The North American Museum of Ancient Life

The North American Museum of Ancient Life is part of the Thanksgiving Point non-profit institute and located in Lehi, Utah. It is in a convenient location, directly off I-15, and easily accessed for residents of Salt Lake or Utah Counties. The museum opened to the public in June of 2000 and with 60 complete dinosaur skeleton displays, The North American Museum of Ancient Life is the world’s largest dinosaur exhibit. The museum focuses on a hands-on approach to education by inviting guests to touch many of the exhibits and participate in interactive activities. The museum also houses the ZANGO Mammoth Screen, a 6 story movie screen that features many quality, educational films.

Advantages of The North American Museum of Ancient Life

This museum offers such a variety of activities and exhibits that preschoolers stay entertained throughout the visit. It appeals to kids of all ages so older or younger siblings can join in the fun. The museum is stroller accessible to give tired preschoolers a rest or to make bringing younger siblings easier.

The pace of activities varies so preschoolers can rest as needed or let out some energy as they go through the museum. There are several computer stations with fun dinosaur games that are easy for preschoolers to navigate, a reading area, and several puzzles that your preschooler can sit down to work on and rest their tired legs.

The Dinosaur Museum has many exhibits that are above a preschooler’s level but they worked hard to balance things out. Many of the interactive exhibits are very clear and visual for preschoolers and make it easier to understand more difficult concepts. The Erosion Table is a huge display filled with sand and water, plastic dinosaurs and trees to help preschoolers understand the process of erosion. It is set at waist height for older kids but there is a ramp to the center section that is designed to be the perfect height for preschoolers.

Disadvantages of The North American Museum of Ancient Life

Saturdays and holidays can be quite crowded. It is best to go while older kids are in school so your preschooler gets a chance to do as many activities as they would like. Preschoolers can be easily frustrated if they have to wait too long for a turn.

The Mammoth Screen is difficult to take strollers in. There is an open area at the end of each aisle that will easily hold a stroller but the stroller must be carried up the stairs to get there.

Things You Do Not Want to Miss at The North American Museum of Ancient Life

Sunset Quarry is located just before you exit the North Hall of the museum and is a fantastic interactive activity for preschoolers. This room is filled with sand that has huge dinosaur molds beneath it. Preschoolers use paintbrushes to brush away the sand and find the dinosaur bones just as a real paleontologist would. This is an exciting activity that helps preschoolers understand the process of recovering dinosaur bones.

The Childrens Cave is located just inside the Grand Hall. As you walk it is to the left and is a fun place to get some energy out for active preschoolers. Just outside of the Childrens Cave is a wonderful hands-on exhibit that features a light up dinosaur and a spinning colored light wheel. Preschoolers can spin the wheel to change the color of the dinosaur and add spots or stripes! The exhibit helps preschoolers understand what role the color of an animal plays in its way of life and ultimate survival.

General Information

Hours and admission prices are subject to change. For current information visit The North American Museum of Ancient Life.

Location

The Museum is located at Thanksgiving Point, 20 minutes south of Salt Lake City and 20 minutes north of Provo on Interstate 15 in Central Utah. To reach Thanksgiving Point, take exit 284 off Interstate 15 and travel west to Thanksgiving Way.

Map to Thanksgiving Point. 

Hours

For Dinosaur Activities to do with your Preschooler Visit the Preschool Education Dinosaur Theme Page

Photo Courtesy of Thanksgiving Point.