Dinosaur Bash

Dinosaurs are fascinating to adults and kids. Why else would movies and television shows like Jurassic Park, Dinosaur Train, and Primeval be so popular? We never cease to be amazed and awed by giant creatures that once roamed the earth like Tyrannosaurus Rex, Brontosaurus, and Triceratops.

Arizona is a wonderful place for dinosaur lovers to explore. At least 15 species of dinosaurs have been found in the state and looking at the rocky landscape, one can’t help but imagine these huge creatures would have felt right at home here.

If you are planning a party or event to appeal to a dinosaur fanatic, here are some tips to make planning the party a bit easier.

Pick a good dinosaur habitat. The Arizona Museum of Natural History in Mesa, Arizona is a perfect choice. The museum is full of interesting prehistoric themed exhibits like Dinosaur Hall and Dinosaur Mountain that will enthrall dinosaur fans. No amount of decorating a house or back yard will be able to compete with these exhibits and you can’t rent a dinosaur skeleton for a party. The museum offers birthday party packages that include time in the Exploration Station, a craft activity, and admission to the museum.

The Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff has, among its exhibits, a geology gallery with fossils and a life-size skeletal model of Dilophosaurus, a carnivorous dinosaur. The museum has three rental facilities available for events: The Historic Colton House, the Branigar / Chase Discovery Center, and Pearson Hall. Groups can also schedule a workshop or take part in a program. The Dinosaur program for kids in pre kindergarten through third grade teaches kids about dinosaurs and their environment as they explore bones, models, footprint casts, and illustrations.

Petrified Forest National Park in Northeast Arizona is another cool place to visit with a dinosaur enthusiast. The 146 square mile park includes fossil plants and animals. If you need a break from the heat during your visit, you can check out the park’s Rainbow Forest Museum. Of course, if you decide to have a party at the park, there will be a lot more work involved than purchasing a party package at the museum. Large events may require a special use permit.

Another near attraction to take dinosaur fans to is the dinosaur tracks near Tuba City on Highway 160. A Navajo guide takes visitors on tours to see the tracks.

There are plenty of other ways to give an event a dinosaur theme besides the location. You can pick up dinosaur decorations, plates, napkins, and goody bag items at a party or dollar store. Many companies, such as Safari, Collecta, and Schleich, sell plastic dinosaur models in various sizes that make good gifts or decorations. Dinosaur masks and inflatable dinosaurs are also fun for dinosaur themed events.

Pick or make a cake with a dinosaur theme. If you are making the cake, you can use a dinosaur shaped cake pan or put plastic dinosaurs on top of a cake.

If you are interested in an inflatable for your event, consider the Crocodile Play Center. While not quite a dinosaur, crocodiles lived side by side with the dinosaurs, so it should fit in with the theme pretty well. The play center has a slide, a bounce room, and obstacles that are sure to be lots of fun for any kids at the party.

Hopefully this has gotten you thinking about how you can make a great Dinosaur Bash for the dinosaur enthusiast in your life. Whatever you come up with, your dinosaur party is sure to be a hit with the participants and the guest of honor!