit only runs through January 7, 2018.