Field Station: Dinosaurs, the 20-acre amusement park in Secaucus, will be opening on Friday, April 5 with four times more activities this year than last.
The park will include a new 23-minute three-dimensional movie called “Dinosaurs Alive!,” several new puppet shows, and a host of new scientific workshops as an extension of the classroom.
“ ‘Dinosaurs Alive!’ is the perfect fit for our young explorers at the Field Station,” said president, creator and executive producer for Field Station Guy Gsell. “I think that using performance and entertainment to teach is an incredibly powerful tool.”
What’s new for explorers?
“Dinosaurs Alive!” is a 3D movie that takes visitors to the deserts of Mongolia and New Mexico on an expedition of discovery.
Gsell will also be a part of the new workshops that he will lead mainly on the weekends.
Some of the new workshops that will be available are “Alien Rock,” which will highlight rocks on Earth, Mars, and the asteroid belt; “Dinosaurs Feast,” a musical workshop about what dinosaurs eat; and “What Color is Your Dinosaur,” in which explorers paint giant dinosaurs and learn about their color and appearance.
There will also be two new amphitheater shows with the big 15-foot interactive T-Rex. One of the shows is “The Dino Who Done It,” which delves into one of history’s famous mysteries, why dinosaurs became extinct.
A new activity is called “Dig Deeper,” in which would-be paleontologists will learn to explore rocks from outer space and polka dotted Stegosauruses. There will also be hands-on workshops created for would-be paleontologists and scientists at the New Jersey State Museum called “Bonehunters,” “Alien Rocks,” and “Ancient Energy.”
“We turn the passion for dinosaurs into a passion and excitement for science, for learning, for exploring.” – Guy Gsell
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Last year there were 15 shows, but this year, there will be more than 60 available daily this season. Although the park is targeted for families with children ages 3 to 11, there is also something for children of every age, including historical tales about Snake Hill, which is a staple in Secaucus.
Learning expedition
The excursion begins on Friday, April 5. Explorers of any age will have much to look forward to.
“Almost any kid will tell you, when it comes to dinosaurs, bigger is better,” said Gsell in a press release. “This season, we’re offering more shows, playing more games, and exploring the paleolithic world from the center of the earth to the far reaches of the solar system.”
What has remained the same are the 32 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs that include Argentinosaurus, the largest animatronic dinosaur ever made. Last year’s favorites are back: “Raptor Feud,” “Mezosoic Concentration,” the “T-Rex Games,” and “Dinosaur Dance Party”.
“At Field Station: Dinosaurs, children play a part in every show,” said Gsell in the release. “They dig for dinosaur skeletons, hold real fossils and meet life-sized dinosaurs face-to-face. It’s every little scientist’s dream come true.”
Explorer’s passes to the park, which include the 3D movie, are $23 for adults and $20.50 for children ages 3 to 12 and seniors 65 and up. Tickets at the box office are $28 for adults and $23 for kids 12 and under, as well as seniors. Children under two years of age will enjoy the park for free. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling (855) 999-9010 or by visiting www.fieldstationdinosaurs.com. Season passes are $62 for adults, $52 for children ages 3 to 12 and seniors over 65. They offer unlimited daytime admission to the park, one 3D movie viewing per pass, and access to the air conditioned Commander’s Tent with hourly story time as well as baby feedings.
To check out hours of operation from April through September, see the website. Special hours are available for schools and camps.
There is also a $10 parking environmental fee which goes to the Town of Secaucus to support initiative park space and guests can also take the train, which is within walking distance.
Vanessa Cruz can be reached at vcruz@hudsonreporter.com