Dinosaur State Park and the Friends of Dinosaur Park and Arboretum (FDPA) are once again sponsoring their annual family-friendly festival on Saturday, August 19, celebrating the anniversary of the discovery of 2,000 early Jurassic dinosaur footprints in Rocky Hill. Admission to the museum and outdoor activities will be free and the FDPA will be sponsoring a series of special events from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Entertainment will include Amazing Andy, BeBe the Clown and a 3-piece band.  Animal shows will be held at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and will feature a reptile show and a Birds of Prey show.  There will be games with prizes, a giant craft tent, tattoos, face painting and continuous educational programs and films in the building.  Visitors will have an opportunity to tour the museum and enjoy self-guided activities in the Discovery Room.

The Park’s track casting area will be open from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.  Visitors must bring 10 pounds of plaster of Paris to make a cast (no substitute materials are allowed).  The 2.5 miles of hiking trails will be open from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  No dogs or bicycles are allowed on the trails. 

Food will be available for sale on park grounds and the gift shop will have specials including the very popular grab bags.  Visitors can also bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the outdoor picnic area.  No food is allowed in the building.

Admission is free on Dinosaur State Park Day.  Museum is open from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Special activities are 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 

Park hours are Tuesday – Sunday from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.  The museum and grounds are always closed on Mondays.  Park hours are subject to change after Labor Day weekend.

Admission for days other than August 19 is $6 for adults 13 and up, $2 for children ages 6-12 and children under 5 are free.  Charter Oak passes are available for Connecticut residents who are at least 65 years old.  A picture ID establishing age and residency requirements must be presented to receive a pass. Those with a pass will be admitted free of charge.

For further questions, call the Park at (860) 529-5816 or visit the Dinosaur State Park website at: www.ct.gov/deep/dinosaurstatepark