dinosaur safari new jersey

See 40 true-to-size dinosaurs come alive when Dino Safari invades Garden State Plaza

PARAMUS — No time machine is needed to see dinosaurs come to life — just a car and a trip to the mall.

More than 40 life-size moving dinosaurs including the Triceratops, Parasaurolophus, Microraptor and T. rex will take up residency at Garden State Plaza from July 16 to Aug. 8 for Dino Safari .

On the drive-thru experience, explorers will learn how dinosaurs evolved, where they lived and how they ate, moved and behaved.

There will also be surprises along the way, such as a dinosaur battle and an earthquake — or you might need to help save a baby dinosaur. 

“We are thrilled to be bringing this safe and fun experience to families in northern New Jersey, particularly in light of the many challenges everyone has faced over the last year,” said Tom Zaller, president and CEO of Imagine Exhibitions, producer of Dino Safari. “Our animatronic dinosaurs transport visitors to a land of prehistoric proportions.”

Imagine Exhibitions started to create museum and traveling experiences 12 years ago, Zaller said. 

Once the pandemic hit, the company was looking to find a different, safe way to bring the exhibits back to the public. Last May, the producers found a zoo to host the first Dino Safari, and now they have three exhibits touring at all times. 

Dino Safari is aimed at children 10 and younger and is for all dinosaur fans, Zaller said. 

Paramus life-size dinosaurs are educational

The program was created with the help of paleontologist Gregory Erickson and features factual, educational content.

There will also be a storytelling element, in which drivers are guided through the fictional "Pangea National Park" by an audio tour that is available in English and Spanish. The audio plays through the car's radio. 

Regular hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

The dinosaurs will be in the parking lot along Route 4 east and the Garden State Parkway, across from the main Neiman Marcus parking lot. 

MORE FUN: Eat, hike, explore and discover: Here's your ultimate North Jersey summer bucket list

DINOSAURS: They're big, they're bad and they're back. Field Station: Dinosaurs reopens in Bergen

Advance tickets can be purchased now at dinosafari.com . Ticket prices begin at $49.95 per vehicle. The ticket includes a "survival pack" that contains a passport to Pangea with a scavenger hunt and other surprises for an interactive experience. 

"There's a lot of fun to be had," Zaller said. "There's a lot to do in the car without chasing kids around."

Kristie Cattafi is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email:  [email protected]

Twitter:  @KristieCattafi  

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LuminoCity Dinosaur Safari in Atlantic City, NJ

LuminoCity Dinosaur Safari brings a light-up walk-through dinosaur experience for the entire family to the Jersey Shore! It’ll be stationed in Atlantic City through September 5th. Bring your little dinosaur enthusiasts to the exhibit to see life-size dinosaurs come to life! If you can visit during the evening hours, the magical lights make the dinosaur safari glow. Watch your child’s imagination soar with dinosaurs and glowing scenery!

It’s ideal for children aged 7 years and younger; as my 9-year-old dinosaur expert had “already seen these dinos before,” but she still enjoyed the lit-up outing! For older children like my 9-year-old – pretend to be at Jurassic Park, find your favorite dinosaurs, and identify all of the dinosaurs (because, you know – parents quickly forget all of those names!). The experience will take 30-60 minutes, depending on your pace and interest in the scenery.

Enjoy the sights and sounds, and have fun pretending to be in the Jurassic Era!

Location: 35 S. Vermont Avenue, Ocean City, NJ 08401

Ticket Pricing:

• 5:30 – 8:30pm Entry Kids aged 3-12: $12 ea Adults: $16 ea Family Package: $47.60 (2 Adults, 2 Kids)
• 8:30 – 11:00pm Entry Kids aged 3-12: $16 ea Adults: $20 ea Family Package: $61.20 (2 Adults, 2 Kids)

August 12, 2022

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Highlighting Themed Experiences

Field Station: Dinosaurs, New Jersey’s “Jurassic Park,” Celebrates 10th Anniversary

by Spencer Bollettieri, freelance writer for Theme Park Magazine

There was a time in New Jersey when the landscape was shaped by prehistoric seas, and herds of duck-billed hadrosaurs wandered along the coasts. Millions of years later, Field Station: Dinosaurs founded its Mesozoic menagerie. Now ten years old, Jersey’s family-friendly dinosaur park is commemorating its anniversary with a celebration fit for dinosaur royalty. Through robotics, puppetry, and fossils, the past, present, and future combine to create an exciting journey for the ages.

Field Station: Dinosaurs

Field Station: Dinosaurs in Leonia, New Jersey, is one of two locations founded by Guy “ Guy-nosaur ” Gsell. Started in the wake of New York’s Discovery Times Square, Gsell wanted to create a space where kids learn they don’t have to grow up to be scientists; they can be scientists now . Seeking to inspire exploration, education, and a passion for science, Gsell discovered through test marketing that children naturally gravitated towards dinosaurs.

The original park opened in Secaucus, New Jersey, on May 26, 2012. Four years later, Field Station: Dinosaurs moved to Leonia with space for the towering animatronics, animal shows, and interactive exhibits. Scientists, artists, and talented performers were recruited to help Field Station: Dinosaurs prosper as the “Jurassic Park” of New Jersey.

Dinosaur Animatronics and Cast Members

When entering Field Station: Dinosaurs, most guests first notice the towering dinosaur animatronics. With over thirty life-sized specimens representing various species of prehistoric life, explorers are sure to discover something new about paleontology and the people who study it.

In collaboration with the famed paleontologist Jason Schein, the park creates an outdoor educational experience that allows people to embark on a prehistoric safari without fear of being eaten. Visitors can wander beneath battling herbivores, pass pterosaurs as they take flight, and through a velociraptor trap. They can examine real fossils and meet a basking dimetrodon along a shady primeval path.

As impressed as guests might be by the size and design of the animatronics, what steals the show is the passionate performances by the park’s enthusiastic staff. With titles such as “Great Moments of Discovery Theater” and “Alien Rocks,” the park offers catchy songs, interactive lectures, and creative experiences for its audiences. Gsell wrote many of the shows, and long-time alumni Chris Palmieri and Kirk Bixby helped create and puppeteer many of the park’s dino stars.

Dinosaur Songs and Visitor Participation

“Cretaceous” Kira Redzinak is the “troubadour paleontologist” who sings songs that teach kids about dinosaurs and science concepts. But as charming as the cast of Field Station: Dinosaurs’ numerous shows are, their co-stars, twin T-rexes, are what make the audiences gasp and giggle. Starring in their “T-rex Feeding Frenzy” and their new 10th-anniversary celebration “Toddler-Saurus Surprise Party!” audiences interact with the animatronic dinosaurs.

In both demonstrations, visitors participate in experiments to learn how paleontologists deduce dinosaur behavior, such as eating habits. Lucky volunteers from the audience get to play party games with the young rexes, such as blind man’s bluff and bowling. The shows are as educational as they are fun, with charm, interactivity, and a timeless message that every kid is a scientist, distinguishing this park from other theme parks.

For an additional charge, visitors can dig up and identify real fossils in a paleontology lab or make like a dinosaur and take flight on the Jurassic Jump trampoline. They can find several arts and crafts tents or browse paleoart painted by Christopher DiPiazza. For the younger crowd who want to do a little digging, Field Station: Dinosaurs offers a sandbox where they can dust off dinosaur bones. 

Passport to Fun and Learning

Field Station: Dinosaurs has a simple, fun, and innovative way to gauge popular attractions, suggest new ones for guests and make the whole experience more active. At the park’s gates, visitors receive a paleontological passport. Every time somebody leaves a show or activity, a staff member stamps it. With enough stamps, they can earn the distinct honor of being a “ super paleontologist ” by the park. With paper, stamps, and stickers, Field Station: Dinosaurs can tell which kind of attractions visitors enjoy to better personalize their experience by pointing them to other sites of interest without using complicated apps.

Field Station: Dinosaurs is an experience that pays tribute to the mysterious prehistoric past and encourages a brighter future through education. Children ages 3-11 and their families can experience the wonder of “ Jurassic Park ” while learning about nature and science. A decade strong and still evolving, there’s a lot to celebrate because the age of the dinosaurs isn’t over yet.

Explore More: Videos

Explore More: Resources

• Website: Field Station: Dinosaurs
• Article: No extinction here: Iconic dinosaur display in Bergen County’s Overpeck Park turns 10 (NorthJersey.com)
• Bio: Jason P. Schein (Elevation Science Institute)

Feature image by Michael Golz, courtesy of Field Station: Dinosaurs

About Spencer Bollettieri:  As a biologist, journalist, and writer, Spencer Bollettieri has written for sites such as Screen Rant. Although mostly based out of New York, he’s traveled the world in pursuit of new stories .

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Luminocity dino safari comes to new jersey town square, open daily from june 10 - july 9, 2023.

Experience a World Where Light Art Meets Prehistoric Adventure

ROCKAWAY, N.J. , May 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- This summer, LuminoCity Festival transforms New Jersey's Town Square into a mesmerizing, prehistoric wonderland of light and imagination: Dino Safari! An exciting evolution of the LuminoCity experience, this event runs daily from June 10th through July 9th, 2023 .

Journey back in time and marvel at the sight of over 50 life-sized animated dinosaurs, from the cunning Oviraptor to the formidable Triceratops and the soaring Pterosauria. And be prepared to be awe-struck by the centerpiece, a towering 45-foot Brachiosaurus. They're not just statues - these prehistoric giants spring to life, boasting spectacular special effects. Watch as their jaws open and close in a roar, their heads and tails sway, and their bodies mimic lifelike movements. Hear them breathe, see their eyes blink open and close, and catch the Pterosauria's wings flutter in the breeze.

As dusk envelops the landscape, enchanting lights cast a magical glow over these beasts, transporting you into a world where the Cretaceous period meets the thrill of modern light art. It's an animated spectacle of time and illumination that promises an extraordinary journey!

But the adventure doesn't stop at sightseeing - it's interactive too! For just $5 , our youngest explorers can buckle up in dino-themed cars and experience the thrill of our Dino Ride & Speedway, while those of all ages can defy gravity on our colossal Dino Paradise Bounce house for just $18 . We've also created a whimsical journey aboard the Caterpillar Express, offering guests a winding tour through our radiant dino-lit wonderland for $10 per ride.

Diving into our immersive Dino Safari, guests can also enjoy free activities, become dinosaur detectives in our Jurassic Fossils Hunt, maybe even find a T-Rex! Also, meet Cosmo Lumi , our glowing friend who lights up the park with joy. And for the daring, Volcano Bone Valley awaits. With its thrilling fossil field, the T-Rex Thrill Chair, and the Dino Bone Throne, it's a fantastic spot for future paleontologists and dino-lovers.

"We are thrilled to bring the extraordinary Dino Safari experience to the vibrant heart of New Jersey's Townsquare, providing residents and visitors with a fresh, exciting take on summer festivities," said the Founder Xiaoyi Chen .

Combining interactive fun, exhilarating adventure, and fascinating learning experiences, LuminoCity's Dino Safari promises an unforgettable journey into the prehistoric era, brought to life by the glow of artful illumination.

Ticket Information: LuminoCity Dino Safari at Rockaway Townsquare runs for 30 days from June 10th to July 9th, 2023 . Admission tickets are only available for purchase online at luminocityfestival.com. The festival will be open EVERYDAY from 3:00 pm - 9:30 pm .

Tickets for LuminoCity Dino Safari provide flexible access, with no need to select a specific date at the time of purchase. This allows you to plan your visit at your convenience and ensures a seamless experience!

Parking Information:  This will be Free to all festival goers.

2023 LuminoCity Dino Safari x Rockaway Townsquare Rockaway Townsquare - JC Penney Parking Lot 301 Mt Hope Ave, Rockaway, NJ 07866

For more information about the LuminoCity Festival, visit www.luminocityfestival.com and be sure to follow us on Instagram!

Media Contact: [email protected]

View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/luminocity-dino-safari-comes-to-new-jersey-town-square-open-daily-from-june-10---july-9-2023-301832792.html

SOURCE LuminoCity Festival

Dinosaurs Exist at Six Flags Great Adventure Xpedition Dino!

By: Author Jennifer Auer

Posted on Published: May 21, 2021  - Last updated: January 16, 2023

I have to say when it comes to adapting to new ways to have fun, during a pandemic, Six Flags Great Adventure continues to adapt and amaze me. First, it was bringing the drive thru safari back. Then, you could drive through the park to see the Christmas lights… and now… Now dinosaurs exist at Six Flags Great Adventure Xpedition Dino!

Starting May 28, Six Flags Great Adventure Xpedition Dino will be one of the newest dinosaur attractions in New Jersey.

Six Flags Great Adventure Xpedition Dino!!

Six Flags Great Adventure announced today that it will launch Six Flags Xpedition Dino daily May 28 through September 7, 2021. It’s the newest dinosaur attraction to come to New Jersey. Find more NJ dinosaur attractions in our guide to Places to See Dinosaurs in New Jersey .

About the Six Flags Great Adventure Dinosaur Expedition, Xpedition Dino

Six Flags Great Adventure Theme Park and Safari will offer two ways to experience a limited-time prehistoric adventure with dinosaurs in New Jersey. Guests will have the option to drive their own vehicles or walk through this Jurassic adventure, which will feature 30 life-size dinosaurs with realistic movement and sound.

The drive thru dinosaur experience

During the day, guests will experience Xpedition Dino as an add-on experience to the Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure . Drive past life-size, roaring, moving dinosaurs along a private, wooded path all while listening to a custom soundtrack. Guests can stream from any mobile device that marries this prehistoric adventure with the 21st century.

The walk thru dinosaur experience

After the safari closes each day, from 6 pm to dusk, Xpedition Dino will become a thrilling and educational add-on NJ dinosaur experience. When guests add the Expedition Dino ticket to their general admission ticket they’ll get a wooded, walk-through adventure amongst the life-like dinosaurs. They will learn detailed information at each dinosaur. Expect unique and memorable photo experiences.

How do I get tickets to the Xpedition Dino at Great Adventure?

To prevent overcrowding, the Xpedition Dino NJ DRIVE THRU dinosaur experience will require advance registration using Six Flags’ online reservation system. If you are are doing the WALK THRU dinosaur experience you do not need a reservation, but you will need an add on ticket.

Active Members, Season Pass Holders, and single-day ticket holders can make reservations NOW at www.sixflags.com/reserve.

Drive thru tickets must be purchased online and in advance. there is a combo Safari/Dino ticket available. Sales will not be available at the gate, and guests without tickets will not be allowed to enter. Walk thru tickets can be purchased online OR at the nearby gift shop.

How do I make a reservation to visit the dinosaurs at Great Adventure?

Tickets are required. Xpedition Dino is a small upcharge to Memberships, Season Passes and daily tickets.

Once you have your ticket or pass number, you will log onto the new reservation site at www.sixflags.com/reserve. Choose a date from the calendar that is available for your ticket type. Dates are color coded on the website calendar to show availability. If there is a specific date you want to visit that is unavailable, you may join the wait list if you choose. Should the date become available, you will be notified by email. Enter the required information. When you have completed the registration, you will receive a confirmation. Please print this confirmation sheet if possible. A printed sheet is easier to scan through the car window than a phone screen. We want this experience to be as contact-free as possible.

Ticket sales are for individuals. No group sales are available.

When will it open? When will it be open?

The Xpedition Dino will operate daily, from May 28, 2021 through September 7, 2021, weather permitting. At this time there is not more specific information about the times.

How much will it cost?

Each guest will need a ticket. The price for the Great Adventure Xpedition Dino is currently listed at $5 per person. Please keep in mind that it is an add on ticket. If you are choosing to do the drive in you will need to add the ticket to a Drive Thru Safari ticket. If you are doing the dinosaur experience as a walk through experience you will need to add it to a general admission ticket.

How long will the dinosaurs be at Six Flags Great Adventure?

The dinosaurs will be at Great Adventure through Labor Day weekend, September 7, 2021.

How long will it take to see the dinosaurs at Six Flags Great Adventure?

Keep in mind if you are doing the traditional drive thru safari, it’s a 350 acre safari with a 5 mile roadway. The dinosaur trail would be in addition to that. It takes about an hour to drive through to see all the animals. At this time, we’re not sure how much additional time it will take to see the dinosaurs. Until we’ve had a chance to visit to check, we recommend you planning at least 2 hours if you’re driving through the experience.

If you plan to walk through the Xpedition Dino dinosaur adventure, I’d recommend adding another 30-45 minutes to your day. Again, we’ll have a better estimate of time once we’ve visited.

Can I take pictures?

If you are driving through stopping is not allowed. For the safety of all guests and animals the traffic flow needs to keep moving. If you are walking through taking pictures is encouraged and there will be some unique photo experiences.

How can I take great photos and videos safely?

If you are driving through buy this dashboard cam with our Amazon affiliate link. With this dashboard camera and a memory card you can record video and take pictures throughout the drive thru safari and dinosaur experience SAFELY. You’ll never miss a moment or an animal as the Rove R2- 4K Dash Cam Built in WiFi GPS Car Dashboard Camera Recorder dashboard camera can catch everything.

This dashboard cam even allows you to livestream safely while recording. Take the grandparents with you on your drive thru adventures without them ever leaving home or show off to all your Instagram followers. You can also rotate the camera and do a little family caroake video.

Bonus… since we fully expect spring and summer and even Christmas drive thru events to continue, you’ll get so much use from your dashboard camera.

If you are walking through Xpedition Dino, it’s best to wait till others are out of your way to take the best pictures. Keep in mind, if you or your family is posing with larger dinosaurs you may not be able to fit the whole dinosaur in the picture. I’ve found that I can either get a great close up shot with a dinosaur OR I can fit the full dinosaur if I stand at a distance, but then it’s harder to see the people in the picture.

What kinds of dinosaurs are at Great Adventure?

Guests will see 30 different types of dinosaurs including:

• Tyrannosaurus (T. Rex)
• Triceratops
• Brachiosaurus
• Megalosaurus

We’ll have more details after our visit.

Is it safe?

The safety of guests, team members and animals is Six Flags’ top priority. Expect the Expedition Dino to offer the same, safe, contact-free experience as the Six Flags Great Adventure Drive Thru Safari .

A list of safety requirements is available on the park’s website at www.sixflags.com/greatadventure and include

• SLOW – 5 mph speed limit.
• Maintain space between your car and others.
• Animals always have the right of way.
• Remain in your vehicle and on paved roadway at all times.
• Windows and sun roofs must remain completely closed.
• Convertible tops must be closed.
• No pets, including service animals, are permitted inside cars.
• Do not feed or touch the animals.
• No smoking or littering.
• No parking or stopping, other than yielding to animals.
• All vehicles will be screened by Six Flags Security prior to entering Wild Safari.
• No items are permitted in pickup truck beds or in vehicles with open storage.
• Cars, SUVs and consumer pickup trucks only permitted – no buses, RVs, box trucks, commercial vehicles, pickup trucks larger than a consumer pickup allowed.
• Plan ahead – no restrooms, food, or gasoline available (only portable toilets at entrance and exit).
• Enter at your own risk.
• Guests who violate the rules will be escorted from the park without a refund and may be prosecuted.

What happens if my car breaks down?

If your car can still move, please drive to the side of the road (but stay on the roadway) and place your flashers on. If you cannot move your car, just place your flashers on. One of our team members will come to assist you. Do not exit the vehicle for any reason.

Are the dinosaurs at Xpedition Dino scary?

We’ll have more details on this after our experience.

Will there be restrooms available?

For guests attending for the walk through dinosaur experience we expect regular park bathrooms to be open. For guests visiting for the drive thru dinosaur adventure we expect the portable toilets will be available upon entrance and exit.

Will there be any souvenirs to buy?

It’s not clear if they will be available, but I fully expect their to be some dinosaur souvenirs for sale.

Stay tuned. This is a developing story and we can’t wait to bring you more details.

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Cathy Jo DIAZ

Wednesday 16th of June 2021

Fabulous information!! Thank you!! Cathy in Allendale, NJ

Jennifer Auer

You are so welcome. - Jenn

Jody Crystall

Thursday 10th of June 2021

I can't speak with anyone; it is all recordings. "live chat" is a robot and reflects can't get through. I am trying to make a reservation online, however the last date available is 6/20, however it's open until Sept. I've sent 3 emails. I can't get any assistance

Sunday 25th of July 2021

I am so sorry to hear this. I hope you were able to get tickets. Unfortunately, while we share their information and press releases we are not directly involved in their attractions. - Jenn

Dinosaurs come to Freehold and more things to do this weekend at the Jersey Shore

6 minute read.

Jurassic Park has come to the Shore with the Dino Safari Festival.

This prehistoric wonderland comes to Freehold Raceway Mall from Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 5. Visitors will encounter life-sized animated dinosaurs towering nearly 50 feet, cretaceous volcanic caverns and enchanting illumination. 

Dino Safari originally launched in Atlantic City, and was recently in Rockaway. Attractions include: 

• Oviraptor Express, which a release says is "a wonderful way for visitors to become immersed in the light art experience, while traveling through the park for an additional cost per ride." 
• Dinosaur Speedway ride, "where families and friends can experience the thrill of racing around a prehistoric track for an additional $5 per ride." 
• Prehistorical Animal Light Arts, showcasing ancient creatures brought to life through "intricately designed light sculptures that are illuminated and crafted to provide a glimpse into a forgotten era." 
• Dino Paradise Bounce Castle, a 260-feet Bounce Castle for kids, for an additional $18 (no play time restricted). 

In October, Dino Safari Freehold will have Halloween decor, including a large-scale light art display where enormous dinosaurs take on a ghostly glow.

Dino Safari runs daily during from 4 to 10 p.m. Weekday tickets start at $23, Saturday and Sunday tickets start at $27, free for children 3 and younger. Tickets are only available online.

Go : LuminoCity Dino Safari Festival, Freehold Raceway Mall, 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday to Nov. 5, ; luminocityfestival.com.  

Here are more things to do this weekend at the Jersey Shore:

Weekend washout? We have you covered with rain dates, more for Shore's biggest events

QFest in Asbury Park

After a six-year hiatus, QFest LGBTQ Film & Digital Media Festival is back this weekend, showing 20 films from the U.S. and around the globe.

The festival kicks off Friday at the Showroom Cinema in Asbury Park with an opening reception, an animated short about a transgender pirate, and a documentary about legendary author and activist Urvashi Vaid, who died in 2022.

The festival will continue with additional screenings, along with a Meet the Filmmaker brunch and awards ceremony, on Saturday and Sunday at QSpot LGBTQ Community Center in Asbury Park. 

“We're thrilled to once-again be hosting QFest, the first annual LGBTQ film festival in New Jersey," said Nick Romei, QFest Festival Director. "QFest provides one of only a handful of outlets where LGBTQ filmmakers from our state and around the world can show their work in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment. We're so proud to be able to invite the community back to QFest to watch LGBTQ movies together again.”

This year’s festival highlights LGBTQ artists and individuals addressing an onslaught of anti-LGBTQ legislation, rising hate crimes, drug addiction and dating in the age of hook-up apps. Of particular note are two documentaries about extraordinary working professionals and the profound consequences they suffer as a result of living their truths in Russia and Iran.

QFest is produced by QSpot, one of the largest LGBTQ community centers in the state. Tickets start at $10. A three-day pass is available for $50.

Go : QFest LGBTQ Film & Digital Media Festival, Friday to Sunday, ShowRoom Cinema, 707 Cookman Ave., Asbury Park, and QSpot, 1601 Asbury Ave., Asbury Park. For tickets and a complete listing of this year’s films and screening schedule, visit QFestNJ.org. 

Grown in Monmouth Restaurant Week

Summer may be over, but locally grown produce is still on the menu at Shore restaurants.

Grown in Monmouth, an initiative designed to preserve and grow the county’s agriculture industry, is hosting Restaurant Week Friday through Saturday, Sept. 30. Participating restaurants are required to feature at least one dish made with ingredients grown in Monmouth County.

Nineteen restaurants are taking part, including The GOAT by David Burke in Union Beach, which will cook with mushrooms from Two River Mushroom in Millstone Township; Apple Street Kitchen in Tinton Falls, which will highlight produce from its own organic garden; and Amici Gelato & Caffe in Asbury Park, which will feature honey from Honeysuckle Nectary in Howell.

Go: Grown in Monmouth Restaurant Week, Friday to Sept. 30 at restaurants across Monmouth County; growninmonmouth.com.

Halloween costume swap in Monmouth County

Upcycle gently used costumes for kids, adults or pets for a spooktacular new-to-you ensemble during the Monmouth County Park System’s Eek-O-Fabulous Costume Swap. 

Drop off a costume and receive a token entitling you to a “new” costume on the day of the swap. Costume drop-offs will be accepted from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday to Friday, Sept. 29, at Huber Woods Environmental Center, 25 Brown's Dock Road, Middletown; Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, 311 Windeler Road, Howell; and Thompson Park Visitor Center, 805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft.

“New” costumes can then be selected during the swap from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30, at the Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center in Aberdeen. 

Almost due or have a newborn? No token required for baby’s costume. Costumes are only available during the swap date and time. Unused tokens may be used at next year’s swap.

Go : Eek-O-Fabulous Costume Swap; 732-872-2670, MonmouthCountyParks.com.

Kids Boo Fest at Six Flags

On Saturday and Sunday, Kids Boo Fest runs from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson.

Boo Fest features trick-or-treating in Cornstalk National Park for kids 12 and younger; a live show called "Witch's Brew"; "The Hunt for Boo" journey through the woods; a kid-friendly haunted house; and wagon rides.

Kids also can ride the park's coasters and other attractions. Boo Fest runs weekends through Sunday, Oct. 29.

Go : Kids Boo Fest, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. weekends through Oct. 29, Six Flags Great Adventure, 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson; sixflags.com/greatadventure/events/kids-boo-fest-2023.

MAC Music Cafe in Middletown

The Middletown Arts Center presents the monthly MAC Music Cafe, an afternoon of live music, from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday.

This month’s singer-songwriter showcase features local talent Patrick Bamburak, Rick Dill, Gwynne Alden and Frank Patrouch. The concert will take place in the MAC theater.

The event is free with a suggested donation of $5. 

Free parking is available onsite, with additional free parking available in the station-metered lot.

Go : MAC Music Cafe, 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church St., free; 732-706-4110, middletownarts.org .

Harvest Home Festival in Holmdel

The Monmouth County Park System will host its Harvest Home Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday at Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel. 

Reminiscent of an old-fashioned fair from the 1890s, the event features wagon rides, old-fashioned games, live entertainment and craft demonstrations. 

Other activities include cider making, a pie-eating contest and a timber framing activity.  Visitors are invited to enter its Home & Garden Competition. Categories include needlework, baked goods and art. Call 732-946-3758 for details on entering the competition. 

Go : Harvest Home Festival, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Historic Longstreet Farm, 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel; 732-842-4000, MonmouthCountyParks.com.

Save someone in need in Asbury Park

The Monmouth Ocean Omega Foundation presents the Be the Match Bone Marrow Drive Health Initiative Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at St. Stephen AME Zion Church in Asbury Park.

Bone marrow transplants can treat more than 75 conditions, including cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, and diseases like aplastic anemia and sickle cell disease.

Signing up to join the bone marrow donation registry involves a simple cheek swab.

A year membership to Planet Fitness will be given away during the health fair.

You also can learn more about bone marrow donation and send away for a registration kit at bethematch.org.

Go: Bone marrow drive and health fair, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, St. Stephen AME Zion Church, 1001 Springwood Ave., Asbury Park.

Margate Fall Funfest by the Bay

More than 110 booths featuring food, arts, crafts, kid's activities and more make up the Margate Fall Funfest, taking place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

There will be 10 live bands on the WZXL 100.7 Main Stage, 12 acts on the 95.1 WAYV Kid’s Stage, Ray Scott’s Dock Wetlands Wonderland, and two days of parades featuring Miss New Jersey. There's also the Saturday Cornhole Tournament and the popular Steve and Cookie’s Dog Show on Sunday.

Funfest After Dark, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, features wine and spirits tasting, small bites, and the band NJ British Invasion. Tickets are $20 advance, $25 on Saturday.

Free jitney shuttle service is available all along Ventnor and Amherst avenues, and from the parking lot at the Eugene Tighe School, 7804 Amherst Ave. Look for the Free Funfest Jitney sign in the jitney window, or download the Jitney Surfer app.

Go : Margate Fall Funfest by the Bay, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Amherst Avenue. Funfest After Dark runs 7:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday; https://margatehasmore.com/event/fall-funfest-2023/ .

Ilana Keller and Sarah Griesemer contributed to this story.

Have an event coming up at the Jersey Shore? Tell us about it. Email Bill Canacci at [email protected].

Another dinosaur ‘safari’ is roaring its way to N.J. mall

• Updated: Jun. 25, 2021, 8:28 a.m. |
• Published: Jun. 24, 2021, 7:20 p.m.

Dino Safari is coming to Garden State Plaza. Dino Safari

• Amy Kuperinsky | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Dinosaur attractions are becoming as common as malls in the Garden State.

And starting next month, you can visit both at once.

The drive-thru Dino Safari is headed to Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus from July 16 to August 8 with at least 40 animatronic dinosaurs.

(Insert obligatory joke about “dinosaurs” of retail.)

The dino fleet ranges from the herbivorous triceratops to the small-armed T. rex.

With an audio tour available in English and Spanish, visitors can expect a little paleontology, an “earthquake,” a scavenger hunt and a storyline involving a baby dinosaur in peril in Pangea National Park.

Of course, this is far from the only dinosaur adventure in the area. The dinosaur park Field Station: Dinosaurs recently reopened for the season at Overpeck Park in Leonia .

Another dino drive-thru called Jurassic Quest came to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford last October, allowing families to get out of the house but stay away from other people during the pandemic. In May, Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson added Xpedition Dino to its Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure (a walk-through option is available) — the attraction runs through Sept. 7.

Imagine Exhibitions produces Dino Safari, which has other locations on Long Island and in Detroit and Cleveland.

Dino Safari will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays until August 8, with the last tickets sold 30 minutes before closing. Tickets start at $49.95 per car for up to seven occupants and cost $59.95 for large capacity vehicles; dinosafari.com .

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Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at [email protected] and followed at @AmyKup on Twitter.

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Dino Safari in Freehold, NJ

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Dino Safari is proud to be part of the better-known landmarks and entertainment centers for the historic township for Freehold, New Jersey.

Travel with Dino Safari back in time to the Mesozoic Era when enormous and terrifying monster roamed the earth!  When Pangea was still a super continent. See life-sized denizens from the comfort and safety of your vehicle! Enjoy the animated audio tour included for FREE and presented in English, and for our friends, in Spanish. Here’s a sample Dino Safari Audio Sampler .

At One Municipal Plaza, Freehold, New Jersey, 07728 where Town Hall currently stands, some 66 million years ago Triceratops, Parasaurolophus, Micro raptor, T. Rex, Brontosaurus, and Pterodactyl use to feed on smaller prey and giant trees.

Conveniently located at Freehold Raceway Mall – right off US 9, Dino Safari is on your immediate pathway to areas of interest around the area.

First sighted by the early European explorer, John Cabot, as early as 1468, the Freehold area was not permanently settled until much later. The Township was formerly founded on October 31 st , 1693. I wonder if they had Halloween back then? The place earned a spot in American history during the American Revolutionary War. It was a hotbed full of Patriots who opposed the British royal crown. Besides fielding one of the first companies of troops to battle for independence, Freehold earned a place in history when the Battle of Monmouth broke out on June 28 th , 1778. George Washington and the Continental Army pursued and attacked the British who were attempting a controlled withdrawal to board ships and head up to New York. The two armies exchanged fire over a series of engagements until Washington’s troops established a superior artillery position. The Brits thought it wiser to disengage and continued on ahead to their boats. The outcome of the battle was inconclusive, but it added a much-needed moral victory and another memorable name to the list of numerous battlefields in New Jersey.

Since then, the region has prospered. Being close to the Jersey shore and to New York City the area is a nice blend of bedroom community, shopping district, and vacation destination.

Today, the greater Freehold area is home to many entertainment and recreational areas. Among them one of the very best is Dino Safari!  This wholesome, Covid-safe, family fun thrill ride is now open for a limited engagement run until August 1 st . Don’t delay. Buy your tickets today!

Six Flags Great Adventure sounds like a terrific idea until you realize you’ve been there 12 boring times before. Trekking across the parking lots and standing in line again just does not seem special. You’ll enjoy Dino Safari where you never even get out of the car!

Before you see the Thompson Park Zoo come see the animals that went extinct 66 million years ago! More exotic and bigger than anything alive on earth!

If you consider the artifacts and daily utensils displayed at The Monmouth Historical Association Museum old, if you think seeing 150 items from Bruce Springsteen’s past (Springsteen: His Hometown Exhibit), and if old photographs are a trip down memory lane, you’ll never believe what a trip Dino Safari can be!

How many times can you play another round at Monster Mini Golf or Swingtown before your eyes glaze over? Come see the guys with really big eyes!

The Covenhoven House is a registered landmark. Built in 1753 before the Battle of Monmouth by the same guy who built the Tennent Church, this was clearly the finest home of its day. But grander still is the thrill at Dino Safari!

Monmouth Battlefield State Park Hike across the hallowed ground where General George Washington’s American Continental Army redeemed respectability after a series of defeats and a rough winter at Valley Forge. Attend the annual reenactment. Perhaps you would prefer touring the restored John and Ann Craig Farmhouse? If you like outdoor activities, there is biking, cross country skiing, and horseback riding.

Turkey Swamp Park Here you will find campgrounds to accommodate every favorite style, whether in a modern RV or a rustic tent. And there are facilities to comfort your creature needs, from a laundry to full restroom facilities, including showers. Go hiking, picnicking, or biking. Kick balls on the soccer fields. Let the children run wild on playgrounds. There is even archery. Enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boating. Come winter, the lake waters freeze over and ice skating becomes popular.

Freehold Raceway Talk about older than dinosaurs. This place gets close! The oldest horse racing track in America is here. The first race was held over a 160 years ago  and some 30 years ago today a huge regional shopping mall opened up across the street from it, where you can come see the Dino Safari Drive Thru Adventure.

Freehold Art Gallery showcases works by talented local, regional, and international artists. Neatly tucked away above the CVS store on West Main Street sits this little gem. Open for limited hours, you’ll want to stay informed about the series of lectures and events being held.

Freehold Raceway Mall is a full-service regional mall with all the expected big anchor chains: from Macy’s to J.C. Penney to Primark. Lots of independent boutiques with a food court and nice selection of restaurants ensures a wonderful and complete shopping experience. Need wifi? Connect for free while at the mall.

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Make Your Birthday Dino-Mite!

Birthday Parties

Forget those dingy bowling alleys and concrete “family entertainment centers.” Toss away those cardboard party hats and worthless skeeball tickets. At Field Station: Dinosaurs we’re saying good-bye to boring, uninspired birthday parties and inviting your child into an outdoor Paleozoic world of mystery, learning and unforgettable thrills.

Every party includes admission to the Field Station and its dramatic dinosaur-lined trails, a knowledgeable party planner designated to your group, and VIP seating at an Amphitheater show. Each birthday boy and girl gets a photo opportunity with The Mighty T-Rex and the guest of honor receives a special hat to remember his or her incredible trip back in time. Each guest receives an age appropriate gift as a thank-you for sharing this special day with your child.  The number of birthday parties is extremely limited, please call 855.999.9010 to check availability. 

PLEASE NOTE: We are an outdoor exhibition. Party spaces are located in tented areas and are held rain or shine. Without a birthday reservation through Field Station: Dinosaurs, we do not permit parties, cakes, party decorations, etc. to be brought into the park.