If you have a little boy or girl who loves dinosaurs and animals, and you’re looking for something fun to do around here…boy do I have the tip for you. Just down the road, you’ll find the awesome Bandera Natural History Museum. They have several giant life-size dinos as well as several great indoor displays with everything from lions to alligators to bears.
Tour the inside first with dioramas with 100 animals from all over the world. Also check out the famous giant Triceratops skeleton that was featured in the movie “Night at the Museum.” Then go on a short stroll outdoors where you’ll encounter 18 massive dinosaurs–everything from the friendly brachiosaurus, stegosaurs, to the velociraptors, and the big king T-REX. There are sidewalks, lots of shady spots, and benches along the way for a picnic.
And for the grand finale, you’ll find the fossil digging activity area, which the kids love! Life-size dinosaur bones are buried in the sand pit for little adventurers to dig up and then put into the skeleton puzzle on the wall. This activity was so much fun.
We toured the museum grounds last week, and with every new bone little 3-year-opld Tucker Holder shrieked with excitement “I can’t believe it! I can’t believe it! I found another dino bone!”
They also have a great gift shop with every kind of dinosaur (my son’s favorite part), so make sure to take your credit card!
With mainly outdoor exhibits and activities, it’s easy to social distance as you explore the dinosaurs and beyond. Kids under 4 get free admission. Hours are: Wednesday – Saturday: 10am – 5pm, Sunday: 12pm – 5pm, Monday and Tuesday: Closed.
For groups or birthday parties, please contact call 830-328-5090 or email mjschumacher@banderanhm.org in advance so we can accommodate your needs and reserve the museum for your visit.
By Kayleen Holder