Field Station: Dinosaurs

Field Station: Dinosaurs is an outdoor prehistoric theme park with two locations in the United States. The park is designed for families with children between the ages of three and eleven.[1] The parks both feature a walking tour with full-size, scientifically accurate animatronic dinosaurs along with interactive exhibits and live shows designed to educate children about dinosaurs within the context of the local ecosystem.[2] The Executive Producer and Expedition Commander is Guy Gsell, a lifelong dinosaur enthusiast.[3][4]

New Jersey park
Location40 Fort Lee Road
Leonia, New Jersey 07605
Opened2012
Operating seasonMay through November
Area30 acres (12 ha)
Websitefieldstationdinosaurs.com
Kansas park
Field Station: Dinosaurs in Kansas
Location2999 North Rock Road
Derby, Kansas 67036
Opened2018
Operating seasonMay through November
Area14 acres (5.7 ha)
Websitekansasdinos.com

The first location opened in New Jersey in 2012, when it was named Best Local Theme Park by Time Out New York [5] In 2013 Field Station: Dinosaurs was named the second best dinosaur theme park in the world.[6] Fodor's named Field Station: Dinosaurs one of the World's Best Spots for Dinosaur Lovers on March 6, 2014.[7]

In 2018, the second location opened in Derby, Kansas (Wichita metro area).[8][9]

New Jersey park

The first location opened on May 26, 2012, at Snake Hill in Secaucus, New Jersey. Field Station: Dinosaurs lost its lease on the property to make room for a new campus of the Hudson County Schools of Technology.[10] The Secaucus park closed on September 7, 2015 with record crowds and began its search of a new home.[11] Possible locations included Derby, Kansas[12] and West Milford, New Jersey.[13] In 2016, the attraction was housed on a temporary site in the Leonia portion of Overpeck County Park before moving to its permanent location in Teaneck, New Jersey in 2017, occupying approximately 30 acres in an undeveloped part of the Overpeck County Park alongside Teaneck Creek.[14][15][16]

The New Jersey exhibitions are:

Base Camp

Base Camp serves as the entry point for all visitors to the park. Visitors receive their "credentials," a passport which is stamped as they visit and participate in the various games, workshops and shows throughout the park. Base Camp is also home to the TriceraShops gift shop, first aid and Expedition Central Command.

Amphitheater

The Amphitheater is an open-air performance space. It features several shows that are performed throughout the day featuring the 15-foot dinosaur puppet:

  • "Feeding Frenzy" uses the scientific method to solve the mystery of what the dinosaurs ate.
  • "Found in New Jersey" is a fossil show that explores the history of dinosaurs in the Garden State.

Additional shows presented in the amphitheater include Field Station Challenge, Morning Briefing, Songs o' the Dinosaur Troubadour and the Dinosaur Dance Party.

Dig Site

The Quarry features a dig site where children dig for fossils and the Paleontologists' Laboratory.

Riverview

At the Riverview, visitors can see the 90-foot Argentinosaurus. They are also introduced to Hadrosaurus, New Jersey's official state dinosaur. The Yurt serves as the Commander's Tent where Season Pass and Commander's Passholders can rest in air-conditioned comfort and enjoy exclusive programming.

Family Tent

The Plateau is the site of "Mesozoic Concentration" and "Raptor Feud" - family games in which contestants answer questions about dinosaurs, geology and paleontology, along with Dinos-Origami and "What Color is Your Dinosaurs?", a fun show for pre-readers.

Kansas park
A large crowd await the start of the T-Rex Feeding Frenzy in the amphitheater in Derby
Hundreds arrived for the opening of the gates on the first day in Derby

Field Station: Dinosaurs opened up its second location in Derby, Kansas on May 26, 2018.[8][9][17] This location features 44 animatronic dinosaurs and more than 40 live shows at several locations in the park throughout the day. A large amphitheatre is the location of the popular 'T-Rex Feeding Frenzy' show that features the 14 foot long T-Rex puppet.

To the left and right of the entrance to the Field Station: Dinosaurs park is North America's first 'Challenge Dome' ropes course and an 18 hold miniature golf course called 'Jurassic Golf'. Tickets to the Challenge Dome and Jurassic Golf course are available on their own or discounted when purchased in combination with a ticket to Field Station: Dinosaurs.[18][19]

The Kansas exhibitions are:

Challenge Dome

The first Hilo Challenge Dome in the United States will be at Field Station: Dinosaurs in Derby, Kansas.[20] The Hilo Challenge Dome takes the concept of a ropes course but integrates it with aerial features within the dome structure. It will provide physical activity and a unique atmosphere for ages two and up. This multi-level dome gets more challenging with each level. The three levels are 35 inches, ten feet, and 22 feet off the ground where families can expect a new type of connection, safe environment for risk taking, and confidence building.[21]

Jurassic Golf

Jurassic Golf is a dinosaur-themed miniature golf course.[22]

Paleontologists' Laboratory

The Paleontologists' Laboratory is a Junior Bone-Hunters dig for real fossils from the age of the dinosaurs. This is a hands-on activity and kids can take home their findings in a pouch.

Attractions

The parks are marketed to families with younger children (11 and under). Over 30 life-size, animatronic dinosaurs come to life thanks to the engineering of the world's leading roboticists and the imagination of their creators.

And at the center of it all is the fun, the joy, the excitement and the learning experience. Field Station: Dinosaurs takes every family on a wild adventure – full of mystery, surprise and a sense of awe. Walk along the trails or participate in over 30 live shows, games and activities, which are all included in the Day Pass and the Season's Pass admission price.

Educational elements

An important aspect of Field Station: Dinosaurs is education and learning.

Examples include:

  • Paleontologists’ Laboratory - a Junior Bone Hunters dig for actual fossils from the age of the dinosaurs at the Field Station. After the hands-on science activity, kids can take home their Mesozoic findings.
  • Interactive singing and dancing alongside the Dinosaur Troubador.
  • Meet the Mighty T. rex and help the fearless Dinosaur Wrangler and the Dinosaur Troubadour use the Scientific Method to study the eating habits of everyone's favorite carnivore.
  • Olympics-style competition perfect for all ages. Every event is a dinosaur-themed test of skill, knowledge, or just luck!
  • Classes on the art of paleo paper folding.
  • The fossil dig site has giant dinosaur skeletons and real prehistoric fossils lurking beneath the surface just waiting to be found. Kids can talk to the paleontologists and see what it's like to work on a real scientific expedition.

Field Station: Dinosaurs has three seasons in which they operate: spring, summer and fall. During the summer season, the park is open rain or shine Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Also open Independence Day, July 4 and Labor Day, September 3. The park is closed on Mondays unless noted. During the spring season, the park is open rain or shine on Saturdays and Sundays only from 10am to 6pm. Also open Memorial Day, May 28. The park is closed on Mondays unless noted. During the fall season, the park is open rain or shine on Saturdays and Sundays only from 10am to 5pm. The park is closed on Mondays unless noted.

Dinosaurs After Dark

On Friday, September 21, 2012, Field Station: Dinosaurs premiered its Dinosaurs After Dark tours where every Friday and Saturday night through November 10, visitors can explore the park by flashlight, hear ghost stories about nearby Snake Hill, see a new show featuring the 15-foot T-Rex, enjoy a dino-dance party and eat s’mores. This is an annual event which guests can enjoy.[23]

List of dinosaurs

The following dinosaurs are featured in the parks.[24][25]

History of New Jersey park

Prior to opening

Opening day

Field Station: Dinosaurs opened on Saturday, May 26, 2012[31][32]

Special events

On Saturday, August 25, Field Station: Dinosaurs hosted a puppetry workshop with staff member, Noel MacNeal, who has played various members of Sesame Street's Snuffleupagus’ family, The Bear in the Big Blue House, and Knock Knock on the Great Space Coaster.[33][34]

Labor Day weekend (September 1–3), 2012, Field Station: Dinosaurs hosted Dino Blitz to help the NFL kick off its season with football-themed games and prizes[35]

T-Rex on tour

Throughout summer 2012, Field Station: Dinosaurs showcased their 15-foot T-Rex puppet throughout the New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania regions.

Ballparks
Date Venue Location
June 28, 2012 TD Bank Ballpark Bridgewater Township, New Jersey
July 7, 2012 lones Stadium[36] Coney Island, Brooklyn
August 3, 2012 Yogi Berra Stadium[37] Little Falls, New Jersey
August 21, 2012 First Energy Park Lakewood, New Jersey

Libraries and museums
Date Venue Location
April 26, 2012 Newark Museum[38] Newark, New Jersey
June 13, 2012 Hackettstown Public Library[39] Hackettstown, New Jersey
June 20, 2012 Jersey City Free Public Library Jersey City, New Jersey
June 21, 2012 Westfield Library[40] Westfield, New Jersey
June 26, 2012 South Orange Public Library South Orange, New Jersey
June 27, 2012 Summit Free Public Library[41] Summit, New Jersey
July 2, 2012 Princeton Library[42] Princeton, New Jersey

Community events
Date Venue Location
May 6, 2012 Hoboken Music Festival[43] Hoboken, New Jersey
May 19, 2012 Everything Jersey City Festival Jersey City, New Jersey

References
  1. "Dinosaur-themed attraction proposed for Derby". kansas. Retrieved April 11, 2016.
  2. "More shows, games this season for Field Station: Dinosaurs". NJ.com. 2013-04-05. Retrieved 2016-04-11.
  3. Haddon, Heather. "31 Prehistoric Creatures Invade N.J." Wall Street Journal. 2012.
  4. Bradford, Harry (July 17, 2013). "Creator Of Animatronic Dinosaur Theme Park Is Living His (And Everyone's) Childhood Dream (WATCH)". Retrieved November 2, 2017 – via Huff Post.
  5. Time Out NY Kids Editors. "New York's Best Things to Do with the Family" Time Out New York. 2012.
  6. "Top 4 dinosaur theme parks". FoxNews.com. April 29, 2013. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
  7. "World's Best Spots for Dinosaur Fans". www.Fodors.com. Retrieved November 30, 2015.
  8. "Dinosaurs/STAR Bonds | Derby, KS - Official Website". www.derbyweb.com. Retrieved 2018-05-08.
  9. "Derby theme park plans more than 30 life-size animatronic dinos". The Wichita Eagle. November 16, 2017. Archived from the original on May 10, 2018.
  10. "Secaucus dinosaur park faces extinction". New Jersey Online. April 30, 2015. Retrieved May 2, 2015.
  11. "Crowds flock to Field Station for final day". News 12 New Jersey. Retrieved 2015-11-30.
  12. "Derby city council schedules public hearing for Field Station: Dinosaurs - Wichita Business Journal". Wichita Business Journal. Retrieved 2015-11-30.
  13. "West Milford in the market for Secaucus dinosaur park". NJ.com. 2015-07-31. Retrieved 2015-11-30.
  14. "Dinosaur Park Reportedly Moving To Bergen County". Fort Lee, NJ Patch. 2016-04-04. Retrieved April 11, 2016.
  15. "N.J. dinosaur park, saved from extinction, moves to Bergen County". NJ.com. 2016-04-04. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
  16. http://www.northjersey.com/news/dinosaur-exhibition-business-coming-to-bergen-s-overpeck-park-1.1537967
  17. Largest animatronic dino park in North America to open in Derby; KAKE TV; April 12, 2018.
  18. KWCH. "Field Station: Dinosaurs ready for opening weekend in Derby". Retrieved 2018-06-13.
  19. news1@derbyinformer.com, DAVID DINELL. "(Almost) everything you need to know about Field Station: Dinosaurs". DerbyInformer.com. Retrieved 2018-06-13.
  20. "Hilo Challenge Dome Making its American Debut at Field Station Dinosaurs Derby Kansas, Opening May 25, 2018". 2018-04-15. Retrieved 2018-06-14.
  21. "Hilo Challenge Domes Ropes courses". Hilo Challenge Domes Ropes courses. Retrieved 2018-06-14.
  22. Riley, Porsha. "Largest animatronic dino park in North America to open in Derby". Retrieved 2018-06-14.
  23. "Visit - Field Station Dinosaurs". www.FieldStationDinosaurs.com. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
  24. Dinosaurs, Field Station. "Dinosaurs Return To Kansas! Field Station: Dinosaurs' Second Park Nears Opening Day Just Outside Wichita With Over 40 Animatronic Dinosaurs". GlobeNewswire News Room. Retrieved 2018-05-10.
  25. "Derby theme park plans more than 30 life-size animatronic dinos". kansas. Retrieved 2018-05-10.
  26. "Outdoor dinosaur exhibition previewed in Secaucus". NJ.com. Retrieved 2018-05-08.
  27. "The Dinosaurs Are Coming!". Retrieved 2018-05-08.
  28. Sekula, Anna (2011-12-05). "New Jersey Dinosaur Park Promotes Upcoming Opening to Football Fans". BizBash. Retrieved 2018-05-08.
  29. "Job fair for Secaucus Dinosaur Park today". NJ.com. Retrieved 2018-05-08.
  30. Zernike, Kate (2012-04-26). "Field Station: Dinosaurs to Open in Secaucus, N.J." The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2018-05-08.
  31. "Jersey park brings dinosaurs to life". Newsday. Retrieved 2018-05-08.
  32. "The Lucrative Business of Fake, Life-Size Dinosaurs". Bloomberg.com. 2012-06-29. Retrieved 2018-05-08.
  33. "Two Days: Dino puppets, Margaret Cho, Ocean City Pops". NJ.com. Retrieved 2018-05-08.
  34. "SECAUCUS BRIEFS - Secaucus Housing Authority gets high grade The Secaucus Housing Authority (SHA) scored a 100 on its Section Eight Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) report the highest score it has received since 2001 according to a July lette..." Retrieved 2018-05-08.
  35. "Dinosaur park, Meadowlands have events to mark start of NFL season". NJ.com. Retrieved 2018-05-08.
  36. "Better baseball promotion: hipster night or dinosaur night?". Brokelyn. 2012-07-05. Retrieved 2018-05-08.
  37. "Jackals, Dinosaurs Converge on Yogi Berra Stadium Friday Night". Montclair, NJ Patch. 2012-08-02. Retrieved 2018-05-08.
  38. "Ferocious but cute: Baby T. rex headlines a museum weekend". NJ.com. Retrieved 2018-05-08.
  39. "Church Street in Hackettstown will be closed for two hours today, Wednesday, June 13, for 16-foot dinosaur puppet". NJ.com. Retrieved 2018-05-08.
  40. "T-Rex Sighted at Westfield Library; Reportedly Hungry for Knowledge". TAPinto. Retrieved 2018-05-08.
  41. "Field Station Dinosaurs to bring a T-Rex to the Summit Library". NJ.com. Retrieved 2018-05-08.
  42. "PACKET PICKS: June 29". CentralJersey.com. Retrieved 2018-05-08.
  43. "Arts and Music festival in Hoboken to feature artwork, music, and special dinosaur guest". NJ.com. Retrieved 2018-05-08.
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