The OKC Zoo and Botanical Garden sends this information as posted below:
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden invites guests to connect with extinct wildlife in wild new ways with the debut of Dinosaur Expedition presented by Mathis Home, opening Friday, March 6, 2026.
This immersive exhibit adjacent to the Eleanor Kirkpatrick and Junior League of Oklahoma City Jungle Gym Playground connects fans to a prehistoric time of wonder with more than 60 animatronic dinosaurs, dinosaur skeletons, and interactive fossil digs. These life-like dinosaurs, some more than 60 feet long and 25 feet tall, have been designed to demonstrate movements and vocalizations that paleontologists believe to be scientifically accurate to these prehistoric creatures. Guests will walk along a secluded path to discover their favorite dinosaurs, interactive exhibits, photo ops, and more.
“We are always looking for new experiences to excite and inspire our visitors and it doesn’t get much bigger than dinosaurs,” said Jenna Dodson, OKC Zoo’s Director of Events and Sales. “Dinosaur Expedition puts guests up close to a diverse range of prehistoric creatures, from the 4 foot-long Diplocaulid to the 66-foot-long Apatosaurus.”
In addition to realistic animatronics, Dinosaur Expedition features exciting, dino-themed children’s rides and a walking dinosaur experience. Single rides are $6, or try package option with three rides for $15. Entry to Dinosaur Expedition is also required.
For curious guests seeking and more immersive storytelling, the OKC Zoo will offer a new Virtual Reality (VR) experience Dinosaur: Evolution, narrated by renown paleontologist Dr. Phillip Manning, uncovering how these apex predators and resilient survivors were wiped out by a single cataclysmic event: an asteroid impact. This immersive ride experience explores who perished, who survived, and why.
“Dinosaur Expedition, along with our popular annual events like Breakfast with the Animals, Haunt the Zoo, and SAFARI LIGHTS, is just another great example of how the Zoo invites guests to connect with and care about wildlife,” said Dr. Dwight Lawson, OKC Zoo’s Executive Director and CEO. “By learning about the animals that used to roam the Earth and seeing the current wildlife in our care, we hope that guests are inspired to take conservation action.”
While dinosaurs no longer walk the earth, many of their descendants through a distant common ancestor can be found throughout the OKC Zoo. Raptor Ridge is home to several birds of prey like the Andean condor that shares a direct evolutionary link with dinosaurs like the Velociraptor. Komodo dragons, often referred to as living fossils, have serrated, knife-like teeth, similar to theropod dinosaurs. Cassowaries, which are sometimes called “dinosaur birds” are large-bodied birds with fierce claws and a helmet-like structure on top of their head which many dinosaurs are believed to have had.
The Zoo hosts birthday parties throughout the year and, during Dinosaur Expedition, parties can add on a variety of dino-themed experiences. The Prehistoric Party add-on includes 15 attraction tickets to Dinosaur Expedition, as well as a dino plush for the birthday child. The Roar and Ride Party add-on includes 15 attraction tickets as well as 15 ride tickets for Dinosaur Expedition, and a dino plush. Learn more and book a party at okczoo.org/birthday-parties.
Single entry tickets to Dinosaur Expedition are $9 per person ages 3 and up ($7 for ZOOfriends members). General Zoo admission is also required. Guests can purchase admission to Dinosaur Expedition along with their Zoo admission at okczoo.org/tickets. There’s more to roar about with the “adventure ticket” which includes unlimited same-day entry to Dinosaur Expedition, Explorikeet feedings, and Endangered Species Carousel rides for $15 per person ages 3 and up (or $12 for ZOOfriends members). Dinosaur Expedition will be open 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through Sunday, November 1, 2026. Tickets are on sale now at www.okczoo.org/dinosaurs.
The OKC Zoo is located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35 and a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums, and Oklahoma City’s Adventure District. During the OKC Zoo’s Winter Hours, now through Sunday, March 1, 2026, the park will be open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday with last entry at 4 p.m. The Zoo is closed to guests during the day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Purchase Zoo admission in advance at okczoo.org/tickets to avoid the entry lines. For more Zoo information, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Linktree, TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories.
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