Dinosaurs and Disasters to feature activity stations, live music, storytime

NU State Museum

Children work with modeling clay during a previous Dinosaurs and Disasters event at Morrill Hall. The 2023 event is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 4.

After a two-year hiatus, Dinosaurs and Disasters returns to the University of Nebraska State Museum-Morrill Hall from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 4.

Visitors can explore facts and myths about dinosaurs, disasters and science with University of Nebraska–Lincoln researchers and educators from the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and the museum. Morrill Hall will also host a collection drive for the Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach.

“We are thrilled to host Dinosaurs and Disasters in person again,” said Susan Weller, director of the NU State Museum. “Museum visitors get to explore earth sciences with hands-on activities and learn from university faculty, students and staff. Whether it’s busting myths about tornadoes or building a trilobite to bring home, there’s something to interest everyone.”

Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach is the museum’s Community Access Program partner for the event. Any visitor who donates an item will receive a raffle ticket for prizes. The center’s most desired items include feminine hygiene items; travel size shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, toothpaste and bug spray; backpacks; socks; and wet wipes.

Children examine specimens under microscopes during a previous Dinosaurs and Disasters event.

Other highlights of this year’s event include performances by local band The String Beans, Pop In Storytime with Lincoln City Libraries and a scavenger hunt. The String Beans will perform at 1 and 1:45 p.m., including songs from their new album, “Dinosaur Pet Store.” Pop In Storytime, which includes stories and a craft activity, will run from 10 to 11 a.m. In total, guests will be able to visit more than 25 different activity stations.

Dinosaurs and Disasters activities are included with admission to Morrill Hall. Museum members will receive free admission to the event. All other museum discounted rates will apply including senior, veteran and Museums for All — $1 admission for low-income families. Advance tickets are not required.

Free parking will be available for all visitors in the large parking lot north of Morrill Hall. For more information, click here or call 402-472-2637.

“We hope families will join us for a roaring good time,” Weller said.