North America’s largest travelling dinosaur experience, the Texas-based Jurassic Quest, stomps back into Canada this spring. Visiting select Canadian cities for one weekend only at each stop, the event just dropped by Vancouver at the PNE Coliseum showcasing many prehistoric-themed activities not found anywhere else.

After walking through the Jurassic-Park-worthy gate, guests are treated to a dimly-lit walkway surrounded by colourful dino displays before entering the exhibit area. Aimed primarily at children, all the action takes place on the main floor level. Some of the features that immediately jump out is an expansive “Tricera-tots” inflatable play area that’s a hit with the little ones, a Power Wheels Jeep course, and massive motorized rideable dinosaurs.

The Raptor Training Pen was another highlight, where a “trainer” wrangled a person wearing a detailed raptor costume and got the crowd into it by having the audience shout out simple tricks for the latter to perform.

There are educational things for the kiddos to do too, like participate in a giant sandy fossil dig with brush tool in hand, or see and learn about real fossils at a station displaying life-sized skulls, T-Rex teeth and a triceratops horn. And of course, opportunities to take pictures are all over including a personal favourite, two partially cracked-open eggs to pose behind. Before leaving, check out the merch stand selling all kinds of toys, apparel and very popular walking dinosaur balloons.

A Kids Unlimited Ticket ($45) will get those age 2 to 10 unlimited access to the abovementioned attractions. A Kids Standard Ticket ($27.50) grants entry, but rides and other activities — as well as premium add-ons such as green screen souvenir photos and face painting — must be purchased separately onsite. Adult admission is also $27.50, seniors are $22 and infants under 2 are free.

Abbotsford is the last leg of the tour, happening May 10 to 12 at the TRADEX centre. For more information, visit www.jurassicquest.ca.