Museum of Ancient Life556

The Museum of Ancient Life (located in Thanksgiving Point, just south of the village) is a wonderful place for kids and adults to explore and imagine what the world was like eons ago.

The exhibit halls begin in the Bone Cabin Quarry where visitors learn about the science of paleontology as well as watch paleontologists clean and repair actual fossils, some of which belong to newly discovered species that can be seen nowhere else. From there, a Star Tunnel filled with over ten thousand stars takes visitors on a trip through time and space to the very beginnings of life on Earth.

Brachiosaurus and Supersaurus tower over the Jurassic Hall, where kids can take part in hands-on activities like fossil rubbings and Design a Dino. At the Erosion Table, complete with plastic dinosaurs to bury or discover, visitors can build water-stopping dams, narrow canyons, or unleash the fury of a flash flood. Further on, a duo of dueling Tyrannosaurs dominates the Cretaceous Hall, while other favorites like Triceratops or Pteranodon dive for cover.

Upon entering the Cretaceous Ocean visitors plunge underwater to view ancient sea creatures like Elasmosaurus, Tylosaurus, and the vicious Xiphactinus fish. Look for other fish fossils and "living fossil" garfish in the Green River display, but watch out for saber-tooth cats, giant armadillos, pygmy elephants, and Carcharadon Megalodon, the largest carnivorous shark ever. Then take some time to hunt mammoths with ancient humans before excavating dinosaur bones in the Sunset Quarry.

Before leaving, visitors can stop in at The Findings Store, which offers souvenirs, toys, games, and educational items. After a day of big adventures, visitors can refuel at The Expedition Cafe.

Designed to be an educational experience, the Xango Mammoth Screen Theater boasts a 325-seat capacity and a 70-mm projection system capable of showing both standard and 3-D films. Check the website for scheduled showings and pricing.

Memberships are offered. For a complete list of benefits and membership types visit the museum's website.