Introduction
As soon as we heard about the Dinos Alive Exhibit arriving in Sydney, we knew it was a must-do for our dinosaur-obsessed three-year-old, Benji. After countless hours spent watching Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous and exploring the Jurassic World exhibition last year, we couldn’t wait for another prehistoric adventure!
What is Dinos Alive?
Dinos Alive is an immersive dinosaur exhibit that brings the prehistoric world to life with over 80 life-sized, moving dinosaur replicas. From the mighty T-Rex to the gentle Stegosaurus, you and your kids can walk among these impressive creatures as they move and roar right before your eyes. The exhibit offers more than just visuals—expect hands-on fun with paleontology activities, fossil digs, and even a virtual aquarium filled with ancient sea creatures.
For parents, the exhibit takes 45-75 minutes to explore, but if your little one is having fun (like ours was), plan to stay a bit longer!
Kid-Friendly Features
- Interactive Spaces for Toddlers and Kids: Your child can become a mini paleontologist, digging for bones, taming animatronic dinos, and playing with hands-on exhibits
- Dino Rides and Playground: Let the kids burn off energy on dinosaur-themed slides and enjoy thrilling dino rides—perfect for active explorers.
- Drawing Station: Unleash their creativity by drawing dinosaurs and watching their artwork come to life on a big screen through digital magic.
- Virtual Aquarium & VR Experiences: Dive into the prehistoric seas with digital creatures, and if you’re up for it, try the VR experience (for an extra fee).
- Souvenir Shop: Wrap up your visit by picking up some dinosaur-themed toys from the merchandise section—it’s always fun to take home a dino friend!
Our Family Experience
We originally planned to spend an hour at Dinos Alive but ended up staying for nearly three hours! Benji was mesmerized by everything, from dinosaur-themed slides and rides to the interactive drawing stations. The virtual aquarium was a big hit, where he could splash balls around and play with sea creatures. However, the showstopper was the dinosaur racing activity—Benji raced a virtual T-Rex repeatedly, determined to outrun it, and tried at least 50 times!
If you’re a parent wondering whether Dinos Alive is the perfect family activity, this Dinos Alive Sydney review will help you decide. We’ll take you through every part of the experience, from ticketing and amenities to exciting highlights that your kids will love. With first-hand insights, pros and cons, and a final recommendation, we hope to make your planning easier and your visit unforgettable!
Practical Info for Parents
Dinos Alive is held at the Fever Pavilion, Olympic Blvd, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127.
It is about a 20 minute drive from the Sydney CBD or 1 hour if taking public transport. We traveled by car and parked at the Sydney Olympic Aquatic Centre, but there are limited free street parking spaces on Olympic Boulevard and Grand Parade if you’re lucky. Alternatively, public transport is an easy option—take the train to Sydney Olympic Park Station.
For paid parking, P1 is the closest facility (about a 5-minute walk). Be mindful of event days at the precinct as parking availability and road closures may change. Check the Sydney Olympic Park map for current information.
Timing
Here are the operating hours:
- Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesdays: Closed
- Fridays and Saturdays: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sundays: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
The Dinos Alive exhibit offers time slots every 30 minutes, allowing for a flexible visit. We recommend booking early, as peak times (weekends and afternoons) can get quite busy. For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting during weekday mornings. The entire exhibit takes 45 to 75 minutes to explore, though families with young kids often stay longer to enjoy all the interactive activities.
Facilities To Know About
We noticed several families bringing their prams along, and the exhibit space is large enough to accommodate prams comfortably, making it easy to navigate with toddlers.
For bathrooms, porta-loos are located outside the pavilion. If you prefer proper restrooms, public facilities are available along Olympic Boulevard as you walk closer to Accor Stadium, just a few minutes away.
In terms of food, a café is conveniently located right outside the pavilion offering sandwiches, coffee, and quick snacks. We chose to have lunch before the exhibit at Peri Peri Chicken on Australia Avenue, just 3 minutes (1.7 km) from the venue.
Ticket Prices
| Ticket Type | Weekday Price | Weekend Price |
|---|---|---|
|
Adult (13+) |
$34.90 |
$43.90 |
|
Child (4-12) |
$23.90 |
$28.90 |
|
Children under 3 |
free |
free |
|
Group Bundle (8+) |
$25.90 |
$31.90 |
|
Student (13–25), Senior (65+) |
$30.90 |
$37.90 |
Children under 3 years old are free!
Booking tickets for the Dinos Alive exhibit is easy and can be done online through the Fever app or website, ensuring a smooth entry on the day of your visit. Time slots are available every 30 minutes, giving you flexibility in planning. We recommend purchasing tickets in advance to secure your preferred time, especially during weekends or holidays when it can get busier.
Pro Tip: Prices are usually a bit higher on weekends, so plan accordingly!
Arrival and First Impressions
When we arrived at the Fever Pavilion, we were greeted warmly by the friendly staff who quickly checked our tickets. Right after that, we had the chance to take a fun photo at the entrance—a great start to our dino adventure!
As we walked in, it hit us—this was the same venue as the Jurassic World Exhibition we visited last year, which was a huge favorite for Benji. The layout felt familiar, with visitors moving through different themed sections featuring life-sized dinosaurs.
The first thing we encountered was a narrow passageway adorned with a waterfall backdrop, giving us the sensation of stepping into a new world. On the other side, Velociraptors greeted us with their piercing eyes and realistic movements. The environment felt like a rainforest at night, with blue lighting illuminating the space, enhancing the sense of mystery. In this section, which represented the Triassic period, we were surrounded by sounds of nature—crickets chirping and animals stirring. It truly felt like being transported millions of years back in time, and Benji was immediately captivated.
As we moved further along, the lighting brightened, allowing us to see the dinosaurs more clearly. Benji seized the opportunity to pat the animatronics and even pretended to feed the Brachiosaurus with a leaf, a moment he thoroughly enjoyed. He then delighted in interacting with a Dimetrodon, waving to it as it moved its head and “feeding” it with more leaves.
The excitement peaked when we encountered the T-Rex, Benji’s absolute favorite dinosaur. We spent time here taking plenty of photos to capture his joy. As we continued through the exhibit, the dinosaurs got progressively larger. The Spinosaurus, in particular, stood out—its sheer size took up a significant portion of the room, leaving us all in awe.
The combination of life-like animatronics, immersive sound effects, and the thrill of seeing dinosaurs up close made our first impressions unforgettable. It was clear that both kids and adults were in for a unique, interactive adventure.
The Exhibit Experience
Walking into Dinos Alive Sydney felt like stepping into a mystical world hidden behind a waterfall. The exhibit began with a striking waterfall backdrop, setting the stage for a thrilling adventure back to the age of dinosaurs. The first section, inspired by the Triassic period, featured dim blue lighting that mimicked a dense jungle at night. Here, we encountered dinosaurs like the Velociraptors and Plateosaurus, their realistic movements and sounds creating an immersive rainforest-like atmosphere. The ambient noises of crickets and nocturnal animals enhanced the feeling of being transported millions of years into the past, making this section a standout moment in the interactive dinosaur experience Sydney has to offer.
As we continued, the lighting brightened, revealing impressive details on dinosaurs such as the Dimetrodon, Allosaurus, and the iconic T-Rex. Benji was thrilled to interact with the animatronics, patting their heads and pretending to feed them leaves from the surrounding décor. The hands-on interaction added a personal touch to this dinosaur exhibit Sydney 2024, capturing the imaginations of kids and adults alike.
The dinosaurs got progressively larger as we moved through the exhibit. Towering creatures like the Diplodocus and Stegosaurus stole the show with their sheer size. The Spinosaurus, with its crocodile-like jaw, was particularly awe-inspiring, leaving Benji amazed by its massive mouth. Other dinosaurs, including the Triceratops, Ankylosaurus, and Parasaurolophus, added variety and depth to the journey, ensuring there was something to captivate every visitor.
A Virtual Dive and Dino Playtime
One of the most unique sections was the virtual aquarium, where kids could throw air-inflated balls at projected Jurassic sea creatures. This activity was reminiscent of interactive games in kids’ cafés and proved to be a hit with Benji. We also took a break here, sitting on the floor while soaking in the 360-degree views of prehistoric marine life, a highlight among family-friendly activities Sydney families can enjoy.
The interactive fun didn’t stop there. Benji dressed up in his dinosaur costume, a favorite from his 3rd birthday, and enjoyed meeting other children in dino suits. Families who don’t already own one can purchase dino costumes in the exhibit’s merchandise shop, adding an extra layer of fun and excitement for young visitors.
Racing the T-Rex
The virtual race against a T-Rex was one of the biggest hits of the exhibit. With staff adjusting the settings based on skill levels, it was suitable for kids of all ages. Benji couldn’t get enough of it, sprinting back to the lane more than 50 times! This activity was not only entertaining but also a great way for energetic toddlers to burn off some energy.
Dino Playground and Animatronic Rides
The dinosaur-themed playground, complete with slides, and three animatronic dino rides were another highlight. Benji eagerly tried two of the rides, which are similar to shopping mall rides but on a much larger and more realistic scale. These features added variety to the experience, offering physical fun that complemented the educational elements.
Creative Fun at the Drawing Station
The drawing station was another standout. Kids could color their favorite dinosaurs on A4 templates, which were then scanned to appear as animated creations on a giant screen. Watching Benji’s artwork come to life was a magical experience for both of us. We uploaded over ten creations and had fun seeing them move and interact on the big screen.
Fossil Digs and Final Adventures
Near the end of the exhibit, Benji explored the fossil dig site, brushing sand away to uncover hidden dinosaur bones like a true paleontologist. We also took memorable photos with dinosaur eggs and a Velociraptor, creating keepsakes from our adventure.
Souvenir Shop
The exhibit concluded with a merchandise section, offering dino-themed goodies such as costumes, plush toys, posters, and mugs. We picked up a T-Rex poster, a fridge magnet, and a wristband as keepsakes. The shop provided plenty of options but didn’t feel pushy, allowing families to browse comfortably.
Is It the Right Exhibit for Your Family?
While the animatronics weren’t as realistic as the Jurassic World Exhibition, Dinos Alive Sydney shines with its interactive activities, immersive environment, and thoughtful design. For parents seeking things to do in Sydney with toddlers, this exhibit strikes the perfect balance between education and entertainment. With activities like the playground, drawing station, and fossil dig, it offers something for every little dinosaur fan.
If you’re looking for a fun and memorable outing, Dinos Alive Sydney Review 2024 proves this exhibit is worth a visit. Benji had an unforgettable time, and we’re sure your family will too!
Child-Friendly Elements
During our visit to Dinos Alive Sydney, we found the exhibit to be reasonably child-friendly and well-suited for families with young children. The space was pram-accessible, and we saw plenty of families navigating the exhibit with ease. While the age range of visitors was diverse—ranging from babies and toddlers to adults and even couples on dates—the experience seemed particularly geared toward younger children, especially those 5 years and under.
What makes this exhibit great for toddlers and young kids? Let’s dive into some of its most child-friendly features:
Engaging Activities for Toddlers
- Dino Rides and Playground: These were a huge hit! Perfect for kids who love physical activity, the dino-themed playground and large animatronic rides were a fantastic addition. For safety, adult supervision is recommended when helping kids mount the rides, as the structures are relatively large. Similarly, keep an eye on your child while they climb and play on the slides—just like you would at a regular playground.
- Drawing Stations: A wonderful option for creative little ones! Kids can color their favorite dinosaurs and see their creations come to life on a big screen. This area is also a welcome spot for parents to sit down and rest while their kids are busy coloring.
- Virtual Aquarium: This interactive experience is similar to the digital games you might find in kids’ cafés. Children can throw inflatable balls at the wall to interact with projected prehistoric marine life. Benji, our toddler, absolutely loved this section!
- Fossil Digging: A hands-on paleontology experience where kids can uncover “dinosaur bones” using brushes. It’s simple but engaging, especially for curious minds.
Safety Considerations
While the exhibit is thoughtfully designed, supervision is key. Here are some tips:
- Animatronic Dinosaurs: Although their movements are gentle, larger dinosaurs can sometimes make sudden motions, like opening and closing their mouths. If your child plans to “feed” them or touch their teeth, be aware of this and exercise caution.
- Rides and Playground: Ensure your child is supervised when mounting dino rides and climbing in the playground. Staff are available to assist, but your watchful eye is essential for a safe experience.
Rest Areas
One of the drawbacks we noticed was the lack of designated seating inside the exhibit. Families, including us, often sat on the floor in the virtual aquarium section to rest, which worked well enough but wasn’t ideal. The only spots with proper chairs inside the exhibit are:
- The drawing station, which has about 10 chairs for kids and parents.
- The VR experience area, where seating is provided for those using the VR goggles.
For a proper break, your best option is to head outside to the café near the pavilion, which offers tables and chairs for snacks and coffee. While designated seating would have been a nice addition, the exhibit is designed to be explored relatively quickly, so the lack of seating may not be a deal-breaker for most families.
Highlight of the Exhibit
For our son Benji, the absolute highlight of the visit was undoubtedly the virtual race against the T-Rex. He must have sprinted up and down the lane at least 50 times, laughing and cheering the entire time. At three years old, Benji thrives on physical activity and burning energy, so this interactive game was perfect for him. Watching him so thoroughly engaged, running with all his might against the virtual dinosaur, was pure joy for us as parents.
For me personally, the drawing station was a standout feature. Watching your child’s creative work come to life on the big screen was nothing short of fascinating. The technology used to animate the drawings added a magical element to the experience, and seeing Benji’s excitement as his colorful dinosaurs moved on the screen was unforgettable.
As parents, one of the most rewarding parts of the visit was simply watching Benji immerse himself in the world of dinosaurs. His love for dinosaurs is unmatched, and seeing his face light up as he got up close to his favorite creatures was priceless. From patting their heads to pretending to feed them, every moment was filled with awe and excitement.
What we appreciated most about Dinos Alive was how thoughtfully it was designed with families in mind. It wasn’t just an exhibit to observe; it was an interactive adventure that allowed young children to touch, play, and explore. Features like the dino rides, playground, and hands-on activities demonstrated Exhibition Hub’s effort to create a truly family-friendly outing.
For parents of toddlers, finding an experience that captivates both the child and the adult can be a challenge, but Dinos Alive nailed it. The blend of fun, education, and physical activity made it an outing we’ll remember fondly—and one that Benji will be talking about for a long time to come!
Tips for Future Visitors
Visiting the Dinos Alive: An Immersive Experience in Sydney with toddlers can be both exciting and manageable with some preparation. Here are specific tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit:
Choose Off-Peak Hours: To avoid large crowds and minimize overstimulation for your toddler, consider visiting during weekdays or early morning sessions. This can provide a calmer environment for young children.
Prepare for Sensory Experiences: The exhibition features life-sized, moving dinosaur replicas that emit sounds, which might be overwhelming for some toddlers. Bringing noise-canceling headphones or earplugs can help reduce sensory overload.
Engage in Interactive Areas: There are various interactive play areas including the virtual aquarium, race against the virtual T-Rex, Dino Rides and drawing stations. Be aware that Dino rides are not free however you can pay on-site to enjoy the rides.
Plan for Breaks: The exhibition typically takes between 45 to 70 minutes to explore. Allocate sufficient time to fully enjoy all the displays and interactive activities.
Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable clothing and footwear, as you’ll be walking through various exhibits and interactive zones.
Capture the Memories: Photography is typically allowed, so bring your camera or smartphone to capture the moments. However, always check for any specific photography guidelines upon arrival.
Value for Money
When it comes to pricing, Dinos Alive is quite reasonable compared to other popular kids’ activities, such as visiting an animal farm or attending live shows like Paw Patrol. Tickets are priced at around $40 per adult and $30 for children, which falls within the ballpark of similar family-friendly outings. It’s especially appealing for families with toddlers, as kids aged 3 and under enter for free, making it a great value for younger families.
Day-Specific Pricing
Be aware that ticket prices vary depending on the day of your visit:
• Wednesday: The cheapest day, with tickets priced at $34.90 per adult, likely due to smaller crowds.
• Thursday & Friday: Slightly higher at $38.90 per adult.
• Weekends: The busiest and most expensive days, with tickets priced at $43.90 per adult.
Group Discounts
If you’re planning to go with a large group, the Group Bundle Deal offers significant savings. With a minimum of 8 people, tickets are discounted to $31.90 per person, making it an excellent option for families or groups of friends.
VIP Tickets
For a premium experience, VIP tickets are available for an additional $5 (adults) or $10 (kids) on top of the regular ticket price. VIP benefits include:
• A choice of merchandise, such as a poster or magnet.
• Skip-the-line access to the popular VR experience.
If you’d rather skip the VIP ticket, you can purchase posters, magnets, and other souvenirs separately at the merchandise shop at the end of the exhibit.
Pros and Cons
Pros
1. Interactive Activities for All Types of Kids:
What truly sets Dinos Alive apart are the diverse activities it offers. For active toddlers like our son Benji, the playground, dino rides, and the virtual race against the T-Rex were major highlights. These elements gave him the chance to run, climb, and expend energy—perfect for energetic little ones who need physical activity to stay engaged.
2. Balance of Physical and Creative Fun:
The exhibit does a great job of balancing physical activities with more creative and educational options. For kids who enjoy quieter, hands-on activities, the drawing station, fossil-digging area, and the virtual aquarium are fantastic. These features allow children to immerse themselves in their imaginations, whether it’s coloring their favorite dino or uncovering hidden “bones” like a paleontologist.
3. Family-Friendly Design:
The pram-friendly layout and well-thought-out activities make the exhibit accessible for families with toddlers and young children. Interactive sections, such as the dino drawing station, even offer seating areas for parents to rest while kids unleash their creativity.
4. Free Entry for Kids Under 3:
A big plus for families with younger children is that kids under the age of 3 enter for free, making this an affordable outing compared to many other family activities in Sydney.
5. Memorable Photo Opportunities:
From posing with life-sized dinosaurs to fun moments in the fossil area and dino egg photo station, there are plenty of chances to capture memories with your child.
Cons
1. Lack of Designated Seating:
One notable drawback is the lack of designated seating areas within the exhibit. While the drawing station and VR section provide limited chairs, most of the exhibit requires visitors to stand or sit on the floor to rest. Families, including ours, ended up using the virtual aquarium area as an impromptu break spot. Adding benches or seating areas throughout would significantly improve the experience for parents and young kids who may tire easily.
2. No On-Site Food Options:
Although there’s a café just outside the pavilion, it would have been more convenient to have light snack options or a small kiosk inside the exhibit for quick breaks.
3. Animatronic Realism Could Be Better:
While the dinosaurs are impressive, their movements and sounds aren’t quite as realistic as what we experienced at the Jurassic World Exhibition in Sydney last year. That said, the inclusion of engaging activities like the playground, rides, and drawing station more than makes up for this.
Final Thoughts & Rating
Our visit to Dinos Alive Sydney was a truly memorable and enjoyable experience for the entire family. From the virtual race with the T-Rex, which kept Benji entertained for hours, to the dinosaur drawing station, where kids could bring their colorful creations to life on a big screen, this exhibit stood out as one of the best family-friendly activities in Sydney. These unique interactive elements make this dinosaur exhibit Sydney 2024 a must-visit for families with young children.
What makes Dinos Alive Sydney so special is its ability to cater to different interests. Energetic toddlers will love the dino rides, playground, and interactive dinosaur experience Sydney offers, while more creative kids can immerse themselves in hands-on activities like fossil digging and drawing. For parents, watching their little ones light up with excitement as they interact with life-sized dinosaurs is an absolute joy.
This exhibit is particularly ideal for families with toddlers or kids aged 5 and under. The blend of fun, education, and physical activity creates an experience that is both engaging and memorable. Even as parents, we were captivated by the thoughtfulness of the layout and the variety of activities offered.
While there are a few minor areas for improvement—such as adding more designated seating and enhancing the realism of the animatronics—these are small issues in an otherwise fantastic experience. Dinos Alive Sydney Review 2024 shows that this exhibit is a perfect outing for families looking to break away from their daily routine and explore a world of prehistoric wonder.
Rating
We’re giving Dinos Alive Sydney a solid 8 out of 10. It’s a fantastic choice for families with young children, especially those searching for things to do in Sydney with toddlers or a unique day out filled with discovery and excitement.
Exclusive Offer
If you’re planning to visit, now is the perfect time! The exhibit currently has a 20% off Black Friday sale. Use the code FEVER2420 at checkout to enjoy the discount. The coupon is valid until Monday, December 2, 2024, at 11:59 PM. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to create unforgettable memories with your little ones!
Final Recommendation
Overall, Dinos Alive Sydney delivers a family-friendly experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Whether your child is an aspiring paleontologist or simply loves dinosaurs, this exhibit combines interactive play, immersive environments, and hands-on learning into one exciting adventure. For any parent considering a visit, this Dinos Alive Sydney Review 2024 makes it clear: it’s well worth the trip!
Conclusion
If you’re a young parent searching for family-friendly activities in Sydney, Dinos Alive Sydney is a must-visit. This dinosaur exhibit Sydney 2024 blends education, creativity, and fun into one engaging experience. As this Dinos Alive Sydney review 2024 highlights, the exhibit offers interactive activities like fossil digs, a virtual aquarium, and a thrilling interactive dinosaur experience where kids can race a virtual T-Rex and explore lifelike animatronic dinosaurs.
The exhibit is particularly ideal for families with toddlers, making it one of the top things to do in Sydney with toddlers. Whether your child is burning energy on the dino playground or getting creative at the drawing station, there’s something for every little dino enthusiast. It’s not just a day out—it’s a chance to bond as a family and create memories that will last a lifetime.
For kids under five, especially dinosaur lovers, Dinos Alive Sydney is a standout option that balances entertainment with hands-on learning. We highly recommend this experience to families looking to break out of their daily routines and enjoy a truly unique adventure.
Have you experienced this interactive dinosaur experience Sydney? Let us know in the comments! Share your highlights, tips, and favorite moments to help other families decide if this exhibit is the perfect fit for their little ones.
1. Is the exhibit suitable for toddlers?
Yes, with interactive areas like dino-themed slides, drawing stations, and animatronic rides perfect for younger children.
2. Can I bring a pram inside?
Yes! The exhibit is pram-friendly, with wide spaces for easy navigation.
3. How long does the visit take?
Plan for 45-75 minutes, though families often stay longer to enjoy activities.
4. Are there toilets for kids?
Porta-loos are available outside the pavilion, with full restrooms nearby on Olympic Boulevard.
5. Are there snacks or meals available?
A café outside the pavilion offers sandwiches, coffee, and snacks.
6. Can I bring my own food?
Yes, bringing snacks is a good idea, and cafés in the area provide more meal options.
7. Is the exhibit overwhelming for younger kids?
Some toddlers might find the animatronic dinosaurs a bit intense, but most enjoy the playful activities.
8. What if my toddler gets tired?
There are resting areas and pram-accessible spaces for breaks throughout the exhibit.
9. Are there activities just for toddlers?
Yes! Dino-themed slides, drawing activities, and interactive areas are great for younger visitors.
10. How easy is parking?
Street parking is available but limited. P1 parking is the closest paid option (5-min walk).
11. Is public transport a good option?
Yes, take the train to Sydney Olympic Park Station for easy access.
12. What’s the best time to visit with young children?
Weekday mornings are less crowded, offering a calmer experience.
13. Can I reschedule my tickets?
Check Fever’s platform for rescheduling policies.
14. Are family packages available?
Yes, family ticket packages and free entry for children under 3 are available.
15. Are there specific toddler-friendly highlights?
Yes, activities like drawing dinosaurs that come to life on a big screen are a hit with kids.
16. Are there any souvenirs available?
Yes, there is a merchandise section where you can buy dino-themed souvenirs.
17. Will there be loud noises?
Some areas feature roaring dinosaurs, which could be startling for sensitive children.
18. Is the exhibit fully indoors?
Yes, the exhibit is indoors, making it weather-proof.
19. How accessible is the exhibit?
The exhibit is fully accessible for prams and strollers.
20. Are there photo opportunities?
Yes! Capture fun moments at the photo booth with dino-themed backdrops.