Wandering Through A Land Before Time

May 17 – September 1, 2025
FREE WITH ADMISSION OR LOUISVILLE ZOO MEMBERSHIP

This spring, travel back 65 to 200 million years in time to meet iconic prehistoric animals! Encounter 23 roaring, breathing giants from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Enjoy the world’s tallest, life-sized robotic dinosaurs — ranging from 5-foot-long baby triceratops to a 40-foot-long tyrannosaurus rex.

Walk Among The Dinosaurs

Hurtle back in time and follow the spectacular path of prehistory to encounter scenes of ancient giants battling, scavenging and caring for young — from the earliest primitive dinosaurs to a huge 35-foot-tall brachiosaur.

This experience is created in collaboration with Dino Don, Inc. Founder “Dino Don” Lessem is one of the world’s leading presenters of dinosaurs, the author of 40 books of natural history, and well known for being the science advisor to Stephen Spielberg on the original Jurassic Park film as well as to Universal and Disney theme parks. Mr. Lessem has also excavated and reconstructed the world’s largest meat-eating and plant-eating dinosaurs in Patagonia and Mongolia! The Argentine dinosaur, Lessemsaurus, was named in honor of his contributions to dinosaur research.

The dinosaurs that visitors will see aren’t your average dinosaurs. They have been created by Dino Don, Inc. under the supervision of paleontologists to ensure the highest level of scientific accuracy. These super-accurate animatronics move, roar and breathe like the real thing.

Complete your dinosaur experience by excavating fossil casts in the dig pit, then pose for your photo inside the head of a huge tyrannosaurus rex!

MAP COMING SOON!

FAQ

How many dinosaurs are in the collection?

You’ll get up-close with 23 realistic, life-sized dinosaurs and pterosaurs, including more animatronic dinosaurs than ever before.

Will it be scary for young children?

This event is great for all ages! Both the young and young-at-heart will enjoy the chance to stroll along and experience the dinosaurs. The size, sound and animatronic movement can be scary for some children, so we recommend planning ahead. Look over our website images and talk to your child about the experience. If your child is already fearful of dinosaurs, this event is not recommended for them.

Is Dinopalooza Free?

Yes, this event is included with an admission ticket or Louisville Zoo membership!

Will Dino Don be there in person?

Yes, Dino Don will be making an appearance June 20 and 21!

Will it be open during inclement weather?

Yes, Dinopalooza is open rain or shine.!

Am I allowed to take photos?

Absolutely. We encourage you to do so and tag @LouisvilleZooOfficial when posting on social media. Remember to always stay on the designated pathways, and please do not touch the sculptures, signage or plantings.

Are there accommodations for guests with disabilities?

All mobility devices for guests with disabilities, including ECVs, are permitted through the attraction. Strollers are permitted as well. Interactive areas have accessible elements such as raised dig box and wheelchair accessible photo ops. Please see our Rentals Page for more information.

The Louisville Zoo is happy to permit service dogs on grounds. Due to the unique nature of our facility, we do have a few restrictions so please see our Service Animals Page for more information.

For guests with sensory sensitivities, please see our Accessibility Page for information about Sensory Bags available for loan and nearby Quiet Areas to plan breaks during your visit.

If at any time during your visit you need assistance, please speak to a Louisville Zoo team member or call the Front Desk at (502) 459-2181. We are here to help.

Dino Directory

Learn about e Dinosaurs you’ll get to discover at Louisville Zoo by hovering over their photo.

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Be One With The Dinosaurs

Transform into your favorite prehistoric creature with Dino Face Painting! Whether you’re channeling the fierce roar of a T-Rex or the colorful patterns of a Triceratops, our artists will bring your dino dreams to life.