Life-sized dinosaurs will once again walk the halls of the Pasadena Convention Center as North America’s largest and most realistic interactive dinosaur event returns to Southern California this January, offering both educational enrichment and economic benefits to the local community.
Jurassic Quest, scheduled for January 3-5, 2025, features scientifically accurate animatronic dinosaurs created with paleontologist input, offering families a unique blend of education and entertainment during the three-day event. The exhibition serves as a catalyst for STEM education while bringing visitors to local businesses.
The exhibition transforms the convention center into a prehistoric playground where visitors can encounter everything from a towering Tyrannosaurus rex to a massive Spinosaurus. General admission tickets are $22, while Kids Ultimate Admission passes are $36 for ages 2-10 and include unlimited access to all rides and activities. Those under two enter free with a paying adult. Standard admission requires separate purchase of rides and certain activities on-site.
“The Quest,” the event’s signature interactive adventure, guides visitors through exhibits featuring the largest touring dinosaurs in North America. Attendees can participate in the Fossil Experience, examining authentic T-Rex teeth, Triceratops horns, and life-size dino skulls, or watch their children become “Junior Dino Trainers” in the popular Raptor Training Experience.
Two types of dinosaur encounters await visitors: stationary rides featuring large animatronic dinosaurs that move in place, and walking rides with smaller dinosaurs that traverse at a gentle pace. Young paleontologists can meet animatronic baby dinosaurs, including Cammie the Camarasaurus and Tyson the T-Rex. A “Triceratots” soft play area caters to the smallest visitors, while older children can navigate battery-powered jeeps around the T. Wrecks Raceway.
Safety measures include a 140-pound weight limit for dinosaur rides and inflatable attractions, with a maximum age limit of 10 years. Some larger attractions require participants to be at least 36 inches tall. Socks are mandatory for both inflatable activities and the Triceratots area. Children with injuries or wearing casts should not use rides or bounce houses. Visitors should check the convention center’s website for specific bag policies.
The convention center’s central location offers multiple transportation options. Two Metro stations — Del Mar and Memorial Park — are within walking distance. Pasadena Transit route 10 stops one block away, while Micro Metro service ($1 per ride) operates daily from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. throughout Pasadena, Altadena, and Sierra Madre, bookable via app or online. Foothill Transit Line 187, running from Montclair to Pasadena, also serves the venue.
Nearby accommodations include The Westin Pasadena, Hyatt Place Pasadena, Courtyard by Marriott Pasadena/Old Town, Hilton Pasadena, and Hotel Dena, all within walking distance.
Event hours are 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, January 3; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, January 4; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, January 5. Visitors must select an arrival time when purchasing tickets and may enter up to one hour before closing.
Educational opportunities abound through the “Tyrano-TOUR-us” virtual exhibit tour and various interactive displays designed to inspire interest in paleontology and STEM fields. Character appearances by Safari Sarah, Dino Dustin, and other prehistoric personalities may occur throughout the weekend, though specific appearances aren’t guaranteed.
Additional activities include arts and crafts and educational demonstrations. Premium add-ons such as green screen photos and face painting are available for purchase at the on-site Dino Store. All ticket sales are final unless the optional “Ticket Protector” is purchased at checkout.
For more information about tickets or to select an arrival time, visitors can check the event’s website. Entry is permitted until one hour before the listed closing time each day.
Jurassic Quest returns to the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California, running Friday, January 3, 2025 (3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.), Saturday, January 4 (9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.), and Sunday, January 5 (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.). Tickets are $22 for General Admission (ages 2 and up), $36 for Kids Ultimate Admission (ages 2-10, includes all rides and activities), and free for children under 2 with a paying adult. Visitors must select an arrival time when purchasing tickets, and entry is permitted until one hour before closing. Premium add-ons like Green Screen Photos and Face Paint are available for purchase on-site at the Dino Store, and all sales are final unless the optional “Ticket Protector” is purchased at checkout. Guests should check the convention center’s website for specific bag policies before attending.
