Dinos descend to Beaumont

Dinosaurs were big, fierce and once ruled the Earth some 230 million years ago. Some walked on two legs, some on four, some were covered with body armor, while others had feathers. Despite being extinct, our love for the Tyrannosaurus rex, Velociraptor, Triceratops and Stegosaurus continues today thanks to books, movies and the world’s largest, most popular dinosaur event – Jurassic Quest.

The most realistic dinosaur event comes to Ford Park (5115 Interstate 10 South) in Beaumont on Friday, July 8, through Sunday, July 10. Guests can walk through the Cretaceous period, the Jurassic Period and the Triassic period and experience for themselves what it was like to be among living, breathing dinosaurs. Jurassic Quest is the only dinosaur event that has true to life size dinosaurs. From the very small, to the gigantic, skyscraping dinosaurs can only be seen this event.

Jurassic Quest has over 80 true to life size dinosaurs. See a herd of life-size animatronic dinosaurs including Apatosaurus, Spinosaurus, T-Rex and an incredible 50-foot-long Megalodon. According to their website, the company collaborated with leading paleontologists and replicated dinos in every detail. Whether their prehistoric counterpart had skin that was scaly, had feathers or fur, Jurassic Quest has spared no expense in bringing realism to life.

Kids can jump on an animatronic dino’s back as well as become a paleontologist and uncover ancient secrets from fossils. Unleash your creativity by designing a paper dinosaur. If you think the huge dinos are awesome…just wait. Meet Jurassic Quest’s baby Triceratops, Camarasaurus and more. Playful adolescent dinosaurs can also be seen within the audience. Kiddos will enjoy the big, dinosaur-themed bounce houses, which are full of roars, and see a live interactive Raptor show.

Discover the secrets of underwater sea dwellers like the enormous pre-historic sea turtle, the earliest discovered dolphins and of course, a 50-foot megalodon.

Hours are 1-8 p.m. on July 8, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on July 9, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 10. Tickets are $19-$36. Patrons can save 10% with the discount code DINO10 for online purchases only at jurassicquest.com.

For those wanting an exclusive opportunity to meet one of Jurassic Quest’s dinosaur trainers and a baby dino can do at the Beaumont Children’s Museum (701 Main St.) inside the Beaumont Civic Center at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 8. Admission is $5 for adults and children.

“We are excited to have Jurassic Quest back at Ford Park for the second year in a row,” said Lauren Layman, Ford Park’s marketing manager. “This year we were able to team up with the Beaumont Children's Museum to create a more intimate experience before the event begins on July 8. This is a great event for the whole family to enjoy.”

-Chad Cooper, Entertainment Editor