In Dinosaur Encounters, two life-sized juvenile dinosaur puppets — a 14-foot Tyrannosaurus rex and a 9-foot Triceratops – roam the halls of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

To create Dinosaur Encounters, Museum paleontologists collaborated with puppet fabricators and performers to bring the dinosaurs to “life,” while still ensuring authentic detail and movement. These amazingly realistic creatures help us better understand dinosaur behavior, anatomy and survival tactics.

Although the presentations are educational, there is also an experiential component to Dinosaur Encounters. In programs so far, children have talked to, danced with, and pet the dinosaurs – and the photo and video opportunities are endless.

Wednesday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Saturday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.

Encounters happen in the North American Mammal Hall, located on Level 2.

FREE with general Museum admission.

**Please note, Dinosaur Encounters will be on hiatus January 21 – February 3, 2009.