If you’re looking for a school holiday activity that will genuinely wow the kids (and get them off screens), Queensland Dinosaur Week is about to stomp into your calendar.
Running from 4–10 May 2026, this brand-new statewide event brings together some of Queensland’s most fascinating fossil regions, museums and Outback towns for a week of hands-on, curiosity-fuelled fun. Anchored by National Dinosaur Day on 7 May, it’s a chance for families to dig, discover and explore the prehistoric world—right here in Queensland.
Real fossils, real discoveries
This isn’t your average museum experience. Queensland Dinosaur Week is built around real science and real adventure—think muddy hands, early starts and the thrill of finding something ancient.
In Richmond, families can take part in Digging at Dawn, where kids can hunt for genuine marine fossils left behind by the ancient Eromanga Sea. It’s messy, exciting and surprisingly peaceful at sunrise.
Over in Winton, you can go behind the scenes at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs, stepping inside working fossil labs and seeing some of the country’s most complete dinosaur skeletons up close. It’s the kind of experience that sticks with kids long after the holidays end.
Learn about fossils at Queensland Dinosaur Week
Creative, hands-on fun for curious kids
Not every activity involves digging—there’s plenty for creative kids too.
Free palaeo-art workshops in Richmond invite young artists to learn how dinosaurs are brought to life on paper, combining science and imagination. In Chinchilla, families can join a free fossil-finding event along the Condamine River, guided by real palaeontologists.
It’s a rare opportunity for kids to see how science works in the real world—far beyond textbooks and classrooms.
Dinosaurs after dark in Brisbane
Closer to home, Brisbane families can join the after-hours fun at Queensland Museum with Dinosaurs After Dark.
Kids can explore towering skeletons and prehistoric creatures at night, wander through exhibitions like Dinosaurs Unearthed and Croc! Lost Giants to Living Legends, and even dress up in their best dino costumes. It’s part museum visit, part adventure—and a little bit magical.
Meet a real-life dinosaur expert
One of the highlights for 2026 is the visit from internationally renowned palaeontologist Dr Dean Lomax, who will be appearing across the week.
A global expert in ancient marine reptiles, Dr Lomax will join field digs, host tours and meet families—giving kids the chance to ask questions and see what a real scientist does. For dinosaur-obsessed little ones, this is a big deal.
Visit Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre
Turn it into a family road trip
If you’re up for an Outback adventure, Dinosaur Week is the perfect excuse to hit the road.
The launch of The GREAT Queensland Dinosaur Trail Pocket Guide & Map makes it easy to plan a self-drive trip through fossil-rich towns like Winton, Richmond, Hughenden and Eromanga. Expect wide-open skies, hands-on museums and plenty of “wow” moments along the way.
Why not turn Queensland Dinosaur Week into a road trip?
Why kids will love it (and parents will too)
Beyond the novelty, Queensland Dinosaur Week taps into something deeper—kids’ natural curiosity. It shows them that science can be hands-on, exciting and full of discovery.
Whether your child dreams of uncovering fossils, loves getting messy outdoors, or just wants to see something truly jaw-dropping, this week delivers.
And for parents? It’s the kind of school holiday activity that feels equal parts fun, educational and genuinely memorable.
Because sometimes, the best school holiday memories start with a little dirt … and a very big dinosaur.
Queensland Dinosaur Week
When: 4–10 May 2026
National Dinosaur Day: 7 May
Program and bookings: dinosaurexperiences.com
Looking for more ideas for things to do in the school holidays? Check out our huge EASTER SCHOOL HOLIDAY GUIDE HERE!
