Fossil Week


To help celebrate the 25th anniversary and retirement of our President and CEO Dr. Michael “Mick” Hager, we’re hosting a variety of events Friday, May 27 through Friday, June 3. The programs featured during this time all share one common theme, dinosaurs, which is fitting as we lovingly refer to Mick as our “Chief Fossil.”

Come to one or come to all!

Sunday, May 29, 12:15 and 2:15 PM
Wacky Science Sundays with Ms. Frizzle

Join Ms. Frizzle as she goes on a prehistoric adventure and learn about dinosaurs and paleontology. Learn more.

Monday, May 30, 11 AM–3 PM
Dino-mite Family Day with Special Guest Dr. Michael "Mick" Hager

Dr. Hager will be mingling with guests at this dinosaur-themed family day. Come meet Mick and explore your love for all things dinosaurs. Go on a scavenger hunt, try your hand at our dinosaur science games, and create dinosaur-inspired art to take home. It’ll be the most fun you’ve had in 75 million years! Learn more.

Tuesday, May 31 through Thursday, June 2, 10–10:30 AM
Behind-the-Scenes Tours of our Paleontology Department
Discover what goes on in our Paleontology Department by joining Museum curators on one of these three behind-the-scenes tours. Space is limited, only 10 participants allowed per tour, so don't wait—reserve your spot today! 

Tuesday, May 31 through Friday, June 3, 10:30–11:30 AM
Docent Tour of Fossil Mysteries

Travel back to prehistoric San Diego with a narrated tour of our permanent exhibition Fossil Mysteries. Our highly-knowledgeable Museum Docents will guide guests through the exhibition giving them detailed information on the objects on display. Docents will also have a fossil cart with specimens from the Museum's research collection inside the exhibition. 

Wednesday, June 1, 7–8:30 PM
SOLD OUT! NATtalk with Jack Horner: Dinosaurs of the Past, Present, and Future

Join us for an evening with renowned paleontologist Jack Horner. This NATtalk will address how dinosaurs have been perceived in the past, how we envision them now, and how we will see them in the future. Horner will examine how preconceived ideas about animal classification have shaped these thoughts. He will also discuss efforts to create a living dinosaur.

Horner is hosting a book signing for How to Build a Dinosaur after the lecture. Books will be available for purchase in the Museum store. Tickets are $15 for members, $20 for non-members. Learn more.

Friday, June 3, 5–7 PM
Paleontology Department Open House
Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at our Paleontology Department's collections room and fossil preparation lab. Experts will be available to show visitors how we house and prepare our specimens. In addition, Curator of Paleontology Dr. Tom Deméré will be on Level 3 exhibiting fossil walruses and answering questions. This program is brought to you as a part of Balboa Park After Dark

Additional Perks

In addition to the programs above, we’re offering the following perks during Fossil Week:

  • Dress up like a dinosaur and receive free general admission*
  • Visit Camp-O-Saurus
  • Draw your favorite dinosaur
  • Pick up a free toy dinosaur and poster by renowned paleontology artist Bill Stout at the Admissions Desk (while supplies last)
  • Enjoy 10% off all drinks at the Dino Café in the Museum’s Atrium
  • Receive 10% off our popular Excavation Digging Kits in the Museum store

*Valid for children 3-12 only. Must be full costume, dino t-shirts will not be considered a costume.