How to Tour the Perot Museum of Nature and Science Dallas Dino Lab

The Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas, Texas, is one of the most dynamic science centers in the United States, renowned for its immersive exhibits, cutting-edge technology, and groundbreaking educational programs. Among its most captivating attractions is the Dino Lab — a live, working paleontology laboratory where visitors can witness scientists actively preparing real dinosaur fossils for research and display. Unlike traditional museum exhibits where fossils are locked behind glass, the Dino Lab offers a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the scientific process of excavation, cleaning, and analysis. This tutorial provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to planning, navigating, and maximizing your experience at the Dino Lab, whether you’re a casual visitor, a parent, an educator, or a dinosaur enthusiast. Understanding how to tour the Dino Lab effectively enhances not only your visit but also your appreciation for the science of paleontology and the dedication of the researchers who bring ancient life back to light.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Plan Your Visit in Advance

Before arriving at the Perot Museum, take time to plan your visit around the Dino Lab’s operational hours and peak times. The Dino Lab is open during regular museum hours, but the best viewing experiences occur during scheduled scientist demonstrations and guided walkthroughs. Visit the official Perot Museum website to review the daily schedule. Look for “Dino Lab Live” or “Paleontology Lab Tours” — these are typically offered twice daily, often at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. These sessions include a 15–20 minute presentation by a museum paleontologist who explains current projects, tools used, and the significance of the fossils under preparation.

Reservations are not required for general museum admission, but they are highly recommended, especially on weekends, holidays, and during school breaks. Online ticketing allows you to skip the ticketing line and enter more quickly. Choose a time slot that aligns with a scheduled Dino Lab demonstration to ensure you don’t miss the live activity.

2. Arrive Early and Head Straight to the Dino Lab

Upon entering the museum, resist the urge to explore other exhibits first. The Dino Lab is located on Level 2, near the center of the museum, adjacent to the “Dinosaurs of Texas” exhibit. Arriving early — ideally within 30 minutes of opening — ensures you’ll have ample time to observe the lab without crowds. The lab’s large glass walls allow for 360-degree viewing, but the best vantage points are directly in front of the main preparation stations. Arrive 10–15 minutes before a scheduled tour to secure a front-row position.

Use the museum’s interactive digital map (available via the Perot Museum app or kiosks at the entrance) to locate the Dino Lab. The lab is marked with a distinct icon featuring a fossilized bone and the words “Dino Lab.” Follow the signage from the main atrium — it’s clearly labeled and easy to navigate.

3. Observe the Scientists at Work

Once you reach the Dino Lab, take a moment to absorb the environment. You’ll see scientists in lab coats, seated at workstations with microscopes, air scribes, and fine brushes. They are carefully removing sediment — sometimes as thin as a sheet of paper — from fossilized bones using precision tools. These fossils are typically from the Late Cretaceous period, including species such as Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, and Hadrosaurs recovered from Texas and surrounding regions.

Do not touch the glass or attempt to speak to the scientists unless they initiate conversation. Their work requires intense focus, and even minor vibrations can affect delicate preparations. Instead, observe how they use air scribes — small, needle-like tools that use compressed air to blast away rock without damaging bone — and how they label and photograph each fragment. Many specimens are digitally documented using 3D scanners, which are visible on nearby monitors.

4. Engage with Interactive Displays

Surrounding the lab are interactive touchscreens and informational panels that explain the science behind fossil preparation. These displays cover topics such as:

• How fossils form over millions of years
• The difference between a fossil and a bone
• How paleontologists determine the age and species of a fossil
• Why some fossils are found in rock layers while others are not

Take time to interact with the “Fossil Match” game, where you can drag and drop bone fragments to reconstruct a dinosaur skeleton. Another feature allows you to “X-ray” a fossil and see internal structures invisible to the naked eye. These tools are designed for all ages and are especially effective for children and students.

5. Ask Questions During Guided Tours

When a paleontologist leads a guided tour of the Dino Lab, this is your opportunity to ask questions. Prepare in advance by thinking of specific inquiries. Good questions include:

• “What’s the most fragile fossil you’ve ever worked on?”
• “How do you know if a bone is from a dinosaur or another reptile?”
• “Have you ever found something completely unexpected?”
• “How long does it take to prepare one complete skeleton?”

Scientists at the Perot Museum are trained to communicate complex ideas to the public. They often share stories of field expeditions, challenges in excavation, and the thrill of discovery. These narratives make the science personal and memorable.

6. Combine Your Visit with the “Dinosaurs of Texas” Exhibit

After observing the lab, proceed to the adjacent “Dinosaurs of Texas” exhibit. This immersive gallery features full-scale skeletal reconstructions, including a 40-foot-long Tyrannosaurus rex and a towering Alamosaurus. Many of the fossils on display were prepared in the Dino Lab. Look for labels that say “Prepared by Perot Museum Dino Lab” — this connects what you saw in the lab with the finished specimens you’re now viewing.

Interactive elements in this exhibit include a “Dig Pit” where children can sift through simulated sediment to find replica fossils, and a “Dino Size Comparison” wall that lets you stand next to life-sized silhouettes of dinosaurs and modern animals.

7. Visit the Fossil Preparation Station (If Available)

On select days, the museum offers a “Fossil Preparation Station” experience — a hands-on activity where visitors can try basic fossil cleaning techniques under supervision. This is typically available for children ages 8 and up and is included with general admission. Look for signs near the Dino Lab entrance or ask a museum ambassador. Participants use real tools (scaled down for safety) to gently clean replica fossils embedded in plaster blocks. It’s an excellent tactile learning opportunity that reinforces the skills observed in the lab.

8. Capture the Experience Responsibly

Photography is encouraged in the Dino Lab — in fact, it’s one of the most photographed areas in the museum. Use natural light when possible to avoid glare on the glass. Avoid using flash, as it can be distracting to scientists and may affect sensitive imaging equipment. If you’re taking video, keep it short and quiet. Many visitors record 15–30 second clips of scientists at work, which can be used later for educational projects or social media.

Do not block walkways or crowd around the lab windows. Be mindful of others who are also observing. If you’re with a group, designate one person to take photos while others stand back to allow space.

9. Download the Perot Museum App for Real-Time Updates

The official Perot Museum app (available on iOS and Android) provides real-time updates on Dino Lab activity. It shows scheduled tour times, alerts when scientists are working on a particularly rare specimen, and even live-streamed updates during special digs. The app also includes augmented reality (AR) features — point your phone at a dinosaur skeleton in the “Dinosaurs of Texas” exhibit to see it move and hear its estimated roar.

10. Extend Your Learning After Your Visit

Once you leave the museum, continue your exploration. The Perot Museum website hosts a “Dino Lab Journal” — a blog written by paleontologists detailing their daily work, discoveries, and challenges. Subscribe to their newsletter to receive updates on new fossils being prepared. You can also follow the museum’s social media channels (@PerotMuseum) for behind-the-scenes photos and videos.

For educators and students, the museum offers downloadable lesson plans aligned with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). These include activities on fossil formation, stratigraphy, and comparative anatomy — all based on real specimens from the Dino Lab.

Best Practices

Timing Is Everything

The most valuable time to visit the Dino Lab is during scheduled scientist demonstrations. Outside these times, the lab is still active, but the pace is slower and less interactive. Avoid visiting during lunch hours (12:30–1:30 p.m.) or the final hour before closing, when staff may be wrapping up for the day. Weekday mornings — especially Tuesday and Wednesday — are typically the least crowded, offering the most uninterrupted viewing.

Respect the Scientific Process

Remember: this is not a performance. The scientists are conducting real research, often under tight deadlines for academic publications or museum exhibitions. What you see — the meticulous cleaning of a single rib bone — may take weeks or months. Avoid making loud noises, tapping on the glass, or asking questions during focused work periods. Your respect enhances the experience for everyone, including the researchers.

Engage All Ages Appropriately

For younger children, focus on the visual elements: the size of the bones, the tools used, and the colors of the rock. Use simple language: “Look at how the scientist is brushing off the dirt — like cleaning your toy!” For teens and adults, delve into the science: ask about radiometric dating, taphonomy, or the evolutionary relationships between dinosaurs and birds. Tailoring your engagement increases retention and interest across age groups.

Bring a Notebook or Tablet

Even if you’re not a student, keeping a journal of your observations can deepen your experience. Note the type of tools you see, the names of fossils mentioned, or questions that arise. This practice transforms a passive visit into an active learning opportunity. Many visitors later use these notes for school projects, blog posts, or personal reflections.

Connect the Dino Lab to Broader Scientific Themes

The Dino Lab is not just about dinosaurs — it’s a window into the scientific method. Observe how hypotheses are tested, how data is recorded, and how collaboration occurs between geologists, chemists, and biologists. This mirrors real-world research in fields like medicine, environmental science, and engineering. Use the visit as a springboard to discuss how science works in general, not just paleontology.

Prepare for Sensory Overload

The museum is large, bright, and filled with interactive elements. If you or someone in your group is sensitive to noise or crowds, plan a quiet route. The Dino Lab is relatively calm compared to other exhibits like the “Sports Hall” or “Children’s Museum.” Consider visiting the lab first, then moving to quieter zones like the “Earth Lab” or “Ecosystems” exhibit.

Teach Ethical Science

Use the visit to discuss the importance of preserving fossils for science, not as collectibles. Explain that fossils are irreplaceable records of Earth’s history. The Perot Museum follows strict ethical guidelines: all specimens are legally collected, documented, and preserved for public education. This contrasts with illegal fossil trading — a global issue that destroys scientific context.

Tools and Resources

Official Museum Resources

The Perot Museum website offers a wealth of free, downloadable resources:

• Dino Lab Activity Kit – Printable worksheets for kids on fossil identification and excavation techniques
• Virtual Dino Lab Tour – A 10-minute video walkthrough with narration by lead paleontologists
• “Meet the Paleontologists” Profiles – Biographies and research interests of the lab staff
• Curriculum Guides – Standards-aligned lesson plans for grades K–12

All resources are available at perotmuseum.org/education/dinolab.

Mobile Applications

In addition to the Perot Museum app, consider these third-party tools:

• Google Arts & Culture – Features high-resolution 3D scans of Dino Lab fossils
• Paleo App – A dinosaur encyclopedia with timelines, habitats, and anatomy details
• Google Earth – Use the “Fossil Sites” layer to explore where Texas dinosaur fossils are commonly found

Books and Media

For deeper understanding, explore these publications:

• “Dinosaurs of the American Southwest” by Thomas M. Lehman – Authoritative text on regional fossil finds
• “The Dinosaur Artist” by Paige Williams – A gripping narrative on fossil ethics and commerce
• “How to Build a Dinosaur” by Jack Horner – By the famed paleontologist who inspired Jurassic Park

Documentaries to watch before or after your visit:

• “Dino Lab: Inside the Bones” (PBS Nature, 2021)
• “The Real Jurassic Park” (BBC, 2020)
• “Fossil Hunters” (National Geographic, 2019)

Online Communities

Join these platforms to connect with other enthusiasts:

• Reddit: r/Paleontology – Active forum for questions and fossil discoveries
• Facebook Group: Texas Dinosaur Enthusiasts – Local group sharing field trip reports and fossil finds
• YouTube Channels: Dr. Matt Wedel, Dr. Brian Switek – Science communicators who frequently reference Perot Museum specimens

DIY Tools for Home Exploration

Extend the Dino Lab experience at home with simple tools:

• Plaster of Paris and small rocks to create “fossil molds”
• A magnifying glass and a collection of shells, leaves, and bones to compare textures
• Free 3D fossil models from Sketchfab.com — print or view on a tablet

Real Examples

Example 1: The “T. rex Rib” Project

In 2022, a team at the Dino Lab began preparing a 67-million-year-old T. rex rib recovered from a private ranch in West Texas. The bone was embedded in a hard sandstone matrix and had been partially damaged by erosion. Over six months, the team used air scribes, dental picks, and micro-CT scanning to reveal the internal structure. They discovered a healed fracture — evidence the T. rex survived a serious injury. The findings were published in the journal Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology and later displayed in the “Dinosaurs of Texas” exhibit. Visitors who saw the rib in the lab during its early stages later returned to see the final reconstruction — a powerful example of science in motion.

Example 2: A Classroom Field Trip

A 5th-grade class from Garland, Texas, visited the Dino Lab as part of their Earth Science unit. Before the trip, their teacher used the museum’s lesson plan on fossil formation. During the visit, students watched a paleontologist clean a Triceratops skull fragment. Afterward, they participated in the Fossil Preparation Station. One student, Maya, later wrote: “I thought dinosaurs were just in movies. Now I know real people dig them up with tiny brushes. I want to be a paleontologist.” The class went on to create a museum exhibit in their school library using handmade fossils and labels based on their Dino Lab notes.

Example 3: A Researcher’s Journey

Dr. Alicia Ramirez, a postdoctoral researcher at the Perot Museum, began her career as a volunteer in the Dino Lab while studying geology at the University of Texas. She started by sweeping floors and organizing fossil crates. Within two years, she was preparing fossils under supervision. Today, she leads the lab’s outreach program and regularly gives talks to school groups. Her story illustrates how the Dino Lab is not just a tourist attraction — it’s a training ground for future scientists.

Example 4: A Family’s Annual Tradition

The Carter family from Denton visits the Perot Museum every January. Their tradition includes a timed visit to the Dino Lab, where they ask the same question each year: “What’s the newest fossil you’ve started?” Over five years, they’ve watched a Stegosaurus tail, a hadrosaur jaw, and a pterosaur wing be prepared. They document each visit with photos and a journal. “It’s like watching history come to life,” says their 12-year-old son. “We’ve seen bones turn into dinosaurs.”

FAQs

Can I touch the fossils in the Dino Lab?

No. All fossils in the Dino Lab are real, irreplaceable specimens. Touching the glass or attempting to reach through it can damage the specimens or disrupt scientific work. Always observe from behind the designated viewing barriers.

Is the Dino Lab accessible for visitors with disabilities?

Yes. The lab is fully wheelchair accessible, with viewing windows at varying heights. Audio descriptions and tactile models of fossils are available upon request. Service animals are permitted. Contact the museum in advance if you require specific accommodations.

How long does it take to prepare a full dinosaur skeleton?

It can take anywhere from several months to over five years, depending on the size, condition, and complexity of the fossil. A small theropod fragment may take weeks; a complete T. rex skeleton can take more than a decade due to the number of bones and the delicacy of preparation.

Are the fossils in the Dino Lab real?

Yes. Every fossil you see being prepared is an authentic specimen recovered from Texas and surrounding regions. The museum does not use replicas in the lab — only real fossils. Replicas are used in exhibits for public interaction.

Can I bring my own fossil to the Dino Lab to be identified?

No. The Dino Lab is not a public identification service. If you believe you’ve found a fossil, contact the Texas Memorial Museum or the Texas Historical Commission for guidance. Never attempt to remove fossils from public or private land without permission.

Do I need to pay extra to see the Dino Lab?

No. Access to the Dino Lab is included with general museum admission. There are no additional fees for viewing or attending scheduled tours.

Can I volunteer in the Dino Lab?

Yes — but only for qualified adults with relevant training. The museum offers a volunteer program for college students and professionals in geology, biology, or museum studies. High school students may apply for summer internships. Visit the museum’s volunteer page for application details.

What if I miss the Dino Lab tour?

You can still observe scientists at work during regular hours. While you won’t get the guided explanation, the lab is active throughout the day. Use the museum app to check for last-minute tour additions or special events.

Is the Dino Lab suitable for toddlers?

Yes. Toddlers may not understand the science, but they enjoy watching the movement of tools and the texture of the fossils. The lab is quiet and visually engaging. Strollers are permitted, and baby-changing facilities are nearby.

How often are new fossils brought into the Dino Lab?

New specimens arrive several times a year, often from field expeditions in West Texas, the Panhandle, or the Gulf Coast. The museum typically announces new arrivals via its newsletter and social media. Subscribe to stay informed.

Conclusion

Touring the Perot Museum Dallas Dino Lab is more than a museum visit — it’s an invitation into the heart of scientific discovery. Unlike passive exhibits, the Dino Lab offers a living, breathing window into how knowledge is built, one fragile bone at a time. By following this guide, you transform from a spectator into an engaged participant in the story of Earth’s ancient past. Whether you’re marveling at the precision of a paleontologist’s brushstroke, asking questions about extinction events, or connecting the lab’s work to broader ecological themes, your experience becomes part of a larger narrative — one that bridges curiosity, education, and conservation.

As you leave the museum, carry with you not just photos and souvenirs, but a deeper understanding: that science is not confined to textbooks or laboratories. It happens in plain sight — in glass-walled rooms, under bright lights, with quiet determination. The dinosaurs may be gone, but their stories are being rewritten every day by the hands of modern explorers. Your visit helps keep those stories alive.